Joseph Niekro

NIEKRO, Joseph, 61, of Plant City, Fla., passed away Friday, October 27, 2006. Mr. Niekro was born in Ohio and moved here from Lakeland, Fla., 14 years ago. Mr. Niekro was a former major-league pitcher. Mr. Niekro pitched 22 seasons in the majors before retiring in 1988 with a lifetime record of 221-204. He was an All-Star in 1979, when he won 21 games for Houston, then followed it with 20 victories in 1980. In addition to the Astros, Niekro pitched for six other teams: Chicago Cubs, San Diego, Detroit, Atlanta, New York Yankees and Minnesota. He was predeceased by his father, Phil Niekro Sr. Survivors include his wife, Debra Niekro of Plant City, Fla.; sons, Lance Niekro of Lakeland, Fla. and J.J. Niekro of Plant City, Fla.; daughter, Natalie Niekro of Scottsdale, Ariz.; mother, Henrietta Niekro of Lansing, Ohio; brother, Phil Niekro and wife, Nancy, of Flowery Branch, Ga.; sister, Phyllis and husband, Ed Dillmore, of Evans, Ga.; several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m. Monday, October 30, 2006, at Wells Memorial Chapel. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 31, 2006, at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Valrico, Fla., with Father Bill Swengros officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Stephen Catholic School at 5409 Bell Shoals Rd., Valrico, FL 33594, or to a charity of your choice. Wells Memorial Funeral Home Lacey McClellan and Staff (813) 752-1111