Joseph Walter Boguszewicz "Roby Joe"

Joseph Walter Boguszewicz Jr., lovingly known as “Roby Joe,” age 88, of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Joe was the beloved husband of the late Virginia (née Graves) Boguszewicz, who preceded him in death on July 10, 2005. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and community. He was a devoted father to Cindy (Mike Ormes) Bailey and the late Johnny J. Boguszewicz. Joe was a proud and cherished grandfather to Shalena Bailey, Stacey Bailey-Negrete, Emily (Kathleen) Shattuck, and an adoring great-grandfather to Briana (Reyes), Olivia, Breccan, Nolan, Jiovanni, and Liliana. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him endless pride and joy, and he treasured every moment spent with them. Joe was also the dear uncle of Les (Cheryl) Gibbs. He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Baran Funeral Home, 1235 – 119th Street, Whiting, with Pastor Paul Vale of New Life Christian Church officiating. Interment at Concordia Cemetery in Hammond will follow. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Thursday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Expressions of sympathy may be placed online at www.baranfh.com.

Joe was born on June 21, 1937, in Roby, Indiana, to Joseph and Grace (née Paskis) Boguszewicz. He remained a proud lifelong member of the Whiting-Robertsdale community and a devoted member of New Life Christian Church. Joe dedicated 50 years of hard work to Amaizo, where he was known as a true “jack of all trades.” Over the years he shared his skills and knowledge with others and eventually taught welding before retiring in 2002. He took pride not only in his work, but also in the friendships he built throughout the years. Those who knew Joe knew he lived life with enthusiasm, humor, and a sense of adventure. In his younger years he even rode bulls with a traveling rodeo show and would ride his horse to work at Amaizo and the horse would walk itself home. He also enjoyed playing the drums with several bands, fishing, hunting, and cheering on his favorite teams—the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs. Joe was deeply connected to his community and stayed active in many local organizations, including the YMCA, SOKOL, the Hammond Disability Commission, Crime Watch, the Moose Lodge, and the Whiting Gun Club. He believed in helping others and being involved in the community he loved. Above all else, Joe’s greatest joy in life was his family. He loved gathering with them, sharing stories, laughter, and memories that will be cherished forever. His home and heart were always open, and his family knew they could count on his strength, guidance, and steady presence. He took great pride in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow, and nothing meant more to him than the time spent surrounded by those he loved. Joe will be remembered for his generous heart, his adventurous spirit, and the deep love he had for his family. Though he may be gone from our sight, the stories he told, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave will live on through the generations he leaves behind. His legacy is not only in the life he lived, but in the family who will carry his memory forward with love, laughter, and gratitude for having had him in their lives. (219) 659-4400.

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