Joseph Francis "Joe" Firlit's Obituary
Joseph Francis “Joe” Firlit, age 87, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024 at StoryPoint of Rockford Living Center. Joe was born February 14, 1937 in Holland, MI to Jacob and Antinella (Wargacki) Firlit. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. On November 12, 1960, he married the love of his life, Carol J. Winicki at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Muskegon. Joe received his bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Michigan and his master’s degree in Business Administration from Wayne State University. Joe had a very long and successful career in the energy industry that spanned across the United States. His career began as an electrical engineer at AC Electronics 1963-1965; various leadership positions at Consumers Power Company 1965-1987; CEO Nuclear at Sacramento Municipal Utility District 1987-1989; President of Management, Analytical & Technical Services 1989-1990; VP of Nuclear Operations at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation 1990-1994; President and CEO of Soyland Power Cooperative, Inc. 1994 until his retirement in 2001. Joe was currently a member of Assumption of the Blessed Mary Catholic Church in Belmont, MI. In addition to spending time with his family, Joe enjoyed golf, fishing and University of Michigan Football. Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Carol J. Firlit; his daughter, Laurie (Philip) Jansen; his son, Joseph (Angela) Firlit; 5 grandchildren, Caroline (fiancé, Marc Tremblay) Jansen, Katherine (wife, Stephanie) Caverno, Steven Jansen, Calin Firlit, Jacob Firlit; 1 great-grandson, Jack Jansen Caverno; and 1 brother-in-law, Gerald (Sue) Winicki. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, John (Irmagard) Firlit, Sophie (Robert) Doyle, Helen (Bert) Kempker, Stella (John) Niemiec, and Mary Ann (Raymond) Dorais. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12:00 PM Friday, September 20, 2024 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church (1716 Sixth St, Muskegon, MI 49441) with Rev. Fr. Charles Schwartz presiding. Visitation will be held 5-8 PM Thursday at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444, where the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be prayed at 7:30 PM Thursday evening. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the Mass at church on Friday. Entombment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery with Military Honors offered by the Muskegon County Council of Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Honor Detail from the U.S. Navy, Battle Creek, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church or Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church or the Muskegon County Council of Veterans of Foreign Wars. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?
