Joseph N Minarik

Joseph N Minarik, 84, of Wellfleet, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family and close friend Dan Dunn by his side on December 30, 2015. Joe is the dear son of the late Joseph J. and Barbara (Pisarcik) Minarik. In 1952 Joe married his high school sweetheart Evelyn Giba, with whom they have shared 63 years together; January would have been their 64th wedding anniversary. Also in 1952 Joe joined the United States Army and stationed in Germany until 1954. When his service to his country ended, he and Evelyn bought a house in Elmwood Park, NJ, taking up roots in the town Joe grew up in. Joe and Evelyn raised three children together. He soon after partnered with George Russo and went into the cabinet making business; he later moved on to working with R&M Cabinet Making and finally became his own craftsman, opening his own cabinetry business. In 1960 Joe owned a warehouse and office in Elmwood and rented it out to Gordon Williams. Joe donated his time to help Gordon build up his business, importing Stihl chain saws. While Joe taught himself how to repair saws and gain experience in mechanics, he was serving as vice president; overseeing orders, shipping and receiving and setting up distributors. In 1974 Stihl bought out Gordon and moved their operations to Virginia Beach, Joe remained with Gordon until 1976 when Joe moved to Wellfleet. He set up a Stihl dealership where he had the pleasure of working with his son, Joe Jr., until selling the business in 1985. Joe moved on to become a dedicated worker at Bayberry Garden Center in Truro, MA for 10 years until his retirement in 2013. In retirement, Joe enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was an accomplished gardener. He would graciously give out all kinds of vegetables to individuals and also sell them to local restaurants.

Joe leaves behind his devoted wife, Evelyn, and his dedicated children Joe Minarik, Jr., and his wife Karen from East Falmouth, MA, and Robert Minarik from Rochester, MA. He is survived by his caring sister Irene Mylor of Elmwood Park, NJ. Joe will truly be missed by his cherished grandsons Michael Minarik of Nantucket, MA and Thomas Minarik from Rochester, MA, his nephews: Tom Ralicki, Rich Rucidlo, Michael Rucidlo, and Dave Rucidlo and nieces: Barbara McCauley, Ellen Hudzik, Karen Mylor, Denise Campos and Sharon Della Penna as well as many loving great nieces and nephews. Joe was pre-deceased by his daughter Lynn Minarik.

A Memorial Visitation was held on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016 at Nickerson Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life Service which followed. Burial was at Massachusetts National Cemetery. Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation , C/O Finance Department, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016 or www.kidney.org. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.

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