Joseph Giarmo

Joseph Francis Giarmo, 93 years, a life long resident of Monroe, MI passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at Fountain View of Monroe. Born April 10, 1916 in Monroe, Joe was the son of the late Antonio and Petrina (Scherra) Giarmo. Joe was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church of which he was a member. He also attended St. Joseph School. On June 13, 1941 Joe married his beloved wife the former Dorothy Shanaberger also at St. Joseph Church. Sadly after 33 years of marriage, Dorothy preceded him in death in September of 1974. Joe served his country proudly during WWII, from July 29, 1942 to November 24, 1945 in the European Theater as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. For his meritorious service Joe received the Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, American and EAME Theater Service Medals with 4 Bronze Stars and the Victory Medal. Joe owned and operated Giarmo’s Gulf for 20 years, he then went on to work as a Millwright at Ford Motor Company’s Monroe Plant for an additional 20 years from which he retired in 1978. Joe was a member of VFW Post 1138, American Legion Lynn C. Weeman Post, Moose Lodge # 884, Knights of Columbus Council #1266 and UAW Local 723 of which he was a past Vice President. Joe will be most remembered for his love of sports, most notably boxing. Joe taught, trained and mentored hundreds of youths in the art and sport of boxing for over 60 years. Joe’s Boxing Club, named in his honor, still portrays Joe’s love of the sport. For his devotion to the sport of boxing Joe received the Golden Bell Award in 1986 and the Life Time Achievement Award on Martin Luther King Day in 2007 at the Stewart Road Christian Ministries Center. Joe also received tributes from the City of Monroe, twice honoring him with “Joe Giarmo Day”. Joe received special recognition’s from the Hon. John Dingel, Gov. John Engler, Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Sen. Randy Richardville and the late Rep. Herb Kehrl. Most of all Joe was a family man, he is survived by his loving daughter and son in law; Kay and Larry Sortor, 5 cherished grandchildren; Tony Giarmo II, Lori (Joseph) Lopresti, Chad (Gerlyn) Giarmo, Larry Sortor Jr. and Todd Sortor, 4 treasured great grandchildren; Dante Joseph Sortor, Meredith, Ryan and Anna Lopresti, 1 brother; Vincent (Jim) Giarmo, and 1 sister; Anne (Leonard) Furnari all of Monroe. In addition to his beloved wife and parents, Joe was preceded in death by his son Tony, a great grandson Tony Giarmo III, 4 brothers; Sam, Frank, Bill and John Giarmo and 2 sisters; Marion Costello and Marianna Giarmo. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-8 PM and Thursday from 1-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home where the Rosary will be prayed at 6 PM. On Friday, November 13, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monroe a Mass of the Resurrection celebrating Joe’s life will be held at 10:00 AM. Those attending the Mass are encouraged to arrive between the hours of 9:00 and 10:00 AM. Fr. William Fisher pastor of the church will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Food Closet, Joe’s Boxing Club or American Heart Association. *PLEASE NOTE VISITATION AND FUNERAL SERVICE CHANGES*