In the quiet repose of Hudsonville, Michigan, the sun set on the life of Joseph James Chirco, aged 81, on the 19th of May, 2024. Born under a summer sky on June 23, 1942, Joseph's journey through the seasons of life has come to a gentle twilight.

Joseph was born in Grand Rapids MI,  a first generation son of a Sicilian immigrant. His father arrived on a boat at 16 and opened a shoe repair shop. Joe grew up running from Our Lady of Sorrows parish and elementary  school to his dad's  shop  where he acquired true understanding of a strong work ethic as well as valuable social skills. He attended Catholic Central and worked for Meijer in their computer department becoming increasingly independent until graduation.  While attending Community College he supported his young family by working for Pepsi Cola.  Eventually he graduated  from Western Michigan  University to be hired at his beloved Catholic Central as an American History and Psychology teacher. He eventually was voted President of the Teacher's Association. He later served as the Director of Teacher Consultants at Kalamazoo Public Schools. He completed his Masters degree in Special Education and taught for 35 years at Grandville High School. Joe was a favorite teacher to thousands of adoring students throughout his tenure. His creative flair and motivational lessons were an inspiration and a guiding light to launch their futures.

In addition to his educational roles, Joe also ran a successful professional painting business. He instructed others on his skills and technique and provided good employment for many. Painting homes inside and out was an art form to Joe . His customers and crew loved him. It was a running joke in the family that we could never go anywhere with him without being stopped many times by former students, customers and so many friends. It seemed like everyone knew him and sought him out. He would always greet with exuberance and a unique listening ability that made everyone feel special.

Joe was a prolific writer of prose and poetry. He was often profound and many times whimsical and hilarious. Countless individuals were beneficiaries of his compositions. He would reach out on a regular basis to touch the lives of all he knew. His ability to memorialize a subject as uncomplicated as his love for Italian cookies, thanking someone for their kindness in a ballad or teaching appreciation of the holiday at hand or important issues in our lives. Brilliant musings straight from his incredible imagination and educational background delighted so many.

He was an avid fisherman, comfortable to be in his boat for long hours as he honed his superior ability to catch the big ones. He shared this joy with so many, creating awesome vacations and memories . A lot of us learned to fish with the best.

His green thumb and hard work in his huge garden was also a source of excellent nutrition for his family, friends and the neighbors. He was dedicated to it until age 80.

With his contagious zest for life he fostered his numerous relationships with family and friends sharing experiences involving music, art, theatre nature and his family traditions.

In his final decade Joseph was content and full of gratitude for his life and his spiritual evolution.

With the silent eloquence of leaves that remember the touch of spring, Joseph's memory is tenderly held by his beloved Suzanne Chirco, his children: Joseph R. Chirco, Amy Brackett, Kari Chirco, Jeanvieve Vulpetti, Amanda Polkowski, and William Chirco. Joseph was also graced with seven grandchildren: Joseph Chirco, Alisha Chirco and Brittan Appleberry, Isabella Polkowski, Brooklyn and Mason Butler, and Jameson Bursma and great grandchildren: Zaiden Chirco and Zante Chirco. Their hearts, a tapestry of his love and teachings, continue to beat with the rhythm of his enduring legacy.

Joseph  is joined in the eternal by those who have crossed the threshold before him: his father Joseph Chirco, his mother Marie Concetta Papa, his sisters Joanne Haner and Genevieve Attala, and his brother  Dr. John Chirco.
A gathering to say farewell and to release Joseph's spirit to the grand cathedral of the universe will be held at The Cathedral of St. Andrews. 301 Sheldon Blvd. SE,  Grand Rapids, MI. The Mass of Resurrection will be held at 10 AM, Friday, June 14, 2024.

In the spirit of Joseph's own philanthropy where he gave generously on a regular basis to support the many issues and institutions  that he was so passionate about, remembrances may be made in the form of contributions to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Here, the essence of his compassion will bloom anew in the hearts of his children.

And so, like a comet leaving a luminous trail across the heavens, Joseph James Chirco departs from this earthly realm. May his voyage be cradled by the stars and his soul embraced by the cosmos.