Joseph M. Farrug

Joseph is the devoted husband of Virginia, his love of fifty-nine wonderful years and proud father of Michael (Christine) Farrug of Rochester, Joseph A. (Diane) Farrug of North Carolina, Marybeth (John) Jamieson of New Baltimore and Eugene "Gene" (Aimee Roy) Farrug of North Carolina. Joe is also survived by eight grandchildren (Marissa, Mike, Andrew, Benny, Johnny, Luke, Owen, and Maisy) and many loving extended family and friends as well as two family cats "Mariah" and "Simba"
Before marrying, Joe served his country for 6 years in the United States Air Force. He is a Veteran of Foreign Wars and a Disabled American Veteran. He believed in the transformative power of education and was himself, a two-time graduate of the University of Detroit, earning both an undergraduate degree in philosophy and a graduate degree in psychology. He served professionally as a rehabilitation counselor for over 35 years at Goodwill Industries of Detroit where he assisted thousands of people in finding a path to skills acquisition and meaningful work.
As son, husband and father, Joe was an ever-present testament to his commitment to family. He helped his mother in the kitchen as a child and continued to support her through her 89th year. He was also the last to tend to his father as he drew his last breath. As a husband, with the exception of a few hospital stays, Joe and Ginny were never apart longer than the day, and as a father, you could find him at most every band concert, musical, soccer game, parade, and fundraiser.
Joe was well-known for his frugality but equally known for his generosity and charity. Mostly, he looked for opportunities to celebrate both the every day and the extraordinary. He loved music, dancing and romance, a beautiful day, a lovely tune, a brisk walk, a good book, a kiss from the cat, a good piece of chocolate, a natural wonder, a new baby, a stout handshake and the promise of every new day.
Joseph's Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 7th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 280 E. Square Lake Rd., Troy. The Farrug family will greet guests at 9:30 AM.
The family asks that memorial contributions to Goodwill of Detroit be made in lieu of flowers.
Thank you for keeping the Farrug family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.