Joseph Manuel Paniaguas, 73, of Portage passed away in his home with his family on July 5, 2024.  He was born July 31, 1950, in Gary, Indiana to the late Manuel and Jennifer (Nee: Esposito) Paniaguas.

Joe was a brilliant man with Bachelor's Degree in Astrophysics and Master's Degrees in Physics from Indiana University, Bloomington. He attained a Bachelor's in Business and Mathematics from Purdue University, Calumet. He studied HVAC and Culinary Arts at Ivy Tech in Hammond. He worked for US Steel as a transportation supervisor and retired from there in 2004.  In 1975, he married Maureen "Kit" Mosier and together they raised four children.  When Joe wasn't busy working to protect and provide for his family, he enjoyed spending time with friends and family: he was a lover of astronomy; sang his heart out at karaoke and he loved rebuilding computers and pinball machines. He was quick-witted and clever, he had a sense of humor, with no filter and he told it like it was all the way up to the end.  He loved his family and sacrificed for them at every turn, he was especially proud of his children and grandchildren.  Joe was a hard man with a huge heart and will be missed by many.

Joe is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kit; children, Daniel Paniaguas, Holly Paniaguas, Mande (Daniel) Jarosak, Tammy (Jack) Lundy; grandchildren, Annabelle, Vincent, McKenna, Lilliana, and "the twins" Greyson and Eva; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in passing by his sisters, Julie Stowers, Margaret "Peggy" Ostrander, and JoAnne Paniaguas.

A visitation will take place from 1:00pm – 7:00pm Thursday, July 11 at Rees Funeral Homes, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage, Indiana 46368, with a eulogy and Rosary at 6:30pm.  Prayers at 10:15am, Friday, July 12 at Rees Olson Chapel, and procession to Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am Friday, July 12 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 356 W 700 N, Valparaiso, IN 46385.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe's name may be made to:  Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ ; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/