Joseph Farrugia

Joseph Farrugia; passed away March 6, 2016 in Lake Orion, Michigan due to complications of vascular dementia. Joseph was born May 15, 1948 in Malta, Europe to his parents Andrew and Angela Farrugia.  At the age of 3, he and his family in 1952 came from Malta to America through Ellis Island.  He was raised in the historic Cork Town area in Detroit and was privileged to be an altar boy for Monsignor Clement Kern.  He would graduate from Holy Redeemer High School in Detroit in 1966 and went on to serve in the United States Air Force at Webb Air Force Base in Texas.  On October 7, 1972 he married Rosa Maria Campos and together they were married for 44 years.  Joseph is also the proud father of Douglas Joseph and grandfather of 5 ½ year old Liam.  Joe was the middle child of a family of 5; Madeline (Manuel) Abela, Peter (Fran) Farrugia, Mary (Bill) Herrick and Reno (Denise) Farrugia.  He was also adored by his Weimaraners Sage and Andy, whom together they would enjoy the standing date at the local doughnut shop. Joe was very passionate about computer programming, which lead to working for the K-Mart Corporation Headquarters for approximately 27 years as a Systems Architect.  He was also an avid woodworker, and lover of trees and nature.  When he wasn’t spending time working in Farrugiaville, you could find Joe riding around on his tractor, which was affectionately thought of a his Lincoln or Porsche.  During his years he studied to acquire a Builders License so he could design his home in Dryden.  Joe owned and operated a Woodmizer Saw Mill and Kiln and was also a member of the Wood Workers Guild.  Through all of his talents and accomplishments as a woodworker, Joe always considered his front door at his home in Dryden to be his Masterpiece.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 11am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 3 to 8 pm at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home.  In memory of Joseph, donations may be made to foundations such as: Alzheimer's, Dementia, Diabetes, Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer or the Lake Orion Nursing Home where he spent the last 2 years of his life per individual preference.  Share memories and offer condolences by visiting www.sparksgriffin.com