Joseph George Kalanik

Joseph George Kalanik, age 92, of Redford Township passed away on Saturday, August 11, 2018 with his loving daughter and granddaughter at his side.   Joe was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on March 22,1926. He graduated from Coughlin High School and immediately enlisted in the US Army Air Corp.  in 1943.  He served our country as a Staff Sergeant with the 422nd Bomb Squadron in Germany during WWll until 1946.     He married his bride of 63 years, Mildred Rachel Walosin, in September 1953, until her death in January 2017.   Joe worked and lived in Pennsylvania until he and Millie followed family to Michigan in 1956.  Some of his earlier jobs included being a door to door vacuum salesman, a school bus driver, and retiring from 7-UP.  Even after he retired from working, he gave back to the community by becoming a Meals-on-Wheels food driver. He was also a very active member with the Knights of Columbus;  always helping others in need.    He was one of the founding members of Sacred Heart Byzantine Catholic Church in Redford, and continued to help build and support the current church in Livonia.  He was a true witness of his faith and prayed the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet daily.    Joe will be lovingly remembered by his 3 children, Joseph, Judith, and David (Kitty).  8 grandchildren, Daniel, Jimmy, Tasha, Joey, Megan, Melissa, Ann, and Natalie.  And one great-grand-daughter, Audrina.    Joe’s journey of life is complete, and he is now celebrating eternal life with his beloved wife, Mildred, son Daniel, daughter- in-law Lynn, brother Tom, and sister Mary.   Visitation and the celebration of Joe’s life will be held at Manns Family Funeral Home in Livonia on Monday, August 20th from 3:00 – 8:00 PM, with Byzantine Parastas beginning at 7:00 PM.    He will be In-State for final viewing  on Tuesday, August 21st from 9:00 AM until The Rite of Christian Burial  beginning at 10:00 AM, at Sacred Heart Byzantine Catholic Church, 29125 W. Six Mile in Livonia, MI.   Father Joseph Marquis will be officiating the service.