Joseph H. Lemieux

Joseph H. Lemieux, who rose from humble beginnings to guide Owens-Illinois, Inc. through the most turbulent times in its history, died December 5 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Toledo, Ohio. While Mr. Lemieux was known publicly as Chairman and CEO of Owens-Illinois (O-I), it was his love for and devotion to his family that truly defined Mr. Lemieux. He was 92. The oldest of five children, Joseph Henry Lemieux was born in Providence, Rhode Island on March 2, 1931, the son of Joseph Camille Lemieux and Mildred (Taylor) Lemieux. His parents worked hourly jobs in a textile factory. From a young age, Mr. Lemieux displayed athletic skills and a sharp mind. He excelled at basketball, setting scoring records that would stand for years. He was also an excellent baseball player. His affinity for numbers made him a regular at card games with his uncles and their friends. He earned an athletic scholarship to Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts. He left after one year to enlist in the Air Force, a year after the U.S. had joined the Korean War. He spent four years with the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command, serving at bases in Alaska and Arizona from 1951 to 1955. While home on leave in 1954, Mr. Lemieux met Joanne Frances Schmidt at a family event. They wed on August 11, 1956 and began a marriage that would span 67 years and bring the couple five children. In 1972, after nine work-related moves, Mr. Lemieux and his family relocated permanently to Toledo, Ohio, where he continued his career with O-I until his retirement in 2003. His calm demeanor and sense of humor never faltered, and he never missed an opportunity to make one of his loved ones laugh, often at his own expense. He played golf and loved horse racing and greyhound racing. He attended seven Summer Olympic Games, but attending the countless sporting events in which his grandchildren played brought him his greatest joys. Mr. Lemieux is survived by his wife, Joanne; son, Gerald and his wife, Carolyn (Zanville); son, Craig and his wife, Kym (Hoffey); daughter, Kimberly Wolff and her husband, Jeff; daughter. Allison; and by fifteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, William and his sister, Helen Tavares. Mr. Lemieux is preceded in death by a daughter, Cheryl; and by his sisters, Mildred Schmidt and Marilyn Lefebvre. Services for Mr. Lemieux were held privately on December 9th at Corpus Christi University Parish, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery; Ansberg-West Funeral Home handled the arrangements. A celebration of his life for family, friends and associates is planned for June 2024. Those wishing to send condolences, and for information on this celebration, please send an email to JHLEMIEUX14@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to either Hospice of Northwest Ohio or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Joseph H. Lemieux

March 2, 1931 - December 5, 2023