Joseph W. Barica, of Woodland Hills, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away on August 18, 2000 at Mountain View Hospital.
He was born on November 3, 1915 to Joseph and Suzana Barica in Chicago, Illinois. He married the former Ann Popowich on September 1, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois.
Joe spent his childhood in Chicago, and as a youth worked in his parent's neighborhood grocery store during the Depression. This experience instilled within him a strong work ethic and a desire to help the less fortunate.
Joe enlisted in the US Army in 1942 and proudly served the United States as Field Artillery Captain in the Pacific Theater, and was honorably discharged in 1945. His patriotism was noble and heartfelt. He especially
enjoyed the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."
Joe spent 41 years with Uarco, Inc., a manufacturer of business forms, retiring in 1975. He started as a mail clerk, and after the war was transferred to Connecticut to set up a new manufacturing plant. He finished his career as an Executive Salesman in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Joe was a master woodworker, having designed and built beautiful grandfather clocks, cabinets, and furniture, which he gifted to others. He enjoyed fishing, the Chicago Bears, spending time with his grandchildren, and visiting with friends at the Woodland Hills mailboxes.
Joe is survived by his wife, Ann; children, Bart Barica of Park City, UT, and Patricia (Reid) of Woodland Hills, UT; two sisters, Emily Knoska, Chicago,IL, and Lillian Knoska, Decatur, MI. Joe was blessed with seven grandchildren, Mercedes (Sadie), Naomi, Hannah, Rachel, Rebekah, Brittany, and Isaac Joseph. Joe moved to Woodland Hills in 1993 with his wife to be closer to their children and grandchildren. He truly loved his grandchildren.
Joe was a unique individual who truly loved to serve others and always put their interests first. He was a great storyteller and had a marvelous sense of humor.
Special thanks from the family to all those in the community who were Joe's friends and acquaintances. In lieu of funeral services, an open house will be held in Joe's honor on Sunday, August 20, from 6 to 9 pm, at his home, 935 South Homestead Drive in Woodland Hills (423-1223).