Joe graduated from Akron St. Vincent High School in 1941 and Bowling Green State University in 1948. He coached at Akron Central Hower for 27 years from 1955-1982 amassing 441 win and only 151 losses.

His teams won 10 city titles, 21 sectionals, 12 district, 7 regional and 1 state title. They were in the state tournament finals 4 seven times. Joe has been selected to Halls of Fame for Akron St. Vincent High School, Summit County, Bowling Green State University and the Greater Akron Coaches Association.

Other awards include Summit County Coach of the Year four times, Dapper Dan Man of the Year, Associated Press Coach of the Year in 1978 and 1980, UPI Coach of the Year in 1978, Coach of the North-South Game in 1965, and Central Hower's Gymnasium is named for him. He coached four players who later became pros: Gus Johnson, Billy Turner, Nate Thurmond and Claude Virden.

In 1980 his team went undefeated with a 28-0 record. Joe's wife is Frances. They have one son, Joe, Jr., whose wife is Jeanne. The grandchildren are Jennifer and Joseph III.