Joseph R. Banas, 79, of Schererville, passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, August 30, 2026, with family at his side. 

Born on June 10, 1947, son of Anna M. and Joseph A. Banas, brother of David Banas. Joseph was born and raised in Gary, Indiana, and attended Holy Trinity Catholic School. He graduated from Andrean High School in 1965. He obtained a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University Lafayette, a Masters of Business Administration from DePaul University Chicago, and in 2007, he obtained a RN degree/license, graduating Summa Cum Laude with honors. He worked for Inland Steel for 35 years as an Industrial Engineer and Supervisor before working as a Registered Nurse at Methodist Hospitals in Gary for 12 years.

Joseph was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gloria Banas.

Joseph is survived by his only daughter, Christine, and husband, John Michael; his beloved grandchildren, Ryder, Dylan, Cruz, and Blake; brother, David Banas, and wife, Sharon; nephews, David J. Banas, and wife, Anna, and children, Steven Sersic, wife, Michelle, and children, and late Christopher Sersic, and daughter, Madeline Joy Sersic; cousins, Jim Banas, and wife, Sharon, and Jobeth Baker, Debbie Andrus, and Julie Topor. 

A memorial viewing will be held at 11:00 AM -1:00 PM and a service to follow at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN 46410, with burial service to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, 2305 W. 73rd Avenue, Merrillville, IN 46410.