Joseph Cepuran

1939 - 2021

Joseph Cepuran

Novi - Age 81, of Novi, formerly of Northville and Dearborn, died January 17, 2021 at home from complications of Parkinson's Disease with his wife by his side. Beloved husband of 59 years to Patricia. Cherished father of Lawrence (Laura), Christine (Douglas) Chaney, and Brian (Kathleen). Adored grandfather of Damion, Colin (Lauren), Allyson, Claire, Joseph, and Joshua. Dear brother of Rita Jones, Phillip, and Kathleen. Also loved by many nieces and nephews. Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1939, he moved throughout the country while pursuing his education. He received a bachelor's from University of Omaha, a master's from Florida State University and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Iowa in 1973. He spent most of his teaching career at the University of Michigan Dearborn in Political Science and Public Administration. He very much enjoyed his career teaching and mentoring students over his thirty plus years at UM-D. He was always pleased to hear back from students and tracked their careers in public service. He had many pastimes including coin collecting and painting. He was a fiercely competitive game player, among his favorites were scrabble, poker, and euchre. His dry sense of humor is what most will remember about him. He enjoyed teasing his family and students alike. He carried on his fight against Parkinson's by donating his brain to the Michigan Brain Bank for research purposes. Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers contributions to Michigan Parkinson Foundation, 30400 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 150, Bingham Farms, MI 48025. Share condolences at www.casterlinefuneralhome.com.