Joseph Szabo Jr.

Joseph Szabo Jr, 97, passed away peacefully at home in Monroe, MI on Friday, April 3,2026.

He was born on July 20, 1928, in Majestic Kentucky, the son of Joseph and Margaret (Vitie) Szabo. He was a 1947 Phelps High School graduate. Joseph joined the Navy in 1947 and faithfully served in the Korean War while training as an Electrician Apprentice. He was Honorably discharged in August of 1951.

He loved music and was an accomplished guitarist. He loved nature, birds, and his beloved dogs Tuffy, Louie and Coach. He enjoyed his many friends at Frenchtown Senior Center, where he enjoyed line dancing and helping to put out the Newsletter. He was a Chrysler employee at the Trenton Engine Plant for over 30 years and retired as a Master Electrician in 1989.

He married his soulmate and best friend, Paula, on March 24, 2022. Together they enjoyed long talks and car rides with their dogs, Louie, and Coach. They liked watching The Detroit Tigers and Lion’s games, and he loved to watch and explain golf to Paula, even though he did not enjoy playing the game himself. He also enjoyed gardening and tending to his zina’s and cherry tomatoes. He enjoyed spending time with his extended family. He loved a cookout and a Holiday celebration, especially if he could sneak food to his favorite sheltie, Annie.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Sr. and Margret Szabo, his brother Ernest Szabo, and his son Joseph Sandor Szabo. He is survived by his loving wife Paula Szabo, and his daughter Susan Szabo. His beloved extended family, sisters-in-law’s Tammy (Tim) Schwartz, Sarah Swade, Marie (Nick) Orth. His nieces and nephews, Stephen (Michelle) Butler, Amanda Butler, Sarah (Joe) Mitchell, Kayla (Drew) Wilson, Nick Swade, Owen and Olivia Orth. His great nephews Daniel Butler, Antonio Anderson, Scotty and Adam Sims, Anderson Wilson. His mother-in-law Emma Jacobi, father-in-law Paul (Dorothea) Seals. His dear friends Mark Cicero, Nancy Jones, and Don Lingar.