Assen "Joe" Kiradjieff

Assen “Joe” Kiradjieff

Joe Kiradjieff passed away peacefully on May 7^th, 2024. He was 94 years old. Beloved husband of Carol Kiradjieff (nee Weiss). Loving father of Tracy Kiradjieff and Jayme (Tim) Powell. Cherished grandfather of Gabriella Fox and Brooks Joseph. Devoted son of the late Athanas and Sika Kiradjieff. Dear brother of the late Annette Kiradjieff. 

Joe was drafted and enlisted in the U.S Army when he was 17 years old and served time in Korea during the Korean War as a radio operator and communications officer. He was eventually called home to Cincinnati when his father became ill.

Joe took over the Empress Chili business after his father’s illness in the late 1950s.  The company, created in 1922 by his father and two uncles, became Joe’s lifelong passion, and he wanted it to be successful in the eyes of all Cincinnatians.  He especially wanted it to be remembered as the Original Chili of Cincinnati, made with just a “meaty sauce” that is poured over spaghetti or a hot dog on a bun.

Joe will be remembered as a loving husband and father and witty person, always trying to keep everyone on their toes with his jokes, light-hearted laughter, and positive, optimistic attitude – we will remember the twinkle in his eye and his caring demeanor.

Family and friends are invited to a Visitation on Monday, May 13^th from 11:00am until time of the Masonic Service at 12:45pm. Funeral Service will follow at 1:00pm, all at Westwood First Presbyterian Church 3011 Harrison Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45211. He will be laid to rest following the Service at Arlington Memorial Gardens. 

If desired, memorials may be made in Joe’s name to CABVI (Cincinnati Association for Blind and Visually Impaired) https://cincyblind.org/support-us/donate