Joseph Anthony O'Loughlin

Joseph Anthony O'Loughlin, age 86, of Canton, passed away on April 9, 2022.

Joe was born on March 16, 1936, in Worcester, Massachusetts to the late Gertrude (nee Revane) and Charles O'Loughlin. He was the "big brother" of Mary Hanson and the late Elizabeth Larson. His meaningful life can be summarized in three words: God, family, and community service.

As a young man, Joe decided that he wanted to attend St. John's High School, but his family could not afford the cost. Determined, Joe found a job to pay for his own tuition. Upon graduation from high school in 1954, Joe followed his vocation to become a Xaverian brother and entered the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Virginia. He continued his studies at Xaverian College in Maryland and Catholic University in Washington D.C.

On his Day of Profession, September 8, 1959, he received the name, Brother Roberto. The next day he was sent to Don Bosco Hall in Detroit where he resumed his studies at the University of Detroit. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961, Joe taught at Malden Catholic High School in Massachusetts and later at Notre Dame High School in New York.

In 1965, Joe struggled with his vocation and decided to leave the order. He accepted a teaching fellowship at the University of Detroit where he earned his Master of Arts degree in 1967 and began work on his doctorate degree.

Joe married Patricia Zaleski on August 26, 1966. Having been blessed with four beautiful children, Cathleen, Michael, David, and Karen, he began teaching at Oakland Community College in 1969 and moved his family to Canton in 1971.

When the family became members of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Joe became the lead teacher in the eighth-grade confirmation program. He challenged his candidates to "live their faith" before being confirmed. To accomplish this goal, Joe was given use of two plots of farmland by Canton Township. Along with many volunteers, Joe and his classes created a community "victory garden" where vegetables were grown for the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.

Because of his success with the religious education program, Joe was asked to revitalize the Christian service ministry. Again, he challenged the community to reach out to the poor, the homeless, special needs children, the elderly, the imprisoned, the immigrants and the ill. He created the first "Feed the Hungry" program with a new standard--NO BOUNDARIES.

In 1975, Joe persuaded the Plymouth-Canton community to welcome and resettle a Vietnamese family of 11. Volunteers from all professions shepherded the family into their new home where they began to adjust to a new, safe life.

In 2007, Joe retired from Oakland Community College after 38 years of service. He was awarded the "Emeritus Status Award" for outstanding service to the college in 2008.

Following his retirement, Joe delighted in his family. He is survived by his wife, Pat; his children Cathleen (John) Martin, Michael O'Loughlin, David O'Loughlin, and Karen O'Loughlin; his grandchildren Alicia, Rachel, Shane, Connor, Emma, Kaden, and Chloe; his sister Mary Hanson; his nephew Steven (Pam) Hanson; his nieces Kathleen (Rick) Donoghue and Kristina Dobberpuhl.

Family and friends may gather at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth on Saturday, April 16, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 44800 Warren Road, Canton at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 18, 2022.

Entombment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Joe's memory to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mt. Elliott Street, Detroit, Michigan 48207