Joseph Hinich Jr.

Early on Monday morning, August 25, our great husband and father lost his courageous battle against multiple health issues. He was at home where he wanted to be and cared for by his entire family at the time of his death. We were brokenhearted when he left us.

Joe was born in Helper, Utah on February 8, 1933 to Bessie (Savich) and Joseph Hinich, Sr. When he was a young child, his parents moved to Salt Lake City where he happily grew up on Highland Drive. He attended Holladay Elementary, Olympus Jr. High, and Granite High School. His advanced education was at Utah State, the University of Utah, and the University of Maryland’s College of Dentistry.

Joe was on Jr. High and High School varsity sports teams-baseball, basketball, and football. This fostered a life-long love of all sports, especially basketball, which he played several times a week throughout his adult life.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Arlene, and their three children, Jonathan (Jan), Erin (Levi Wimer), and Stephen, and by his daughter, Lisa, from his first marriage, and five granddaughters. He is also survived by his sister, Diane Sonzini (Ralph), and by many nephews and nieces whom he admired. He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, brother-in-law, and dear friends.

Our father was a unique, complex, and special man. He had a tender heart and concern for all. He treasured his friends, especially those with whom he felt comfortable enough to express his innermost beliefs and feelings. His profession was dentistry which he practiced for 30 years in Pacific Palisades, California. He was a great dentist, but his love of dentistry was secondary to his passion for music, politics, religion, sports, and all the good things life offered. He loved his family and his fellow man. We loved him back. Dad, we know we will be with you again.

We would like to express our appreciation to his doctors, especially Dr. Steven Horton and Dr. Margaret Hecht, and to his hospice team, particularly to Chelsie, in whom he had great confidence.

Services will be held Saturday at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 Highland Drive, at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends on Friday evening at the mortuary from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday one hour before the service.

Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn.