Joseph S. Bacarella

Joseph S. Bacarella, 87 years, a lifelong resident of Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital in Monroe. Born December 21, 1928 in Monroe, Joe was the son of the late Antonio and Margareta (Poleo) Bacarella. Joe was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monroe. He attended Monroe High School. On August 12, 1950 Joe married his beloved wife, the former Sarah T. Bellestri at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monroe. Sadly, Sarah preceded him in death on September 3, 2005 after 55 years of marriage. Joe served his country honorably and proudly in the United States Army from 1952 – 1954 and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. Joe began his career in broadcasting in with WMIC/WQTE in Monroe. He was an on air personality for PM Drive at WCAR – AM in Detroit, he served as Program Director at ABC owned WXYZ – AM in Detroit, Operations and Program Director for WJR – AM in Detroit, Program Director WWJ - AM in Detroit, Vice President and General Manager at WDRQ – FM in Detroit and as Station Manager at WXYT – AM in Detroit from which he retired in 1988 after 30 years in broadcasting. Joe was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Monroe and the Adcraft Club of Detroit. He enjoyed music and was the band leader of his 15 piece orchestra. Most of all Joe enjoyed time spent with family. Joe is survived by two loving children: Joseph K. (Cathleen) Bacarella of Farmington Hills, MI and Paula T. (Ross) Meehan of Grand Rapids, MI, three cherished grandchildren: Joseph and Eric Bacarella and Michael Meehan, a sister: Josephine T. Pollzzie of Monroe and a sister in law: Stella Bacarella of Monroe. In addition to his wife and parents, Joe was preceded in death by two brothers: William J. and Sam J. Bacarella, and a brother in law: Ben Pollzzie. Memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI 48161. On Thursday, November 3, 2016 a Memorial Mass celebrating Joe’s life will be held at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Monroe. Private interment will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe Memorial contributions are suggested to Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI.

Joseph S. Bacarella

December 21, 1928 - October 30, 2016