Joseph B. Sankovich has devoted his adult life to the Catholic cemetery apostolate. His vocation began in childhood, shaped by his paternal grandmother, a first generation Slavic immigrant, who prayed faithfully at her husband’s grave after Sunday Mass. That early witness formed a lifelong commitment to the parish cemetery as a place of faith, memory, and hope.

Mr. Sankovich holds an undergraduate degree in philosophy and a graduate degree in New Testament theology. He is a certified cemetery executive, the first to simultaneously earn this designation from both the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association and the Catholic Cemetery Conference. He is a founding director of Catholic Cemeteries of the West and served in its primary leadership role during its first six years.

He has been a featured speaker and an instructor for both ICCFA and the CCC, and he is a frequent contributor to religious and industry journals.