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JOSEPH BECHTA
JOSEPH BECHTA Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph (Joe) Bechta, at the age of 87, on November 22, 2025, at the TBRHSC, with his loving family at his side.
Joe was born on January 6, 1938, in Rosevalley, Sask.. He was the son of the late Peter and Pauline (Kaminski) Bechta. The family moved to Fort William, ON., when he was 3 years old.
He married the love of his life Dorothy Rose Silvaggio on August 13, 1960. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past year. Together they built a loving and nurturing family, built on faith and community. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Joe loved to watch his children, grandchildren, play sports, attend piano and dance recitals etc. Joe had a passion for playing golf and curling. As a young boy he caddied at the Fort William Country Club, where he was picked many times, by the Golf Pro to have him caddie for him.
Joe had a strong work ethic, which he passed on to his children. He started his work life as a brakeman for the CNR in Hornepayne, ON. He later moved back to Thunder Bay and worked for Shaw Baking Co. for 43+ years. He started as a delivery salesman and retired as Divisional Sales Manager. His territory took him from Sault St. Marie to Winnipeg, MB., and everywhere in between.
Joe was a long time member and supporter of St. Andrew's RC Church, Knights of Columbus Leo Council 1130 and 4th Degree Father Baxter ASM 870. He believed in giving back to the community. He was instrumental along with Sister Roberta at the start of the Dew Drop Inn. As a parish council member he was a key player in bringing a Vietnamese refugee family to St. Andrew's parish. Joe volunteered with a number of organizations, in particular, St. Joseph's Care Group, St. Joseph's Hospital, for which he received the Volunteer Services Award from the Province of Ontario twice.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy, daughter Debra-Lee Simunovic (Steven), son Joe, daughter Pamela Kok (Douglas), grandchildren Solomon (Hollie), Jacob (Jacqueline), Matthew, Willow (Justin), Scott (Courtney), Zachary, great grandchildren Leo, Jason, Quinn, Sloane, Quinn, Atticus. Sisters June Enger, Judy Ross, sister-in-law Ellen Bechta, brothers-in-law Gary Simpson, Terry and Donald Silvaggio and many nieces and nephews.
Joe was predeceased by his parents Peter and Pauline Bechta, Clarence Bechta, Patricia Simpson.
The family would like to thank Dr. Addison for the excellent care she gave our dad, along with Dr. Taha for her care and compassion.
Joe was known for his kindness, warmth, generosity, beautiful smile, and fun loving nature. He will be missed by all who loved and knew him.
Rest In Peace.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH BECHTA
9 Entries
Tom Bishop
December 8, 2025
Joe was amazing to work with during our Shaw Bakery days. Also a neighbor we would see in passing walking from Hogarth St , around the block.
My deepest condolences.
Tom Bishop.
Susan Reinelt
December 8, 2025
Dot I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. It was at my wedding that I met you both so many years ago and would run into Joe over the years in the city. He was friends with my mom Molly & stepfather Bob for many years going back to Hornepayne days and the railway. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Jim Campbell
December 7, 2025
Dorothy:
I was shocked and saddened to see that Joe has passed away.
Just know that my prayers and thoughts are with you and your families at this most difficult time.
Joe was so easy to like and to talk on Just about any subject. You are too!!
Please take care of yourselves and each other.
Sincerely,
Jim Campbell [email protected]
Former Choir Member
Karen & Jack Lafroy
December 7, 2025
Dorothy, our deepest condolences to you & your family at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Big hugs.
Sincerely Karen & Jack Lafroy
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Lois & Paul Sebesta
December 7, 2025
Dear Dorothy and Family. We are saddened to read of the passing of Joe. He was a great man and remember our good times of curling and fellowship. He will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Lois and Paul Sebesta
Ken and Debby Specht
December 6, 2025
Dorothy, We were very sorry to see that Joe had passed away. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to you and your family at this sad time. Ken and Debby
Alexandra (Sandy) Oram Silvaggio
December 6, 2025
Dear Dorothy and family I am so sad to hear of the passing of Joe. He was such a dear person.. I remember Dorothy the conversations you and Joe and I would have when I would come and visit you when you lived on Hemlock and I lived on Edward Street and our family was very young. He always had a warm welcome and was really known for his genuine smile.. he would always stop and visit me when he was volunteering for St. Joe´s when I was working there. My heart is with you at this time and it's never easy to lose your loved one. My sincere condolences for you, Dorothy and your family, his children and families.
Donna Robinson
December 6, 2025
Dorothy..my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. The beautiful picture of Joe is how I remember him always smiling over 40 years ago.
Chip Styles
December 6, 2025
Dorothy...my deepest condolences in the loss of Joe.
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