Joseph Richard Mac

It was easy to love and admire a man like Joe Mac. For 75 years, and with ways all his own, he brought love and laughter to those around him. A friend of many and a stranger to none, Joe was very sociable and outgoing, and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He possessed a wonderful outlook on life, and it brimmed with all things hopeful. Above all, his greatest joy was found in the family he adored. A special man in the hearts of those he leaves behind, Joe will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

By 1942, World War II had captured the hearts of many. News of the day included the perils of war as the days were filled with the many sacrifices of battle. In the U.S., young men not in uniform were often found dancing the jitterbug with their saddle-shoed sweethearts, or taking in a picture show like Cagney‘s, “Yankee Doodle Dandy”. While many men were off to war, women entered the work force in droves, and rationing was commonplace on the home front. In the Michigan city of southwest Detroit, it was during this time of change when one American couple found cause for great celebration. Nestled at home on a typical Michigan winter’s day, Joseph Michael and Lottie Beatrice Mac welcomed the birth of their son, Joseph Richard Mac on February 7, 1942.

For the first five years of Joseph’s life he only spoke Polish. Once he began attending school at St. Andrew’s just down the street from his childhood home, Joseph quickly began learning the English language. Joseph led a childhood typical of his generation often enjoying adventures with neighborhood friends which filled his days. He grew up alongside his siblings, Jerome and Pat on Cecil Avenue where his family made their home. Joseph’s father worked as a laborer at Wolverine Tubing while his mother worked as a janitor at the Ford Motor Company. During his youth he often spent time with his Uncle Chet delivering bread for Supreme Bakery that continues to be in business to this day.

Joe was very athletic during his teen years. He played a variety of sports, but he loved baseball. He played on five different teams in his later teens, even landing the opportunity to tryout for the Philadelphia Phillies. Fond memories were often shared fishing with his brother and cousins. In fact, the day before he was to go on a blind date with his future wife, Annette Szachacz, Joe lost his glasses fishing and got sick swimming. Even so, he still managed to escort Annette to her Senior Prom. Joe was also an avid bowler his entire life and served on various leagues. To his credit, he often won championships along with his father, brother and friends. Following high school, he went on to attend Wayne State University where he earned his BA in Business. Joe resumed dating his sweetheart, Annette and realizing their deep, abiding love, the two were happily married on September 12, 1964. It was quite the affair and typical of the times, the all-day event included 250 guests for breakfast and over 600 attending dinner that evening.

It was while working as a sales associate at Hudson's Department store when Joe was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. From May 24, 1966 to March 12, 1968 he served as a JAG officer before being held in the reserves. Having been in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive, he helped other servicemen protect themselves and their families. Upon his honorable discharge on May 23, 1972, Joe returned home to Michigan and began working at the Cadillac Motor Company.

Quite the family man, Joe was ever proud to become the father of three wonderful sons, David, Kevin, and Shawn. As a family they enjoyed treasured times vacationing every year at Curtis, Michigan since 1972 and several trips to Florida’s Disney World. With his sons heavily involved in soccer, he was sure to attend all their games and every traveling soccer tournament they were in. Typical of Joe, he was his son’s biggest supporter which came to include his grandchildren, too, having been one of the more vocal parents and grandparents in attendance! Joe continued to be very active and remained an excellent softball player into his early fifties having won many championships with his co-workers at Cadillac.

Remaining with Cadillac Motor Company, Joe eventually made his way to become a Sales Forecast Manager before retiring after 30 years. After retirement, Joe picked up golfing with his children and starting working at Hickory Creek Golf Course which he enjoyed for 17 years. In addition, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years and together Joe and Annette were faithful members of St. John Neumann Parish since the late seventies.

Joe loved his local sport’s teams and rooted on the Tigers, Lions, Pistons, and Red Wings. He was also an avid fan of the Michigan Wolverines. In his free time he enjoyed sitting down to an old John Wayne, Jimmie Stewart, or Gary Cooper movie. More recent television shows he liked included NCIS, The Voice, the local news or reading the Detroit Free Press. By today’s standards, Joe could be well described as a tried and true “foodie”. He thoroughly enjoyed his food and could describe in detail without hesitation the meals he enjoyed while on vacation!

Joe Mac was a man of integrity and honor. He served his God, country, and family well, and with no regrets. He lived fully and completely at every opportunity, and his ever present outlook and positive demeanor was to be admired. He was a witty, friendly individual who took the time to chat with those who came his way. Gone yet never to be forgotten are the treasured memories he leaves behind.

Joseph R. Mac, age 75, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 26, 2017. He was the loving husband of Annette, his wife of 53 years; beloved father of David (Gina), Kevin (Andrea) and Shawn (Nancy); cherished grandfather of Olivia, Natalie, Ava, Sophia, Lana, Shane, Stella and Sabrina; dearest brother of Jerome (Janet) and Pat Gawlik (Larry). Joe’s family will receive friends Thursday, November 30, 2017 from 2-9 PM at Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home, 45100 Warren Rd (btwn Sheldon and Canton Ctr Rds) where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, December 1, 2017, 10:30 AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 44800 Warren Rd. where he will lie in state from 10:00 AM until the Mass begins. Interment in St. Hedwig Cemetery. To leave a condolence for the family, share a favorite memory or photo of Joe and to sign his online guestbook, please visit www.turowskifuneralhomes.com.