Joseph G. Taksony
Joseph George Taksony was born August 1,1923 in Detroit, Mich., to Charles and Ester Taksony as the youngest of six children. He had a great childhood and told us many great stories of how he grew up. He was doted on by his sisters and learned to play the harmonica, and played baseball in the neighborhood streets with his brothers. His love for baseball followed him throughout his lifetime.
When World War II broke out, the Taksony boys joined the military. Joseph joined the Army Air Corp and spent his time overseas in the Pacific Theater. With the war ending, and the troops coming home, Joseph returned to his Detroit neighborhood. There he met “the love of his life,” Anna Engi. It was love at first sight for both of them. They soon were married, and the couple honeymooned in Niagara Falls, N.Y. They returned to their hometown where the couple set up housekeeping, finding jobs, buying a house and starting a family. Children soon came along to make a very happy family.
Four years later the job market was less than desirable, and the couple decided to become adventurous and move to the West Coast. Off they journeyed to Southern California, the land of sunshine, oranges and golden opportunity. It was the 50’s and Joseph found a job in the aeronautics industry. Soon, another child came along, completing their family. The family stayed in California making their home and raising their three children. Joseph became interested in amateur radio and became a “HAM” radio operator. He dove into his newfound hobby whole heartedly. A desk, shelves, radios, speakers, phones, code key, clocks and maps soon filled their den, which became the radio room. WA6HI<G were his call letters. He connected with other operators all over the globe. With Joseph’s radio interest, and connection with his “radio buddies” he learned about Whidbey Island. The island in the Puget Sound intrigued him.
In 1968 the couple vacationed in the Pacific Northwest and found Whidbey Island. It was once again love at first sight. In 1970 they sold their home in California and relocated to South Whidbey where they have lived and enjoyed their lives together.
Joseph recently suffered from several strokes, and peacefully passed away July 7,2012. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, son Steven Taksony, and daughter in law Martha Taksony.
Joseph is survived by his beloved Anna, son George Taksony of Clinton, daughter Tina and Bob Gabelein of Langley, 10 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren.
Joseph was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. We know you’re in heaven playing your harmonica, and watching the Seattle Mariners. We all love you, and will miss you. Until we all meet again, God Bless you Dad.
