Joseph Peter LaSala, born January 18, 1924, in Detroit, Michigan, to parents Pietro and Leona LaSala. He passed away February 27, 2026, at the age of 102. A devoted husband and father, he was a hard-working, inspirational, kind-hearted, and thoughtful man. Joseph made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Joseph was a longtime resident of St. Clair Shores, Michigan.
Joseph retired from General Motors after 27 years of faithful service, where he worked as a laboratory scientist. Among his many contributions, he developed a process for electroplating more adherent coatings such as chrome plating onto ABS and PPO plastics - an achievement that reflected both his ingenuity and dedication to his work. Joseph was also a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving in the U.S. and Japan during World War II.
Joseph married the love of his life, Rosa LaSala, and they shared 69 years together. Together they would raise three children. Joseph leaves behind his daughters Leona (Michael) Amundsen, Rosanne (John) McMullan, and son Matthew (Tami) LaSala. He was grandfather to Shannon (Bob) Henson, Jesse Amundsen, Dana Amundsen, Rachel McMullan, Scott McMullan, and Ashley LaSala. He was the cherished great-grandfather to Malcolm Henson, Leona Henson, and Francis Henson.
Joseph loved classical music, the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends—simple joys that he embraced fully and shared generously with those around him. He took violin lessons as a child and later was a musician in the Warren Symphony and the Mount Clemens Symphony. He loved to travel and explore interesting and beautiful places, taking his family on camping trips in Michigan and places beyond. After retirement, on any given day, you might find him out golfing or gardening or traveling or going on bike trips with his wife Rosa.
Memorial Visitation will be held at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081, on April 25, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
A Memorial Service will follow at Kaul Funeral Home on April 25, 2026, beginning at 3:00 pm.
Final resting place will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly.
"Donations in memory of Joseph may be made to De La Salle High School in Warren, Michigan, or a charity of one's choice." The website for De La Salle High School is: delasallehs.com/support-de-la-salle
Joseph will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.
