Joseph Kiraly, Jr., age 74, passed away on May 21, 2026, at AMG Specialty Hospital, Crown Point, Indiana. He was formerly of the Towne Centre Assisted Living (Merrillville), Great Lakes Healthcare (Dyer), and Griffith, Indiana. Joe, born May 7, 1952, was a junior to his late father Joseph Kiraly, Sr.

Joe is survived by his mother, Florence (Puranch) Kiraly; sisters, Janet (John) Grosseto, and Linda McCann; brother, Dan (Marcia) Kiraly; nephew, Douglas McCann; nieces, Kimberly (Jared) Chipman, and Kyle Anne Kiraly; great nephew, Noah Bengtson; great niece, Kiralynn Chipman; and cousins, Marianne (late Bob) Beird, Leticia (late Elmer) Hart, Lavonne (late Jim) Wahlman, Lorraine Raketich, Donna (Gary) Girad, and Marc A. Ligocki.

Joe grew up in the Whiting/Robertsdale area, Goose Island, and graduated in 1970 from George Rogers Clark High School. He went on to have a successful career in the airlines, including being employed by American, Continental, and United. Joe loved to travel and had the opportunity to see the world, with his most memorable trip visiting the land of the pharaohs, Egypt.

Joe loved music, especially classic rock; his favorite was Robin Trower, followed by The Beatles and The Beach Boys. His other favorites were Peter Frampton, Santana, and Journey. During his residency in the San Francisco Bay area, he saw these artists when they were first starting out, either at the Golden Gate Park free concerts or the Cow Place. 

Joe loved ALL sports. We would often tease that he would watch any sport no matter what it was. He was a loyal fan to the Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, and the Chicago White Sox. He was present at many of the games that decided the teams’ championship and/or division titles. While residing in Tampa, Florida, he became a Tampa Bay Buccaneer seasoned ticket holder and saw them win the Superbowl. He also was able to see the Tampa Bay Lightning win the Stanley Cup. 

Per Joe’s personal request, there will be a burial service at the gravesite, at 10:30 AM, on July 18, 2026, at the Saint John – Saint Joseph Cemetery, 1547 167th Street, Hammond, Indiana. A memorial luncheon for family and friends will follow at Tiebel’s Family Restaurant, at 12:30 PM, 1775 US-41, Schererville, Indiana.

Joseph was an ardent dog lover, especially German Shepherds. In lieu of flowers, family and friends may donate in Joseph’s name on Facebook to the Lake County K9 Association or give a donation at the memorial luncheon.

Visit Joseph’s online guest book at www.mycalumetpark.com, 219-736-5840.