Joseph Praschak

Joseph Praschak, 78, passed away peacefully in his home on February 14, 2024. Joe was born in Newark, New Jersey, on February 16, 1945, to Joseph and Ruth Praschak (nee Whittlesey). Joe is survived by his wife, Sheila, his brother, Paul, his cousin, Jack Masek, and many extended family members and friends. Joe was a life-long Catholic, baptized on the Feast of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, March 18, 1945, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Newark. He attended Our Lady of Good Counsel grade school. In sixth grade he became an altar boy and served Mass as often as he could. Joe prayed the Rosary every day, and he had a particular devotion to St. Joseph, his patron saint. Joe attended Essex Catholic High School, also in Newark, graduating with honors in 1963. Following in his father’s footsteps, Joe proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1965 through 1968, stationed in the U.S. and Thailand. After his military service, Joe completed his education as an electrical engineer, earning his undergraduate degree from Newark College of Engineering (now known as New Jersey Institute of Technology). He subsequently received a fellowship to study at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, where he earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering. Joe worked many years for the Jersey Central Power and Light Company (now known as First Energy) in Morristown, New Jersey, as a senior engineer in the planning division. Joe always had a ready smile for both friends and strangers. He could talk with anyone and had respect for all. As one of his friends wrote, “What a good man. What a nice man. What a funny man. What an interesting man, full of wisdom and insight. Oh, we had so many laughs. He was so good. Such charity. Such joy. I can see his smile. I can see his joy. I can hear his laughter like the big kid that he was. So gentle. So humble. So good.” Joe had a fine mind and a keen intellect. He loved reading and learning about his many interests, especially the Catholic faith, but also books about health, computers, the Vietnam War, adventure, and science fiction. His collection of books amounts to a small library. He liked working on and fixing computers, and he was always generous with his time in patiently helping family members and friends with any computer problems. Joe will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. “St. Joseph, patron of the dying, pray for us.” Visitation for Joseph will take place on Monday, February 19, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with Rosary service at 6:00 PM at the Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, OH 45040. Requiem Mass will be held at Our Lady of Victory Church (4916 Winton Road, Fairfield OH 45014) on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM, with burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery (4030 Pleasant Avenue, Hamilton, OH 45015). In lieu of flowers you may make memorial donations to Our Lady of Victory Church in honor of Joe's life. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Praschak, please visit our flower store.