Joseph NEIRA

Joseph Neira November 25, 1935 – June 28, 2026

Joseph Neira, age 90, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Joe was the beloved son of the late Joseph and Agnes Neira, and dedicated husband to Nadine Neira. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Yvonne (Neira) Zuchowski.

A gifted piano player and dedicated musician, Joe began playing with the same two friends (Jesse Lozano and Phil Caruso) at the age of 12, forming the band The Snapshots. At 21, Joe proudly enlisted and served in the Special Services Division of the United States Army (a historic branch of the U.S. Army created in 1940 to manage troop morale, recreation, and entertainment) and entertained the troops, before continuing his pursuit of his lifelong passion for music – The Snapshots. Together, the band toured throughout the United States and Europe before settling down to raise their families. The band later became the house band at Swingos Keg & Quarter in downtown Cleveland, where they performed for 13 years, entertaining countless audiences and creating lasting memories.

Joe was a proud member of the Cleveland Federation of Musicians Local 4. After retiring from his music career, he later worked as a skilled tool and die maker while continuing to pursue another lifelong passion—woodworking. Whether crafting fine woodworking projects or improving the homes he shared with his wife Nadine, Joe took great pride in working with his hands and creating things of lasting beauty.

Above all, Joe loved his family deeply. He was known for his unmistakable laugh, quick wit, and love of telling jokes. He had a remarkable gift for making people feel comfortable and welcome, and everyone who knew him felt the warmth of his unconditional love. He will be remembered as a hardworking man who devoted his life to providing for his family and whose kindness, humor, and generous spirit touched all who knew him.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Nadine; his daughter, Yvette (Neira) Hanzel; son-in-law Timothy Zuchowski, his grandsons, Brandon Zuchowski (Kay), Justin Zuchowski (Krista), and David Cody Hanzel; and his six cherished great-grandchildren: Addison, Eli, Andi, Olivia, Eliza, and Isla.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Matthias Church, 1200 W. Sprague Road, Parma, Ohio, at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Home Healthcare & Hospice, whose compassionate staff provided Joe with exceptional care, at https://staugministries.org/holy-family/, or to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Cleveland at https://namigreatercleveland.org/get-