Joseph John Bida, Jr.

Joseph John Bida, Jr., age 89, passed away at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia on Sunday, March 4, 2012. Joe was born in Kulpmont, Pennsylvania, on July 10, 1922, the son of Joseph J. Sr. and Cecelia (Saleski) Bida. He served with the United States Marine Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He saw action during the Okinawa campaign and was discharged as a Sergeant. He also served later in the Marine Corps Reserve during the Korean Conflict. Coming to Michigan, he worked as a Councilman then Supervisor for the Garden City Department of Public Works. In 1956, he moved to Plymouth and became the Director of the Public Works Department for the City Of Plymouth. Later he served as Commissioner and Mayor of the City from 1973 - 1976. He worked as a salesman for Leo Calhoun Ford and for Don Massey Cadillac. He also worked as an oil field supervisor in Illinois, and later as Building Supervisor for Plymouth Township. Joe held memberships in many organizations. Among them was a Life-Time member of Plymouth V.F.W. Post 6695, of whichhe was Post Commander from 1997 - 1998. He also was a member of the Plymouth Knights of Columbus # 3292, the Plymouth B.P.O.E. # 1780, Past President of the Garden City Jaycees and co-founder of the Plymouth Little League program. Joe also served as a Rotarian for the 1st Plymouth Fall Festival in 1956, and was its Manager in 1989. From 1995 - 2000 he served as a Commissioner for the Canton Community Merit Commission.

Joe lost his beloved wife of 63 years, Irene, in 2011. He is survived by his children, John (Cindy) Bida, Tom (Sandie) Bida and Wendy (Jim) Borsos. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Garrett (Sarah) Bida, Jill (Jim) Priest, Mike (Kelly) Bida and David Bida, and great grandchildren Joe, Marty, Gemma and Ivan Bida, and Henry Priest.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2012, from 1 pm until 8 pm at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth. A Rosary Service will be conducted by his fellow members of the Knights of Columbus at 7pm. Later the family will bring his remains to rest with his fellow comrades at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. The family suggests contributions be given to the Disabled American Veterans.