Jozef Porada

January 2, 1931 – February 1, 2026

Jozef Porada, age 95, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family, on February 1, 2026. He lived a long and full life defined by resilience, hard work, deep love for family, and an unwavering determination to create a better future for those he loved.

Jozef was born on January 2, 1931, in Palikówka-Rzeszów, Poland. As a young man, he lived through the hardships of World War II. Those experiences shaped his strength, perseverance, and deep appreciation for opportunity and freedom. Before immigrating to the United States, Jozef served as Vice President of an agricultural corporation in Poland.

He was married to the love of his life, Zofia, for 51 years until her early passing in 2006. Their marriage was rooted in sacrifice and shared dreams for their family.

In 1978, Jozef immigrated to the United States, first settling in Rhode Island without his wife and children by his side. Working in a factory, he saved tirelessly so that they could join him years later. In 1981, the family reunited in Dearborn, Michigan, where Jozef began working alongside his cousin, the late Al Porada. He went on to work proudly as a baker at Donutville USA, where he remained until his retirement in 2001. Many still credit Jozef with making the world’s BEST honey dip donuts.

Jozef was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Zofia; his parents, Bronisław and Marcjanna; and his siblings, Stanisława and Bolesław. He is survived by his five children: Jerzy (Wanda), Barbara (Bogdan), Andrew (Ann), Robert, and Magdalena, as well as his younger sister, Ana Jarosz of Rhode Island and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was the proud Dziadziu to twelve grandchildren: Justine (Jeremy), Karolina, Yolanda, Amanda, Philip (Jenny), Michelle (Eddie), Kristie (Dwight), Alek (Nicole), Nicky, Kelsey, Jacob, and Izabella—each of whom he loved deeply. Nothing brought him more pride than seeing his grandchildren graduate from college or achieve success in their careers, fulfilling his lifelong dream of creating opportunities beyond what he himself had known. He is also survived by nine cherished great-grandchildren.

Jozef was an animal lover, a wine connoisseur, and a man of many talents. He famously made homemade wine—affectionately known as “Dziadziu wine”—which was proudly toasted at family gatherings. Known lovingly as the Polish “MacGyver,” Jozef could fix or build just about anything through his ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness.

Above all, Jozef lived life unapologetically. He was steadfast, determined, and authentically himself. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know and love him. “Death ends a life, but not a relationship.” — Morrie Schwartz

Visitation Wednesday from 4-7 pm with Rosary at 7 pm at Stanley Turowski Funeral Home, 25509 W. Warren, Dearborn Heights. Instate Thursday at 10 am until time of Mass at 10:30 am at St. Barbara Church.