Norbert R. Czernia

Norbert A. Czernia, age 77, of Monroe, passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in his home. Norbert was born May 21, 1945 in Detroit; he was the son of Walter and Isabelle (Cebulski) Czerniak. He married JoAn M. Ciacelli October 5, 1991. He was a 1963 graduate of St. Alphonsus High School in Dearborn and obtained his associate degree in business management from Wayne State University. Norbert served in the United States Army as an X-Ray Technician from May 27, 1967 until his honorable discharge January 19, 1968. He worked in the automotive industry for 45 years and finished his career serving 34 of those years as the Director of Purchasing and Production Control for Midway Products retiring in 2011. Norbert and his best friend, JoAn, ran the world famous NORJO’s Café in downtown Monroe from 2006 to 2018 where he entertained friends with his conversations and stories while JoAn and daughter Jammie cooked and served customers. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where he served as an usher. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. Norbert liked to make people laugh, he was very patriotic, collected Civil War, World War I and II memorabilia, and is known for his elaborate decorations of his house and yard for every holiday. He also enjoyed gardening, feeding the wild animals, traveling the world and most of all attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events. He is survived by his wife, and best friend, JoAn; three children, Christopher Czernia of Virginia, Jodie Williams of Charlotte, NC and Julie Gemmel of Flat Rock; son-in-law, William Walters of Monroe; daughter-in-law Michelle Czernia; sister-in-law, Jackie Czerniak; fourteen grandchildren, Tyler (Brianna), Colin, Samantha (Joshua), Alexandria (Collin), Corbyn (Nicholas), Isabella, Anna, Mathieu, Kyla, Carson, Daniel, Lucy (Jason), Ian and Brett and one great granddaughter, Giada James. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Jammie Walters, and brother Robert Czerniak. Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, where a Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. He will lie instate Monday at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Mass of the Resurrection at 11 a.m. Rev. David Burgard will officiate with Deacon Michael Stewart as the homilist. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation or Friends of Companion Animals. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.