Submitted by: Dan Rich

Joseph F. Zirille

Jan. 7, 1922 - March 10, 2005

South Bend Tribune 3/13/2005

Joseph F. Zirille, 83, of Mishawaka, passed away Thursday afternoon, March 10, in Saint Joseph's Regional Medical Center, South Bend.

Born on January 7, 1922, he was one of nine children born to Frank and Mary (Calabria) Zirille.

On April 12, 1947, he married Nellie Gabbard, who preceded him in death on January 23, 2001. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Margaret (Mickey) Miller, Frances Trimboli and Katherine Trimboli, both of Massena, New York; and two brothers, Patrick and Dominic Zirille of Mishawaka.

He was a graduate of Mishawaka High School. During World War II, he proudly served as a medic in the U.S. Army in the European arena. Following the war, he returned to Mishawaka where he worked at Uniroyal for 42 years until his retirement.

More than anything, he loved times spent with his beloved family and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed social times with his lifetime buddies, "The Broadway Bears." Joe was an avid Notre Dame fan, a member of VFW Post 360, The Diloreto Society and St. Monica's Church, Mishawaka.

Family members who survive to cherish his memory are his son, Joseph R. (Candy) Zirille of Granger; three daughters, Mary Cichowicz of South Bend, Denise (Mike) Collins of South Bend and Joni (Jim) Lebiedzinski of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; four grandchildren, Tim Cichowicz of South Bend, Andrew Collins and Christopher Collins of South Bend, and Michelle Zirille of Granger; along with two brothers, Frank (Sally) Zirille of Mishawaka and Mike Zirille of South Bend; a sister, Betty Keenan of Syracuse, New York; and 14 nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Monday from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Bubb Funeral Chapel North, 3910 N. Main Street, Mishawaka.

Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2005, in St. Monica Catholic Church, with Father Jeffery Largent officiating, and burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rehabilitation Unit at the Healthwin Specialized Care Facility.