Joseph B. King

Joseph Brian King, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, at the age of 75.

Born on April 9, 1950, Joe grew up in Glenshaw, PA. He graduated from Shaler High School in 1968. Moving to Cleveland, he went on to pursue higher education at Case Western Reserve University, earning a degree in Chemical Engineering. At Case, he became a brother in the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity, forging friendships that would last the rest of his life. He would later earn an MBA from Baldwin Wallace College.

Joe built a career based in Chemical Engineering, Business Incubation, and Tech Transfer. He held various positions at several companies throughout a 40-year career. He retired from NASA Glenn Research Center in 2015.

Joe made his home in Kirtland, OH, where he raised his two children and enjoyed 34 years of marriage to his wife, Kristina. The quintessential do-it-yourselfer, his life in Kirtland was also filled with many projects to fix and improve his home over the years. He could build anything, and was often found using his chainsaw to help friends and neighbors clear trees.

Faith was an important part of his life. He was actively involved for many years at Willoughby United Methodist Church and, more recently, at Hope Ridge United Methodist Church. In his retirement years, Joe put his faith in action by leading bible studies and tutoring local school children.

He is survived by his wife, Kristina (Bjorksten) King; his children, Alex (Myriam) King and Adriane Reynolds; and his grandchildren, Fiona and Elijah Reynolds, and Matthew King.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary (Retzloff) King and his brother, Richard King.

A Celebration of Life will be at 3PM Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Hope Ridge United Methodist Church (Chapel), 9870 Johnnycake Ridge Rd., Concord Twp.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Joseph’s memory to a charity of your choice.