Joseph Anderson

Joseph E. Anderson, age 85, of Mio, MI, formerly of West Bloomfield, MI, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2012 at his home.Joseph was born on September 9, 1926 in Detroit, MI to William and Irene (Costello) Anderson.  He grew up in Royal Oak, attended St. Maryâ??s of Royal Oak, and graduated from Berkley High School.  Joseph attended the University of Detroit and also served his country in the US Army, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged.  He settled in West Bloomfield, where he lived for over 50 years.  While living there, he served as a volunteer fireman for 44 years, and played Santa for many children for 54 years.  Joseph worked for Birmingham Schools, the Red Run Country Club in Royal Oak, and for Forest Lake Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, where he was Caddy Master Superintendent.  Joseph was a very athletic man:  he had played basketball for the Detroit Falcons, he was the co-founder of the Birmingham , MI Umpires Association, and was also an athletic official for the Michigan High School Athletic Association, working as an umpire, referee, and coach.  Joseph was also an avid bowler, golfer, hunter, and fisherman.  He wintered in Florida for many years, where he enjoyed golfing, playing cards, going to the beach, deep sea fishing, and going to the Derby Lanes Dog Track.  He retired to Mio, where he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, golfing, playing cards, and going to the casinos.  Joseph was a Lifetime Member of the Detroit Elks Club and a past member of the Mio Moose Lodge.    Surviving are his son Barry (Anna); his daughter Patti; niece Sherry (Norm); nephew Tom; granddaughter Cristy; and great grandson Nathan.  He was preceded in death by his parents William and Irene; his wife of 69 years Patricia; his sisters Maggie and Renee; and his brothers Al and Bill; and his father and mother-in-law Stephen and Grace Hurd. ""Joe truly loved life and was one-of-a â??kind"". In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place.  A Memorial Celebration of Josephâ??s life will be held at a later date.Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Hospice, PO Box 667, West Branch, MI 48661 or to the Michigan Humane Society,  30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, MI  48025-4507Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI.