Obituary of Joseph Durica

Peacefully passed away at Sault Area Hospital surrounded by his family on Sunday, November 26, 2023. He lived 96 beautiful years; 42 of those years with the love of his life, his late wife, Helen.   

Uncle Joe was predeceased by his parents, Maria Melko Durica and Joseph Durica. Dear brother of Anne Chlebus (late Joseph), late Margaret Chlebus (late Frank), and the late Mary Lewiski (late Steve). Brother-in-law of the late Delores Horvath (late Steve).

Special uncle of Cathy Chlebus (Srini) and Joseph and Sam Iyengar; Stephen (Shauna) and Celeste Chlebus; Paul (Cathy), Matthew (Victoria), Katie, Stephanie (Jon), and Mark (Samantha) Chlebus; Tom and Victoria (Josh) Chlebus; and late Jerry Lewiski (Lorraine), Elaine (late John) and Anthony Hall, late Veronie Schroder (John), and Debbie Lewiski. Great Grand Uncle of Elizabeth and Andrew Chlebus.

In 1932, at the age of five years, Uncle Joe immigrated from Helpa, Slovakia to Timmins, Ontario. As a young man, he began his professional life at the Hollinger Gold Mine. Later, he completed his teaching degree.  In 1968, Uncle Joe moved to Sault Ste. Marie to start his teaching career. He taught Machine Shop at Korah Collegiate for many years.  Uncle Joe was a clever inventor, builder, and fixer of all things mechanical. 

Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass to follow at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church at 11:00 a.m. with Father Michael Omojola officiating. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Our Lady of Good Counsel Church or the Sault Area Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Thank you to Dr. David Fera for lifelong care. Teo from CBI for excellent homecare services.  Also, heartfelt thanks to Dr. Luke Fera and the amazing 3C staff at Sault Area Hospital for their care and compassion in Uncle Joe’s final days. Your kindness will always be remembered.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes