Joseph B. Uicker

Joseph B. Uicker of Livonia passed away July 25, 2026 at the age of 86. He was born March 29, 1940 in State College, Pennsylvania to Professor John J. and Elizabeth (Flint) Uicker.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Jan. Loving father of Patricia (Jim) Griffith and Suzi (Kirk) Avery. Devoted grandfather of Melissa (Connor) Hayden, Robin Uicker, Adam (Mae) Griffith, and Ripley Avery. Cherished great-grandfather of J.D. Hayden, Charlotte and Claire Hayden. Dearest brother of Jim (Suzanne) Uicker, Tom Uicker, Sr. Mary Fran (Betsy) Uicker, IHM, Liz (Nick) Cantu, and Peg (Mike) O’Neil. Faithful long-time companion of Donna. Joseph was predeceased by his parents and his siblings James Uicker, Theresa Uicker, Kate Uicker, and John J. (Ann) Uicker Jr.

Joe attended the University of Detroit and earned a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He proudly served two years in the US Army Corps of Engineers. He was stationed in Germany and earned the rank of Captain.

Joe joined the firm Smyth, Hinchman & Grylls Associates, Inc (SH&G) in 1964 and returned there after his service in the Army. One of his first assignments was the systems design for the NASA Lunar Receiving Laboratory in Houston. He retired from SH&G / The Smith Group after 36 years of employment. He was a Senior Vice President and Director of Professional Staff. His experience included the engineering and management of medical projects including community and regional hospitals, medical research facilities, ambulatory care centers, university teaching hospitals, and military hospitals and clinics. He was a proud member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, Society of Military Engineers, and the Engineering Society of Detroit.

Joe was a very detail oriented, organized, and methodical individual. In retirement Joe continued to increase his knowledge by avidly reading books, magazines, and newspapers. He enjoyed stamp collecting, golf, gardening, listening to classical music, and visiting the Detroit Zoo.

Visitation Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 3-8 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48154. Instate Friday, July 31, 2026, 10am until the time of funeral service, at 11 am at the funeral home. Interment and Military Honors will follow at Parkview Memorial Cemetery, Livonia, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to University of Detroit Mercy – College of Engineering & Science to fund scholarships for students or Detroit Zoological Society to contribute to a tribute or memorial.