Joseph "Joe" Kubani Jr.

Joe was a loving husband for 63 years to Rosemarie Kerszykowski. Together they raised four children: Christine (Harry) Nichols, Ronald, Carolynn, and Janet (Kevin) Sweeney. He was a Grandfather to Ryan (Darlene) and Kevin Nichols; Dominik Sweeney; and Jocelyn (Zachary) Sinke; Great-grandfather to Aria Nichols.

Born to Joseph and Mary Kubani, Joe had a close relationship with his siblings and their spouses and is survived by them: Victor (Sally, deceased) Kubani and Rosemary (Sal) Giacomazza. He is also survived by his in-laws: Pete (Chris) Kerszykowski; Lorraine (Tom) Wolak; Dave (Gloria) Kerszykowski; and Helen (John) Otterbolt and numerous nieces and nephews. Deceased in-laws include: Felix and Olga; Felix, and Bob Kerszykowski.

Most of Joe’s childhood was spent in Detroit going to school, playing in the neighborhood with friends, and developing his athletic talent especially in hockey and golf. At an early age Joe caddied at the Detroit Golf Club. In his youth, a job as a Good Humor Ice Cream Man kick-started his love of ice cream. One of his favorite sayings was, “Save room for dessert.” His love of cars started with his 1957 Chevy, a classic, just like Joe.

Earning his degree in 1959 from a special five-year co-op program launched a lifelong career in engineering at General Motors with a short tenure at UniRoyal Rubber Company. After retiring from GM in 1992, Joe worked for several more years for various contract companies engineering new concept vehicles including natural gas-powered vehicles.

A soft spoken, humble, and a likeable person, Joe never said a bad word about anybody. He was also known as a grill master, pool shark, and a snowmobiler. He had a funny sense of humor and created many happy memories with his family camping, boating, bike riding, traveling, and fixing things.

A dedicated usher and member of the Men’s Club at church for over 40 years, Joe also was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Most of all, Joe loved his family and spent many happy hours at family gatherings, as well as, regular casual meals with his siblings and their spouses.

Joe will really be missed by his family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories of Joe at the Highland Chapel of the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 3295 E. Highland Road, Highland, 48356, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with a rosary at 7:00 pm.

Instate at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 3700 Harvey Lake Road, Highland, MI 48356, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 10:00 am until the time of his Mass at 11:00 am. Procession to All Saints Cemetery, 4401 Nelsey Road, Waterford, MI 48329-1057 will immediately follow.