Joseph B. Abair

Joseph B. Abair, 80, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 8:15 a.m. Saturday, May 15, 2021 in Dujarie House at Holy Cross Village, Notre Dame, IN.

He was born on June 21, 1940 to the late Calvin and Genevieve (Hamilton) Abair in Niles, MI.  He moved from Niles, MI to Fishers, IN in 1980, and has lived in South Bend since 2017. Along with his parents; his wife, Doris A. Abair; and one step daughter, Layne Hotseller also preceded him in death.

Joseph graduated in 1959 from Niles High School in Niles, MI, before serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1959 -1962.  He worked as a Cryogenics Technician before retiring in 2006.

On March 21, 1981, he married Doris A. Southerton in Lawrence, IN.  She passed away on December 13, 2003.

Joseph is survived by his daughter, Gale (Ken) Piekarski of Niles, MI; grandson, Jason (Tima) Harwood of Northville, MI; two great grandchildren, Nolan and Mia Harwood, both of Northville, MI; one brother, Dan (MaryAnn) Abair of Niles, MI; one step daughter, Stephany Matthews of Fishers, IN; one step son, Scott Pavey Greenwood, IN; four step grandchildren, Zach (Stephanie) Matthews; Phil (Heather) Matthews; Mandy (Keith) Hall; Sarah (Ricky) Wessel; seven step great-grandchildren; and one cousin, Monte (Linda) Abair of Buchanan, MI.

Joseph was a recent member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in South Bend, IN; and a former member of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN.  He enjoyed NASCAR racing, riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, his Ford Mustang, and spending time with his family.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Plainview Cemetery in Macy, IN, with Pastor Jeremiah Jording officiating.  Military Honors will also take place.

Memorial contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society, 225 Michigan Ave #1200, Chicago, IL 60601 or Indiana Parkinson Foundation, 14350 Mundy Dr #800, Noblesville, IN 46060.

Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, IN is handling arrangements.  To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewsk.com.

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