Submitted by: Dan Rich

Joseph A. DeCola

March 1, 1919 - May 7, 2008

South Bend Tribune 5/9/2008
SOUTH BEND - Joseph A. DeCola, 89, passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, in his residence. Joseph was born on March 1, 1919, in Chicago, Illinois to Vito and Christine (Gilardi) DeCola who preceded him in death along with his wife, Mary; daughter, Mary Ann DeCola-Wukovits; brothers, Carl and Jasper DeCola; and sisters, Rose and Ann Cira.

On April 25, 1942, in South Bend, Joseph married Mary Dattilo. Surviving Joseph are two sons, Robert (Bonnie) DeCola and Victor (Pam) DeCola, all of South Bend; grandchildren, Karen Kochanowski, Kathy Lehmann, Lisa Lynch, and Frank Wukovits, Jeri, Joseph, Michael, and Robert DeCola, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Walter and Elizabeth Lehmann, Morgan Kochanowski, Kristen, Josh and Allie Wukovits, and Nicholas DeCola. In 1982, Joseph retired as co-owner of Kaminski and Moore Corporation. He served in the 391st Bomb Group of the United States Army-Air Force. Joseph was a member of the Cathedral of St. Matthew, where he was an usher and a member of the Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree Santa Maria Council #553. Joseph was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He thoroughly enjoyed life, in particular, family gatherings, his grandchildren's activities, traveling with his wife, dining out with his friends, and of course, Chicago Cubs and Notre Dame.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2008 in St. Joseph Funeral Home, 1827 E. Ireland Rd., South Bend. A combined Parish and Knights of Columbus Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2008 in the Cathedral of St. Matthew. Entombment will take place in Highland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cathedral of St. Matthew, 1701 Miami Street, South Bend, IN 46613 or the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637.