Joseph D. Bacik was born to parents Joseph P. and Irene Bacik on March 28, 1931, in Montreal, Canada. At a young age he moved to Ohio and became a United States citizen in March 1944.

He attended Miami of Ohio University and received a Bachelor or Arts in 1954. Later in life, he received a Masters from the University of Northern Colorado.

He had a stellar military career, retiring after twenty years of service with the United States Air Force. During that time, he was awarded The Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Medal. He received an honorable discharge in December 1976.

After retiring from the military, he moved to San Diego, California, to be close to his mother Irene. While there, he had a second career with Wells Fargo Guard Service and moved up the ranks to Operations Manager.

After his mother passed, Joseph moved to Orlando, Florida, to be close to his daughter Jill. He began to attend the University of Florida football games and became a fervent supporter of the team.

Joseph loved music. He played the violin from a young age and continued to play faithfully until an injury caused him to stop. He was also very active in choir, participating through his collegiate career. He was known to energetically break out in song or hum a happy time.

Joseph was very well read, and had a extensive appetite for knowledge. He had an extensive library and favored the classics, as well as books on military history.

One of his favorite poems was The Tyger by William Blake. This poem may have also been the impetus for his fascination with tigers, which he held throughout his life.

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The Tyger by William Blake

Tyger, Tyger, burning bright,
In the forests of the night;
What immortal hand or eye,
Could frame they fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies,
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare, seize the fire?

And what shoulder, & what art,
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand? And what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain,
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? what dread grasp,
Dare its deadly terrors clasp!

When the stars threw down their spears,
And water'd heaven with their tears:
Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?

Tyger, Tyger burning bright,
In the forests of the night:
What immortal hand or eye,
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

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Joseph lived on his own terms and was one to say," Not bad for a ninety year old." While his sarcasm was not everyone's cut of tea, he had a very big heart and was very generous. He was very loyal to his friends and family.

Joseph passed peacefully on Sunday, May 23rd after a short bout with pneumonia and other underlying heath issues. His greatest accomplishment was being a father. Even during his long absences during his military service, Jill was always aware of his love and support. In addition, Joseph kept every card and letter that Jill gave to him.

Joseph is survived but his daughter, Jill Bacik Yde; his son in law John Yde; and his nephew Michael Bacik.

Per his wishes, there will not be a service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the three charities that he supported thought his life. These were St. Judes Children's Research Hospital, St. Joseph's Indian School, and the Wounded Warrior Project.