Josef Mackiewicz

Josef Mackiewicz, age 90 of Warren, died March 17, 2020 in Sterling Heights, Michigan. He was born March 19, 1929 in Pieniuga, Poland, son of the late Wladyslaw and the late Elzbieta (nee: Marcinczyk) Mackiewicz.

With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to Josef for his service to our country as a proud and valiant soldier of our great U.S. Army. Josef wore the uniform with pride for America and served with esteemed patriotism in helping to maintain the freedoms and liberties we enjoy because of those who answer the call of their country,…just like Josef. For the sacrifices made, and his willingness to stand in harm’s way for the sake of freedom, we honor Josef’s military service and extend our posthumous gratitude for his being a part of the greatest fighting force on earth.

Living with his family in Poland,…sadly, Josef lost his father when he was just 2 years of age. Adjusting to their new normal, life would take its usual course until the fateful day when the Russians invaded Poland and the Mackiewicz family was taken to Siberia and forced into hard labor. Josef was just 10 years old at the time. They would eventually be released during the German invasion of Russia, and ultimately become part of Ander’s Caravan, officially known as Anders Army.

Anders Army was the informal yet common name of the Polish Armed Forces in the East in the 1941-42 period, in recognition of its commander, Wladyslaw Anders. The army was created in the Soviet Union but, based on an understanding between the British, Polish & Soviets, it was evacuated from the Soviet Union and made its way through Iran on its way to Palestine. There it passed under British command and provided the bulk of the units and troops of the Polish II Corps (members of the Polish Armed Forces in the West), which fought in the Italian Campaign.

While making their journey through the Middle East and on to Africa, Josef joined the military youth called the Junaki in Tel-el-kebir, Egypt, where food was scarce and the family faced many more hardships and adversities. Eventually, Josef’s journey westward through the Middle East and beyond would land him in Great Britian where an opportunity to represent England in the 1952 Olympics began taking root. Around that same period, another offer lead Josef to forego his Olympic strides as a Polish-American sponsor invited him to come to the United States and begin a whole new chapter in life as an American. Josef made his way to the Mitten, and to the Polish hamlet of Hamtramck, where he joined many of his fellow countrymen, both native and immigrants alike, Though he struggled at first with the language barrier and securing work, Josef did manage to fill a great deal of his time pursuing his love of boxing. Being quite adept at the sport, Josef made quite a name for himself,…and the nickname of “Boxer” within the Polish community. Upon coming to America, almost immediately, Josef joined the White Eagles Soccer Club out of Detroit / Hamtramck. The White Eagles is a Polish sporting organization of which Josef was honored to be a part. Starting as an avid player of the sport, Josef's athleticism and leadership would ultimately find him in the role of coach and helping to mentor many players over the years as they marched their way to countless victories,...and many championships as well. A motivating and inspirational coach for over 30 years, Josef was recently recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his unquestionable fortitude.

Josef was employed at the Sanders Candy Company where his expertise in welding & skilled trades was highly respected. It was just a couple years later that Josef’s life would be changed in a most wonderful way, the day that he shared his wedding vows with the love of his life, Miss Maria Pioro. The two were married on October 30, 1960 and began their new journey together as husband & wife. Three years later, in 1963, their journey would blossom into that of family as they welcomed their new daughter into the world, Monique. Shortly thereafter, and ready to leave the confines of their parents’, Josef and his family picked up stakes and moved to Madison Heights, where in 1965 they welcomed their second child, Joseph, and their final child, John in 1968.

In 1974, the Mackiewicz family felt the itch to move once again, and this time with their eyes set on the bedroom community of Warren. Along about this time, Josef’s career path took a different turn when he accepted a position with General Motors, an invitation that would blossom into yet another multi-year work relationship,…this time spanning 27 years until ultimately accepting his well-deserved retirement at 77 years of age.

As Josef headed into this new chapter in life as a retired Golden Warrior, he really wasn’t one to entertain a lot of hobbies or pastimes, other than tinkering around the house and fixin’ stuff. But the one activity that he definitely zeroed in on was eating out and being a devout member of the “dining circuit.” Nothing says enjoyment like a good meal,…especially when it’s being delivered to your table and there are no dishes needing to be washed at the end. And for Josef, it was made even more special each time he shared the experience with others. A little dinner, a bit of friendly banter, and being waited on with a smile was something Josef ate up…literally. And of course, a particular favorite on his eateries list was the ever-popular, Rams Horn. Josef was such a regular there,…if he happened to miss more than a couple days, the staff would be contacting his family to make sure all was well.

Pretty much common knowledge was the fact that Josef was a huge Elvis Presley fan. Back when the King was dominating the television and airwaves, Josef just couldn’t get enough. Yet even more so than his passion for Elvis, Josef was immensely passionate about America and loved our country with even greater fervor than some who were born here. In every sense of the word, Josef was a true Patriot and a devout American!

A loving husband, father and grandfather, Josef impacted the lives of many on his journey this side of Heaven. He was an immense man of faith and the smiling face many at St. Louise Catholic Church in Warren will remember as he ushered them to their seats on Sunday mornings. He loved his friends, and his family even more,…especially those cherubs from God, his precious grandchildren. Josef was surrounded by love, which was the result of the immeasurable love his extended. With both friends and family alike, he will be a large part of the warm & wonderful memories that all will cling to who were blessed to know this treasured man. His life surely started out tough, but God took those lemons and made lemonade out of them,…and many lives were quenched by Josef’s presence. He will be missed, loved, and welcomed home by his Father in Heaven,…may he rest in peace.  

Josef was the beloved husband of Maria. Dearest father of Monique (David) Bonifas, Joseph (Jodi) Mackiewicz, and John (Kimberly) Mackiewicz. Loving grandfather of Kyle Bonifas, Shelby Mackiewicz, Blake (Brianne) Bonifas, Benjamin Mackiewicz, Reid Bonifas, Nola Mackiewicz, Madilyn Mackiewicz, and Mia Mackiewicz. Brother of Czeslawa Salame, and preceded in death by brothers, Gustaw Smerczak, and Edward Smerczak.

Burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Due to Coronavirus concerns, a public funeral service will not be held at this time. The family humbly requests your prayers for Joseph as only the immediate family will gather to grieve, morn and bury their husband, father and grandfather. A public memorial service will be planned sometime in the future, after the pandemic has ended. Thank you for your understanding and abiding care.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren.  

Please share memories of Josef at his guest book below.