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Joseph Chwirka Obituary
Joe Chwirka, age 60, passed away on January 28, 2016. He loved his family, the outdoors, and his work as a civil engineer. Not one to be idle, Joe's hobbies included car maintenance, building homes, salmon fishing in Alaska & climbing "fourteeners" in his native state of Colorado.
As a civil engineer, Joe was highly regarded for his advanced knowledge in the treatment of industrial wastewater. His education included degrees in microbiology and civil engineering from Colorado State University and the University of Maine. His professional life was dedicated to project management, planning, design, and construction administration of water & wastewater facilities.
Joe was a loving father and husband.
Joseph Chwirka, his father, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Becky; son, Ben; and daughter, Haleigh. His mother, Doris Chwirka & siblings, Kari Chwirka, Janie Johns, and Steve Chwirka, also survive him.
In keeping with his advice to his children, " Go the extra mile," Joe believed in exceeding expectations. He presented himself with integrity and fervor in his professional and personal life experiences.
A memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph Church, 7 First Street, Cerrillos, NM on Saturday, February 6 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be mailed to the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, Attn: Director of Development, 1201 Camino de Salud NE Albuquerque, NM 87131 or made online at
www.unmfund.org/fund/unmcc-general-support-fund/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Chwirka
Becky Hicks
February 26, 2016
Just wanted you to know I was sorry to hear about Joe. Not sure you remember me but I took Care of Doris here i Loveland. Please know you have been in my thoughts and prayers.
Becky Hicks
rayvonne whitt
February 21, 2016
much love to you
Doug Brown
February 15, 2016
I had the good fortune to meet Joe as both of us started our engineering careers at a small consulting firm in Denver, CO. He became a good friend and colleague, and he helped me understand complex issues like computers and biological treatment. Over the years we went on to other firms and cities, but we kept in touch through annual Christmas cards and the occasional conference. It was always fascinating to hear about Joe's latest hobbies and interests from pottery, remodeling historic homes, and being passionate about the environment. He inspired me to want to do more with every opportunity, and I will miss hearing about the next challenge he would have tackled.
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February 15, 2016
We enjoyed visiting with Joe when we saw him. He was always kind and helpful. We will miss him.
Laura, Norma and Bob Bishop
Debbie & Mike Norris
February 7, 2016
Remembering a wonderful friend and how we enjoyed sharing time together with our young families. Joe always exploring new hobbies and interests. We treasure our memories and you will live forever in our hearts. Thank you for your friendship.
Sylvia Lowry
February 4, 2016
Although I have seen and spoken with Joe many times over the years, and am grateful to have shared some time on the ocean last year, it is my early memories that come to mind. I always admired Joe and wished I were more like him: his quiet way of working diligently, his earnest consideration of the topic at hand, his authenticity, curiosity, and sensitivity. I have always thought of Joe fondly, over the years and the miles, and found joy that he was my friend. Bon voyage, Joe! I miss you already.
Montessori
February 3, 2016
The Staff at the Montessori School of Washington Park in Denver Colorado sends our deepest sympathies to Haleigh, Joe's daughter and the entire Chwirka family. We know, working with Haleigh, that she listened to her dad's advice. She always goes the extra mile for us a the school and we love her dearly here.
Monica Anaya
February 2, 2016
I will always remember him as a kind person.
February 2, 2016
Benny Seah from Singapore sends his deepest condolences to the Chwirka family. Joe was a very good friend of mine.
February 1, 2016
Anne Westgate, John Carey and Robert Carey send our thoughts and prayers to the Chwirka family. Joe was a great man, just like his father!
Respectfully
The Carey Family
February 1, 2016
Hi Joe - we will really miss you. I still remember the first time we met. It was at the City of Albuquerque's water storage plant out in west Albuquerque back in 1995. Shilpa and I had just been married and we did not know a single soul in Abq. And you befriended us, introduced us to your family - Becky, Ben and Haleigh.
We remember our stay in Abq so often; our stay there worth remembering only because we met you and your family.
We will really miss you. You were a great friend, an older brother to me and Shilpa and a great uncle to my girls.
You will always live in our hearts.
Manali, Shalini, Shilpa and Ganesh
Jerry Lowry
February 1, 2016
Joe was best friend and the best engineer I know. I will miss him greatly.
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