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Obituary for Joseph Pascuzzi, Jr.
Joseph �Pap Pap Joe� Pascuzzi died peacefully in Stuart, Florida on Saturday December 1st, 2012 with his family at his bedside. At 82 years old he lived a long and prosperous life, taking full advantage of a gift of life he received 12 years ago through a heart transplant at Cleveland Clinic. A dedicated husband to Claudette for 56 years and committed father to Joe (Kristen) Pascuzzi, Genee (Marty) Warmuskerken, Tom (Shannon) Pascuzzi, and Maresa (Jeff) Tokarz, he enjoyed his grandchildren Amanda, Natalie, Anna, Jeffrey, Mary, Nicholas, Andrew and Matthew to the fullest as well. He is survived by his younger brother Ron of Trenton, Michigan. Joe is preceded in death by his sister, Betty Long.
Born October 5th, 1930 in Avella, Pennsylvania, Joe excelled at athletics and outdoor activities including hunting and fishing. He served our country proudly in the United States Air Force from 1951-55. He played football and baseball sharing his love of sports while stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Following his military service he played football for the late Paul �Bear� Bryant at Texas A & M. He continued his football career and education at the University of Detroit from 1956-1959, where he met his loving wife Claudette and they started their family together.
After college he began his teaching and coaching career in the Detroit Catholic Schools, first at St. Hedwig and then at Birmingham Brother Rice. He taught mathematics and was head football coach at Brother Rice from 1963-1968, taking them to their first division championship in 1967. Following coaching he became the athletic director for the Detroit Catholic League. The Catholic League�s Joe Pascuzzi Track Award is named in his honor for serving ably, and championing improvements in track. Since 1975 the award has been presented annually to an outstanding male scholar-athlete in this sport. He was inducted as a Catholic League Hall of Fame Coach in 1977 and is recognized as a League Legend.
He went on to serve as athletic director at Chippewa Valley High School where he continued to mentor many young coaches. students and athletes. Later Joe became a successful insurance agent with the Franklin Life Insurance Company. He continued giving in business by providing opportunities to young new insurance agents. Always the competitor, he loved a round of golf and never turned down a skins game. His hunting dog was his pride and he enjoyed days in the woods and time on a lake or river fishing. He was an incredible chef, sharing his culinary skills and �Pap Pap Joe�s Pasta� with many friends and family over the years.
His wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends were blessed with his steady presence and enduring support over years. He will surely be missed but never forgotten as he touched so many lives in a positive way.
Friends may visit Sunday, December 9th from 2pm � 8 pm at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home 1368 N. Crooks Road, (between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Clawson, Michigan 48017. A prayer service will be held Sunday at 7pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Regis Parish 3695 Lincoln Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 on Monday December 10th at 10:30 a.m. Friends may visit at church beginning at 10am. A reception in his honor will follow at Maggiano�s 2089 West Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48084.
In lieu of flowers a gift to the Cleveland Clinic in his name is appreciated.
