Joseph George Yurcak, Jr.

It is with deep sadness that the family of Joseph George Yurcak, Jr. announces his passing on October 1, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on October 20, 1934, Joe lived a long and full life marked by devotion to family, hard work, and an enduring love for the simple joys of life. He will be remembered for his steady presence, his kindness, and the love he generously shared with those closest to him.

A Life of Work and Passion

Joe dedicated much of his career to General Motors, where he took great pride in building Cadillacs. His passion for cars extended well beyond work—his second love was the Corvette, and he especially enjoyed attending the Woodward Dream Cruise with his cars. He was also a skilled builder who could fix or create just about anything, often putting his talents to use for his family, including helping his son Rick build his home.

Christmas was one of Joe's favorite times of year. After the passing of his mother, Anna, he proudly carried on the tradition of hosting the Christmas Eve party, doing all the cooking and cleaning himself. He loved decorating for the season—so much so that his home often won awards from the city for its dazzling holiday displays. A bargain hunter at heart, Joe delighted in finding Christmas decorations on clearance, and he especially enjoyed the fun of creating something special from simple finds.

Memories and Favorite Things

Joe's family will always treasure the memory of his 90th birthday when his son Ron was able to join in the celebration, making it a truly great day. He enjoyed cooking, watching cooking shows, and had a true knack in the kitchen. He also had a deep love for sports, especially hockey in his youth. Joe was a lifelong Detroit Lions fan, and although he hoped to live long enough to see them win the Super Bowl, he never missed a game—always watched on an antenna, as he refused to pay for cable.

In his childhood, Joe often skipped school to buy a Coke and candy, and he loved playing "priest" with his sister Ann, who took on the role of the nun. Their mother was convinced he might pursue a calling to the priesthood. These early memories were among the many stories he carried fondly throughout his life.

Family and Loved Ones

Joe's greatest joy was his family. He was the loving father of Jacqueline (Yurcak) Schermesser, Richard (Suzanne) Yurcak, David Yurcak and Donna Stitt, and Ronald (Candy) Yurcak. He was a cherished grandfather to many, a proud great-grandfather to several, and was even blessed to meet his great-great-grandchild.

Joe was the beloved brother of John Yurcak (the late Geri), and the late Ann Catherine (Yurcak) Lewis (Fred). He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Joseph Yurcak, Sr.

He also leaves behind lifelong friends who became like family, including Eric, Tim, Jerri, John, Mike, Steve, and Jim, who always kept him active and laughing. Joe shared a special bond with his faithful cat, Buddy, who was by his side for many years.

Community and Traditions

Joe found joy in simple routines, such as meeting friends at Burger King for coffee, where they would talk sports, world events, and share plenty of laughs. One of Joe's favorite sayings—known to family and friends alike—was his simple, good-natured question: "What do you need money?" He used the line often, especially when friends or his longtime lawyer, Ed, came to him for advice. His children recall that he even asked them the same thing nearly every day, always with a smile and a wink. It was one of those small, everyday phrases that captured his humor, generosity, and way of making people feel cared for. He lived fully, valued family traditions, and was happiest when surrounded by those he loved.

Services

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Solosy Funeral Home in Lincoln Park. A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Lincoln Park, with instate beginning at 9:30 AM and Mass at 10:00 AM. Joe will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery in Brownstown.