Joseph R. Miecznikowski, age 82, of Hammond, IN passed away Monday, August 23, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan S.; 2 sons, Paul Miecznikowski of Highland, IN and Joseph (Susan) Miecznikowski of Hammond, IN; 4 grandchildren, Melissa Miecznikowski of Griffith, IN, Alex (Becky) Miecznikowski of Hammond, IN, Emily Miecznikowski of Hammond, IN and Mark Miecznikowski of Griffith, IN; 1 great granddaughter, Makayla Miecznikowski of Hammond, IN; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Sophie Miecznikowski, sister, Harriet Matson, step-father, Mike Jurczyk, and step-brother, Mike Jurczyk. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 27, 2010 at 10 AM directly from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 7132 Arizona Ave., Hammond, IN with Rev. Charles Mosley officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville, IN. Friends are invited to meet with the family on Thursday, August 26, 2010 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at LaHayne Funeral Home, 6955 Southeastern Ave., Hammond, IN and Friday morning at the church from 9:30 AM until time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of the Calumet Area, 600 Superior Ave., Munster, IN 46321. Joe was a lifetime resident of this area, a retired Battalion Chief from the Hammond Fire Department with 33 years of service, a veteran of the US Navy, and a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Church of Hammond, IN and International Association of Firefighters, Local # 556 of Hammond, IN. For information, call LaHayne Funeral Home at 219-845-3600 or visit www.lahaynefuneralhome.com.