Joseph John Antolick passed away peacefully at his home November 24^th, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer.  Throughout this battle he was surrounded by the love of his many friends and family which were always some of his greatest joys and a source of great strength and support. 

Joe was born January 8, 1944 in Fairmont, West Virginia to Joseph Sr. and Mary Antolick.  When Joe was 7 the family moved to Oakland California where he lived until graduating from Freemont High School in 1961.  After one year of college Joe entered Local Union 595 as an Apprentice Electrician . He graduated as a Journeyman Wireman in 1966 and enlisted in the Army.  While stationed at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, Joe was blessed to meet the love of his life, Lucy.  Married in May of 1968 they spent the next 15 months on military assignment in Germany.  They loved living overseas where they visited several countries while immersing themselves in the different cultures.  After his honorable discharge Joe and Lucy returned to California where he began work as a Journeyman Wireman Welder on various construction jobs.  Joe’s work allowed them to travel throughout the country while he worked a variety of jobsites including the Alaskan Pipeline, Salem Power Plant in New Jersey, West Virginia power plants, and Grand Coulee Dam.  In 1977 they chose to make their home in Benton City, Washington where their two children were born and raised.  Joe took great pride and enjoyment from his family and they were always the center of his world.  Over the years, Joe worked for various contractors on the Hanford site ultimately retiring in 2009 from Grant County PUD.

Joe was happiest hunting in the mountains of Idaho and Montana and fishing the waters of the Pacific Northwest.  He loved the outdoors and always enjoyed telling stories of his adventures.  Other hobbies included camping, traveling, raising mules, piloting airplanes, volunteering and gardening.  Joe often planted enough fruit and vegetables to feed an army and took pleasure in growing and giving his produce to friends, family, and even acquaintances.  Joe was an active Masonic member of the Benton Lodge #277 F&AM of Washington and a member of the Shriners.  

Joe was charismatic and enjoyed life to its fullest. One thing is certain; you always knew where you stood with him.  He was a caring, hardworking, and loyal son, husband, father, mentor, and friend. He will be greatly missed.

 Joe is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lucy Antolick, mother, Mary Antolick, daughter Kate Maciboba (Steve), and son John Antolick.  He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Sr. and sister, Barbara Martin.

A celebration of life will be held at the Events at Sunset, 915 Bypass Hwy, Richland WA 99352 on Saturday, December 12^th at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy.