Joseph G Gardocki
February 19th, 1926 to October 10th, 2013
Joseph “Joe” George John Gardocki, 87, of Port Huron, passed away on October 10, 2013, due to complications from an automobile accident.
He was born February 19, 1926 in Port Huron Township to the late William and Mary Gardocki. He married Margaret Moruz on April 14, 1956 in Port Huron.
At the age of 17, he entered the US Navy during World War II as a fireman. He completed naval training in Great Lakes, Illinois, and ATB in Virginia and Maryland. He was assigned to the vessel LST 277 as a motor machinist’s mate first class. Joe fondly referred to the LST as a Large Slow Target. He completed training in Cuba and then while enlisted, he traveled to Korea, Japan, Australia and other foreign lands. He received the Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal - 2 bronze stars, and the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal. He was in the service for 3 years, 5 days, 7 hours and 27 minutes.
Not a fan of regulation, Joe concluded his military service after the war (he also was a corporal in the National Guard briefly) and took his first job with Howard Furniture Company. He made $20 a week for 20 weeks. From this first job, he found his natural gift and evolved into a true master of furniture repair and restoration. Joe and his wife Margaret enjoyed many retirement years in Florida as snowbirds where they bowled, golfed, and puttered around the house. Joe was active with many local area card clubs and enjoyed playing euchre and pinochle. He also loved to do crossword puzzles. He was a member of the Charles A. Hammond American Legion Post 8, the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 158 and the VFW Post 8465.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Margaret; three daughters, Mary (Christopher Nitto) Gardocki, Laura (Ken) Coniglio and Theresa (Jon) Stiller; two grandchildren, Paul and Alina Stiller; sister Phyllis Dodea; extended family, Elizabeth Knop; and special friend, Arthur Payne. He was preceded in death by brothers, William, Harry, Raymond, Victor and Theodore and sisters Louella, and Genevieve.
Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. A Scripture Service will be held at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Gardocki will lie in state from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 14, 2013 in St. Stephen Catholic Church. The Rev. Joseph Gagnon will officiate.
Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the St. Clair County Allied Veterans Council.
Memorial tributes may be made to the American Lung Association or St. Clair County Council on Aging.
He was born February 19, 1926 in Port Huron Township to the late William and Mary Gardocki. He married Margaret Moruz on April 14, 1956 in Port Huron.
At the age of 17, he entered the US Navy during World War II as a fireman. He completed naval training in Great Lakes, Illinois, and ATB in Virginia and Maryland. He was assigned to the vessel LST 277 as a motor machinist’s mate first class. Joe fondly referred to the LST as a Large Slow Target. He completed training in Cuba and then while enlisted, he traveled to Korea, Japan, Australia and other foreign lands. He received the Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal - 2 bronze stars, and the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal. He was in the service for 3 years, 5 days, 7 hours and 27 minutes.
Not a fan of regulation, Joe concluded his military service after the war (he also was a corporal in the National Guard briefly) and took his first job with Howard Furniture Company. He made $20 a week for 20 weeks. From this first job, he found his natural gift and evolved into a true master of furniture repair and restoration. Joe and his wife Margaret enjoyed many retirement years in Florida as snowbirds where they bowled, golfed, and puttered around the house. Joe was active with many local area card clubs and enjoyed playing euchre and pinochle. He also loved to do crossword puzzles. He was a member of the Charles A. Hammond American Legion Post 8, the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 158 and the VFW Post 8465.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Margaret; three daughters, Mary (Christopher Nitto) Gardocki, Laura (Ken) Coniglio and Theresa (Jon) Stiller; two grandchildren, Paul and Alina Stiller; sister Phyllis Dodea; extended family, Elizabeth Knop; and special friend, Arthur Payne. He was preceded in death by brothers, William, Harry, Raymond, Victor and Theodore and sisters Louella, and Genevieve.
Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. A Scripture Service will be held at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Gardocki will lie in state from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 14, 2013 in St. Stephen Catholic Church. The Rev. Joseph Gagnon will officiate.
Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the St. Clair County Allied Veterans Council.
Memorial tributes may be made to the American Lung Association or St. Clair County Council on Aging.
No Upcoming Events
Document Actions