Joseph Buhagiar (given name Giuseppe and known as “Joe” to his friends and PaPa Joe to his grandchildren) passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026 at the age of 93.

Joe was born on the Mediterranean island of Xaghra, Gozo, Malta, on October 25, 1932. He was the first born child of Emmanuel Buhagiar and Maria Antoine Attard. Dear brother of Margaret and the late Carmelo (Charlie) and Rose. Having experienced and survived the deprivations of World War II, Joe decided at age 18 to pursue the American dream. He achieved that dream with determination, hard work, integrity, and remarkable success.

Arriving in America in 1951, he made his way to Detroit and began his journey as an elevator operator at the Book Cadillac Hotel. He soon found his way to Ford Motor Rouge Foundry and thereafter to Fisher Body Fleetwood only to be drafted into the Army. He honorably served for two years (1953 -1955) with duties including Squad Leader for the 5th Engineer Battalion as well as duty with the US Army Band in Germany. Upon discharge from the Army, Joe returned to Detroit and Fisher Body Fleetwood, retiring in 1982, after 30 years of work on the Assembly Line with duties that included Repair and Inspection.

In 1961, Joe fell in love with the girl next door and began a 65 year marriage to Irene Pranenas, herself an immigrant from Lithuania. She survives him, together with their two children, Rose Richmond (Russ) and Tony Buhagiar (Melissa), three grandchildren, Anthony Buhagiar (Kristin), Alexis Buhagiar (Todd Taylor), and Kevin Richmond (Lucy Sivils) and 5 great grandchildren (Anthony, Kinslee, Adelyn, Jaice, and Blakely).

Joe was an accomplished bowler having attained 10 perfect 300 games in competitive bowling and was for many years an avid golfer as well. He loved carpentry, playing cards, music, dancing, and playing Maltese folk songs on his guitar. While thoroughly adopting American culture, including a devotion to the Detroit Tigers, he never forgot his Maltese roots, returning there on numerous occasions to visit family and friends.

We will miss Joe and his serious work ethic together with his profound love of family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Visitation Thursday from 3-8 pm with Rosary at 7 PM at Stanley Turowski Funeral Home, 25509

W. Warren, Dearborn Heights. Instate Friday at 10 AM until time of Mass at 10:30 AM at St. Linus Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a charitable donation in memory of Joe to: A Living Tribute (plant a tree)

St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or your favorite charity.