Obituary of Joseph Charette

Joseph Roland Charette was born in Fordson on December 5, 1928. He was one of eighteen children born from the union of the late Thomas Joseph and Agnes (Doust) Charette. Joseph attended St. Francis School in Detroit. He married the former, Virginia Miller on January 24, 1948 in Ecorse. From this union came the birth of a son, Joseph Jr. Mr. Joe as he was lovingly referred to by his work peers supported his family over the years in several different capacities. He was employed as a printer for Uarco, Inc. of Adrian for more than twenty years, and also worked for the Maywood Clinic in Monroe for thirty years performing maintenance and janitorial services. Joseph spent most of his time keeping Virginia happy. Joseph had attended St. Dominic Catholic Church in Clinton and St. Mary in Adrian. He was a past member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 884, Monroe. Joseph was feisty to say the least, and young at heart. He made many friends as a mall-walker, and being a cancer survivor, Mr. Joe was an active participant of the Relay for Life Funky Flossers team now known as Never Say Never. Mr. Joe was an avid sports fan cheering for the University of Michigan, and the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings. He also enjoyed playing golf and had made a hole in one at Old Town Golf at the age of 79. Joseph R. "Mr. Joe" Charette Sr. age 85 of Monroe passed away at 2:50am, Thursday, April 17, 2014 at Medildoge of Monroe. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by sixteen siblings. To cherish his memory he leaves a son: Joseph R. (Diane Cannon)Charette Jr. of Flat Rock; grandchildren: Thomas Charette, Laurie (Todd) Staelgraeve, Heather (Dennis Vance) Charette all of Monroe; great grandchildren: Amanda, Chancellor, Jacob, Brittany, Courtney, Hayden, and Emily; great-great grandchildren: Jace and Wyatt; sisters: Jackie Trackwell and Rose Marie; and a beloved miniature poodle: Abbie. Friends may gather from 12:00pm until a funeral service at 3:00pm on Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. Cremation will follow through Southern Michigan Services. Memorials for those who desire are suggested to the Monroe County Relay for Life. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.