Joseph J. Vass passed into eternal life on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.
Joe was born on August 26, 1939 to Michael and Emma (Horvath) Vass. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son Jeffrey and brother Michael Vass.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife Dianne (Wirth) with whom he shared 65 years, loving children David (Martha) Vass, Joni (Jeff) Corsbie, Jeannie (Cliff) Kissinger, and Dan Vass. Joe delighted in times spent with his ten grandchildren, Adam Vass, Molly (Victor) Oros, Kent (Christina) Corsbie, Ali (Joey) Johnson, Kurt Corsbie, Clay (Amber) Corsbie, Camryn Vass, Logan Vass, Delaney Vass, Karlie Kissinger, and eight great grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters Emma (Anthony) Pazos and Dorothy (Doug) Hubbard, sister-in-law Sandy Enzwiler, brother-in-law Michael (Gina) Wirth and many nieces and nephews.
Joe was a graduate of Bishop Noll High School class of 1957 and completed eight years in the Indiana National Guard in 1965 as a medic. One of 27 original employees at Bethlehem Steel (Mittal), Joe rolled the first plate at the 160” plate mill retiring in 1995 with 30 years of service. Joe joined the Bethlehem Credit Union (Allegius) at the first annual meeting serving first as president and subsequently as a board member for a total of 32 years.
Joe entered into a deep faith relationship after encountering Jesus through the Cursillo movement in 1971. He lived and shared his faith as a member of St. Teresa of Avila and St. Paul Catholic Communities in Valparaiso and St. Katherine Drexel in Cape Coral.
Hard working, highly skilled and industrious, Joe owned and managed the Pioneer Apartments with his brother, Michael for 32 years beginning in 1968. Joe also owned Friendly Spirits from 1978 to 1990.
After many years as a Florida snowbird Joe and Dianne moved to Cape Coral and established Florida residency. Hoosiers at heart, they returned to Valparaiso in 2017 to the home Joe built in 1989 with his sons on Long Lake in Valparaiso while he continued to winter in Florida.
Joe was a capable and generous man who lived a full and happy life. He was a fan of country music, an avid golfer, boater, fisherman and loved to travel having visited all 50 states in our beautiful country and many foreign destinations. Joe will continue to live in the minds and hearts of family and friends.
Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of a Mass of Christian
Burial at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 9 th at St. Teresa of Avila
Catholic Church in Valparaiso. Rev. Jacob McDaniel will celebrate the
mass. Joe requested that guests attending wear brighter, celebratory
colors. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Sojourner Truth
or Sharing Meadows. Bartholomew Funeral Home in Valparaiso has
been entrusted with arrangements.