Joseph Thomas Birosik

On September 8, 2018, after 91 full years, Joseph Thomas Birosik joined the company of his loving Lord and family. Joe was born in New York City on January 5, 1927 tp Maria and Ignatius Birosik and spent his formative years in the city until he felt the calling to defend the country he loved. Joe served in the Navy during WWII and the Korean Conflict. He saw action in the waters of Europe as a Boatswain Mate abourd his ship.

Between wars, Joe returned to New York and began his career in Manufacturing sector as an assembler of watch bands. This experience led to his natural calling to become a master tool and die maker. Joe was a highly skilled craftsman and artisian and in the course of his professional life he was instrumental in manufacturing the intricate pieces of equipment that formed critical parts of the Space Shuttle program, as well as other aerospace and defense applications. In his later years, Joe used his talents to create detailed art pieces that he lovingly shared with family and friends.

In 1955, Joe married Patricia Barry in New York. The following year they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Patricia Jean. In 1967, the family pulled up roots and headed west to the Inland Empire of Southern California, and the then sleepy town of Yucaipa. It was here that Joe found his true home and environment.

Over the 47 years Joe lived in Yucaipa, he engaged in a variety of activities. Always athletic, Joe enjoyed softball, racquetball and golf. As a life-long, Joe supported his church and was a decade long member of the Knights of Columbus.

In close succession, Joe lost the three loves of his life, his mother, his wife and his daughter. In 2014, Joe decided to move closer to some of his remaining family and he relocated to Casa Grande, AZ, where he spent his final days.

Joe is survived by his sister Helen Irwin of Merritt Island, FL and eight nieces and nephews. Private services were held per his request.

Most gravestones are inscribed with two dates separated by a dash. Joe's dash is full of loving kindness for all those he touched. God Bless you, Uncle Joe!