Joseph Frank Nazione

Joseph Frank Nazione, 83, of Berkley, formerly of Detroit, passed away after a brief illness on October 29, 2021, at McLaren Hospital in Lapeer in the presence of his children. Joseph grew up in Detroit, where he met the love of his life, Sharron Dingel and was wed on January 30, 1960. Together they had six children.  As an adult in 1989, he earned is diploma from Lincoln High School to set an example for his children. He retired from General Motors after 33-5 years of service.

In more recent years, he enjoyed having coffee with his best friend, Jim Katchman, watching his favorite actor, John Wayne and spending time with his dog, Teddy. Jim and Joe recently traveled to the John Wayne Memorial together. Joe would often quote John Wayne saying, ”A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.” He would joke with daughters and granddaughters that “it’s a man’s world.”  Teddy went everywhere Joe went including a number of garage sales.  Joe’s car, or any car in which he was a passenger, would stop at every garage sale where he would buy something because “it was a good deal.”  He enjoyed watching his grandchildren compete in sporting events.  Joseph will be dearly missed and always remembered.

Joe lost his wife, Sharron, after 50 years of marriage to stomach cancer on March 4, 2010. Joseph was preceded in death by his mother and father, Frank and Phyllis (Stempien) Nazione, his close cousin, Thomas Stempien and his twin sister, Francis Sakmar.  He is survived by his children, Pinky (Steve) Grabowski, Cathey (late Rob, Jeff Sawchuk) Hannick, Mary (Fred) Sleppy, Frank (Kim Shelberg) Nazione, JoAnn (Chad Mayes) Gleason, Joseph (Alisa) Nazione, his 14 grandchildren, his 12 great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Joseph requested a celebration of life to be held in his honor. we request all of Joe's loved ones to join us in celebrating his beautiful life on Friday, April 22, 2022, visitation 10:00 A.M.-11::00 A.M. at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 6645 Washington Street, North Branch, MI 48461. Rev. Jim Houbeck willbe officiating. Luncheon following Mass.

You may share an online condolence to the family at www.blackburnchapel.com

Arrangements by Blackburn Chapel Martin Funeral Home

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