Joseph George Culek

Joseph George Culek  April 5, 1927-Sept. 2, 2021

 Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Maryanne (Muzika) Culek; children Joseph (Laureen), Ann (James Bliven), Sue Dietrich (Art), Kathy,  Chris (Denise) and grandchildren Nicole and Joe Culek, Judah and Kate Bliven, Jessica and John Dietrich and Grace and Charlie Culek,  Preceded in death by parents, Frank and Rose Culek; siblings, Catherine, Rose, Leonarda, Frank, Kenneth and Imelda. The funeral mass is Sept. 13 at 11:30 at St. Joan of Arc in Chagrin Falls.

Around sunset on September 2nd, Joseph George Culek set sail for the other Shore. In spite of the coming night there is no fear that after 94 years of living with a strong moral compass he knew exactly his destination. On that shore he met his parents and his six siblings who made the journey before. He was a child of the depression. At 17 he enlisted in the Navy and joined his 2 brothers and 1 of his sisters going overseas during World War II. After the war he waited patiently to meet Maryanne Muzika at an ice skating rink and our family lucked out at having such a union for our parents. Should St. Peter need some work on the Heavenly Gates, Dad would be the guy. He was the ultimate do it yourselfer. He had little formal schooling but he worked his way up serving as the Building Commissioner until his retirement. Dad never minded all the dogs in the house and even got used to cats. He made children feel loved and special and he had just the knack to tuck the young ones under his arm and lull them (and him) into a lovely nap in the rocking chair. He demonstrated his ability with his 5 children and 8 grandchildren. We thank Dad for being a light in our world through his daily living showing his faith, work ethic, kindness to others and his devotion to family. He would wish us all a life of fair winds and smooth sailing. Rest in peace.