Joseph Grabowski

Joseph Grabowski, age 96 years of Niles, Michigan died at 2:20 a.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at Riveridge Manor in Niles following a brief illness.

He was born on September 28, 1919 in Chicago, Illinois to Thomas and Mary (Balczarak) Grabowski. He attended Tilden Tech high school in Chicago, and was employed at the Louis Hoeckner Company wholesale floral distributor. He enlisted in the United States Army, served at foreign posts as a parachutist and demolition technician, and returned as a Veteran of World War II. He continued in the floral business, and in 1959 came to Niles to join the Brawley family business, Southwestern Michigan Wholesale Florist from which he retired after 25 years of service.

Joe was a member of Saint Mark Catholic Church in Niles. He always enjoyed helping neighbors wherever he lived, clearing snow, mowing lawns, moving trash cans, or gathering mail and newspapers for those on vacation.

On August 29, 1945 in Chicago he married the former Janice F. Hendrickson with whom he celebrated the fifty-fifth anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on February 8, 2001. They were also preceded in death by a son, Daniel J. Grabowski on October 26, 1991, and a daughter, Judith Speers on February 28, 2010; and by Joe’s brother and five sisters.

Surviving are many nieces, nephews, and cousins including Robert & Geri Jones of Park City, Utah, Pat Roberts of Chicago, and Rick & Barbara Garrard who provided his care.

The Catholic Funeral Liturgy for Joseph Grabowski will be read at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles by the Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C. of Saint Mark Catholic Church. Committal Rites will follow at Mission Hills and will conclude with the Veterans Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Army Honor Guard.

Contributions in memory of Joe Grabowski may be made to Saint Mark Catholic Church.