Tulio Carlesimo June 22, 1936 - July 31, 2026.

On July 31, 2026 heaven gained an angel. Tulio “Lee” Carlesimo was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, great uncle, great-great uncle and faithful servant. He was born on June 22, 1936 to the late Raphael and Antonia (Lucchese) Carlesimo in Lafayette, Indiana. Beloved husband to Barbara Carlesimo. Proud father to Linda Powell and Paul Carlesimo. Cherished grandfather of Dominic and Oliver Powell, and Nicolas and Mia Carlesimo. Brother in law of Angela (the late Edward) deNaVarre. Dearest uncle of Laura (Gerard) Wickett, Donna (Michael) Wilchek, Alan Catallo, Marianne (Dan) Boland. Great uncle to Bill (Mikki) Wickett, Amy Wickett, Maggie (Kevin) Wickett-Altier, Matthew (Chelsea) Wilchek, Katelyn (James) St. George, Lauren and Hanna Blanck, and Kaitlin Boland. Lee is preceded in death by his sister Rose (Louis) Catallo and niece/nephews Katie Blank, Edward and Anthony deNavarre.

Tulio attended U of D High School and U of D Mercy University. Lee left school to join the army in 1958. As a Motor Officer in the A Co 1st Bn 3rd A/C Regt FGGM Md, Lee was qualified to operate heavy machinery. He trained other military personnel to use artillery for the tanks. Although the military wanted him to stay, Lee was honorably discharged so he could work with his father. 

Lee met the love of his life at a party. Barbara and her girlfriends, in the summer of 1964, attended a gathering in the Detroit area. As luck would have it, Lee was also there. They started talking and when they exchanged names, he told her she would never guess his name. She said try me. He said my name is Tulio. She said, I know that name; I’m Italian and know lots of Tulio’s! He was able to get her number and he was pretty excited. He ended up having a drink or two and Barb had to drive him home. The rest was history. 

On April 23, 1966, he married Barbara Guerrera of Grosse Pointe at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church. They raised their family and lived in Northville for over 30 years before retiring to East Jordan on Lake Charlevoix. After almost 20 years on the lake, they moved to the west side of the state. Lee and Barb were happily married for over 60 years.

His father established an underground construction firm. When it was time to retire, Lee was in line to take over the business. Being that family was always at the forefront, he brought in his brother-in-law Louis, and Louis’ nephew to be business partners in addition to his friend Vince. They renamed the company to Pi-Con (Pipeline Construction) and the four of them ran the company successfully as equal partners for over 35 years.

Lee was devoted to providing for his family and serving the church. He volunteered at Our Lady of Sorrows as an usher for many years. Devoted to the church, Tulio helped thousands through generous donations to multiple Catholic charities. Even in his final hours, Lee wanted to make sure his family and friends knew how much they meant to him and that we would continue to carry on his legacy of giving to those less fortunate.

Tulio died peacefully in the presence of his family. A visitation will be held, Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at O’Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI 48375. A funeral will occur on Friday, August 14, 2026, Instate 9:30 AM until time of mass at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23815 Power Road, Farmington, MI 48336. He will be entombed at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a Catholic Charity of your choosing. 

We’ll see you in Paradise.