Joseph W. Cmiel

Joseph W. Cmiel died peacefully at his home in Tucson, AZ, on October 13, 2015 at the age of 89. He was born on October 21, 1925, in Chicago, IL and lived there until 2013, when he and his wife, Neva, moved to Tucson. He is survived by Neva, his wife of 63 years; his daughter, Sherry Cmiel, and his son, Joel (Catherine) Cmiel; his granddaughters, Candice (Russell) Barry, Lauren Cmiel (fiancé Michael Magat), and Jordan (Michael) Manno; and his great grandchildren, Parker and Presley Barry. He is also survived by his sister, Veronica (William) Puralewski, and his brother, Stanley (Bernadette) Cmiel.

Joe's first job was at Alden Catalog, where he wore roller-skates in order to quickly transfer items from one area of the building to another. He next worked at Hammond Organ Works, where he met Neva, his future wife. His brother Eddie, who worked at Burny Brothers Bakery and who was a very good friend of one of the owners, encouraged Joe to go to Burny Bros. for a better opportunity. He did, and while waiting to move up in the company, Joe drove a semi-trailer twice a night from Chicago to Cudahy, WI. He later became a "swing" route salesman and then a route salesman with his own local route. He worked for Burny Bros. (later Mary Ann Bakery) for 28 years.

When he retired, Joe took up woodworking and very much enjoyed creating well-crafted furniture and smaller items, which he generously gave away to family and friends. While still living in Chicago, he was an active member of Hickory Hills Woodworking Club.