Joseph F. Deakin, Jr. August 8, 1939-April 7, 2024
Joseph was called home to eternal rest Sunday, April 7, 2024.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Regina, children: Joseph (Traci) Deakin III, Deborah (Jeff) Brittain, Cynthia Kolicius, Robert (Deborah) Deakin; son-in-law Michael Malone, Sr; grandchildren: Michelle (Nick) Lewandowski, Joshua (Sarah) Deakin, Jacob Deakin and Eric Deakin; great grandchildren Emma and Layla Lewandowski and Carter Deakin.
He was preceded to eternal life by his parents Joseph and Emma Deakin; siblings M. Paul Deakin and Eileen Knoerzer; daughter Beverly Malone, grandson Michael Malone, Jr and son-in-law Rob Kolicius.
Joe was born in 1939 to Joseph and Emma Deakin. He was raised in Calumet City, IL at St. Victor’s Church. He graduated from Bishop Noll High School in 1957 and Purdue University with a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He served in the U.S. Army in Anchorage, Alaska from 1962-1965.
He married his wife of almost 62 years, Regina, in 1962 and together they raised 5 beautiful children. He had a successful career as a project manager in the industrial construction business and then spent 20 years as a realtor in Northwest, Indiana.
He was an active member for many years at Our Lady of Consolation church in Merrillville, Indiana where he served as a lector, usher, eucharistic minister and the Knights of Columbus council. He was active on the school board at St. Victor’s in Calumet City in the 1970’s and a member of St. Michael’s Church in Schererville in the 1980s. He was past president of the John Purdue Club of Lake County and a past officer of local American Legion posts.
Joe enjoyed a lifetime of camping with his fun-loving family and also loved fishing, golfing and bowling.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024 directly at the Our Lady of Consolation Church in Merrillville at 10:00 A.M. Friend’s are invited to visit with Joseph’s family on Thursday at Church from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. At rest, Chapel Lawn Cemetery.
