Obituary of Joseph D. Palkowski

Joseph Palkowski Beloved husband and father, passed away May 16, 2021. Joseph is survived by his wife of 71 years Delphine, their six children: Michael (Mary), Catherine (George), Matthew, Carla, Mark (Judi), Mary (Mark), 8 grandchildren: Joseph, Jedediah, Jennifer, Angela, Julianna, Samantha, Jonathan and Andrew, and 1 great grandchild, Olivia. Joe was born on April 7, 1928 to parents Joseph Sr. and Julie (Puszczyk) Palkowski in Detroit; he was 93 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Raymond and baby sister Rosemary. Joe was thoroughly a Detroiter. He was born in the east side home of his parents with the help of a mid-wife in 1928, attended St. Thomas Grade and High School and was married to Delphine Gutkowski at St. Hyacinth. His formal career began in the city in 1947 as a line steward for Briggs, and a proud member of Local 212. Afterwards, early in his career, he worked at Chrysler, leaving to become co-owner of tool & die shop, Alco Corp. on 12 Mile Rd. in Roseville. He got college degree in his mid-40s. He completed his undergrad degree from Wayne State University, and a his Master from Central MI, studying industrial engineering and labor issues. He made one more career move to Tacom, Detroit Arsenal, in Warren, MI as Chief in the Land Systems Division with The Technical Manufacturing Engineering Department. He ended his career by retiring from Tacom. Joe called several additional Detroit-area towns home including St. Clair Shores, the Grosse Pointes and South Lyon. Joseph was a good man with a strong handshake who looked people straight in the eye - a scare tactic that, back in the day, struck fear in the hearts of more than one teenaged boy who sought the attention of Joe’s daughters. Even from a wheelchair in later years, the straight looks persisted. He called things as he saw them in a magnificent bass voice that continued to resonate long after words had been spoken and songs sung. Joe raised his kids to each be independent thinkers, a trait that continues to shine in the next generations. Joe and Delphine were part of the church family of Sacred Heart Church Detroit where Joe was a proud member of the Knights of St. Peter Claver. Services will be held at Sacred Heart Detroit on May 28, 2021 at 11am. You may be attended via live feed at: https://www.sacredheartdetroit.com/live-stream-mass Donations may be made in Joseph’s name to Sacred Heart Church at: https://www.sacredheartdetroit.com/online-giving/ or the Solanus Casey Center, https://www.solanuscenter.org/ Please share a memory of Joe on his Tribute Wall.