It is with deep gratitude and heartfelt reflection that we honor the life and legacy of Joe Arpad, a man whose generosity, intellect, and belief in community helped shape Wadsworth in lasting ways. Joe passed away on Dec. 27 at the Village of St. Edward.
Joe devoted his life to education, public service, and the power of ideas. As a respected professor, scholar, and grant writer, he spent decades helping institutions grow, thrive, and serve others more effectively. His work took him across the country and the world, yet his heart always remained rooted in Wadsworth.
Alongside his late beloved wife, Susan, Joe believed deeply in the importance of local voices and strong community connections. That belief became a cornerstone of Wadsworth Community Radio. From the very beginning, his support helped turn a vision into a living, breathing platform where neighbors could connect, stories could be shared, and local voices could be heard.
The Arpad’s generosity extended far beyond financial support. Joe believed in people, in their ideas, their potential, and their ability to make a difference. Because of that belief, our station has been able to uplift local stories, celebrate schools and small businesses, and stand beside our community during both joyful moments and difficult times.
One of the most visible reminders of Joe’s impact is the station’s iconic vehicle, a gift that has carried our mission through parades, events, and countless community moments. It stands as a moving symbol of his commitment to connection and service.
Now reunited with his lovely wife, Susan, Joe leaves behind a legacy built on kindness, curiosity, and quiet generosity. His influence will continue to ripple through the voices, stories, and connections that define Wadsworth Community Radio.
We are profoundly grateful for the life he lived, the community he strengthened, the legacy he leaves behind and the station we know, love and call Wadsworth Community Radio.
Thank you, Joe … and Susan. Your voices, your vision, your generosity will always be remembered.
Calling hours for Joe Arpad will be Jan. 1, 2026. His obituary is below:
Dr. Joseph John Arpad of Wadsworth, Ohio, died Saturday, December 27, 2025. He was 88. He is survived by his sons Al Arpad (Nicole Armstrong) of Phoenix, Arizona and Monty Arpad of Mesa, Arizona.
Joe was born on March 9, 1937 to John and Pauline Arpad. The family moved to Wadsworth when Joe was very young. They did not have much money, and in the winter his mother would send him to school with a baked potato for lunch because it would keep his hands warm on the long walk.
Joe worked multiple jobs in Wadsworth all through school, but he was also a scholar and an athlete from a young age. Later in life when he drove by Durling Park on his way to his house on Woodland Avenue, he would reminisce about being “Wadsworth’s Lou Boudreau” as player-manager of his grade-school baseball team.
Joe graduated from Wadsworth High School in 1955, and was accepted to UCLA on a scholarship. He supported himself through college, taking time off to work various jobs including “pulling crystals” in an early semiconductor lab for Hughes Aircraft. He graduated from UCLA in 1962.
Joe wanted to teach in California, but his professors told him he would need to get a graduate degree from an eastern school. He earned an MA from the prestigious University of Iowa writers program in 1964, and a PhD from Duke University in 1968. Joe returned to UCLA to teach English for several years in the 1960s and 70s.
Joe met Susan Tamke while he was teaching as a visiting professor at Bowling Green State University in 1976. They married and Joe moved to Bowling Green, where Joe taught, learned to be a pilot, and wrote and produced several television documentaries for Ohio Public Television including The Story of the Great Black Swamp.
Joe and Susan moved to Fresno, California in 1985. They spent two years teaching as Fulbright Scholars in Hungary shortly after Eastern Europe opened up to the West, and Joe spent an additional two years as a Fulbright Scholar in Latvia in the mid-90s. Joe was inducted into the Wadsworth Alumni Hall of fame in 1999. He taught at three universities in the United States and seven universities overseas. He published five books, twenty articles, and produced or consulted on 19 television documentaries, receiving numerous awards.
After Susan retired from Fresno State University, they bought one of the old Young family properties on Woodland Avenue and moved back to Joe’s hometown of Wadsworth in 2004. Joe and Susan were both active in the community until Susan passed away in 2014. Joe was devastated by her death but he continued volunteering until recently, especially with the Salvation Army.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Auble-Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 North Lyman Street, Wadsworth, Ohio 44281 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
A memorial service at a later date to be announced in early 2026.
Memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be made the Salvation Army 527 College Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281salvationarmyusa.org
Auble Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home in Wadsworth is handling the arrangements. Online registry and expressions of condolence may be made at www.aublefuneralhomes.com
