JACK MICELI (08/15/1928 to 09/13/2024)

Jack Miceli (August 15th 1928 to September 13th 2024) was born and raised in Dearborn, Michigan to a loving Italian Catholic family. His family had only arrived in the United States during the 1890's and found themselves part of the Great Depression a few decades later. Jack and his siblings learned the meaning of hard work; his first car was a model A that he pieced together from junk yard parts. The family survived the times by making do with their own garden and homemade wine.

In his teens, Jack graduated Dearborn Fordson High in 1946 and was an exceptional track, baseball, basketball, and football athlete. During his twenties, he considered moving to Hollywood after his friend Harry Guardino suggested he try acting; but Jack had another path; duty called and he served in the US Air Force during the Korean War as a radio technician and was Honorably Discharged in 1952.

Jack was a third generation "Ford" man; his grandfather was one of Henry Ford's first factory workers, followed by his father Frank; Jack started his automotive career working in the Ford Rouge Plant and later as a technician in their former Dearborn Central Lab. Jack retired from Ford Motor Company in 1987 with 40 years of service.

If you were around the former Dearborn Rotunda Softball Fields in the 70's and 80's, you might remember our dad as the manager of Ford-Adray sponsored softball teams. In addition to countless league and tournament victories, he led his players to several USSSA Industrial League World Championships and was inducted into their Hall of Fame as Manager in 1993.

Jack met his wife Nina and raised their family in Farmington Hills. Although they divorced in 1997, they remained good friends in their later years. Jack always provided for his family; in one instance, his teenage daughter asked for a horse; City Hall and local neighbors were not thrilled about the idea; but his daughter got her horse regardless!

In retirement, Jack remained an avid outdoorsman and continued to hunt and fish at Canada Creek Ranch in Atlanta, Michigan. In retirement, he moved to Cape Coral, Florida and enjoyed tanning in the hot winter sun and relaxing by the pool, which he preferred to be bathwater warm for some reason!

We are so proud of our dad for his 96 years of strength, support, a soft heart, a beautiful smile and Sunday meatballs. Before his passing, he was able to spend quality time with his great-grandchildren, Wilma, Leland and Louis.

Jack is survived by his daughter Lisa Beckwith (Don); daughter Joanne K Galorneau (Louis) Son Jack M. Miceli; Grand-children Donald J. Beckwith (Holly); Dylan Beckwith; Gordon Garlorneau; Jake Galorneau (Jackie); Great Grandchildren Wilma; Leland; Louis.
A gathering of family and friends will take place at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home 41555 Grand River Novi on September 28, 2024 from 10:00am until the service at 11:30am.
The inurnment with military honors will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery on September 28, 2024, at 1:00pm