MICHAEL F. MIKE NAVETTA

Expired at age 70 on September 8, 2001, after a courageous battle with a protracted series of medical challenges. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Donna, son Michael and his wife Kimberly, daughter Laurie Dudek and her husband Steve, four grandchildren (Danielle and Jason Dudek, Ann Marie and Michael Navetta), and four sisters (Zena Marcucci, Carmela Mazurco, Angela Borin, and Lucy Salas). He was preceded in death by parents Francesco and Maria Navetta, brothers Louis and Christopher, and sisters Carmela Navetta and Josephine Procarione. He was the patriarch of a proud family-committed, even through illness, to advancing the well-being of Donna, Michael, Laurie and his grandchildren. He cherished his grandchildren, the focal point of his latter years. Mike was a spirited, fun-loving man. He shared a passion for dance with Donna. In earlier years, the two competed successfully in the regional ballroom circuit. Prior to his disability, he continued to entertain family and friends with front-lawn cartwheels and other acrobatic exploits. He was a driving force in the construction industry for nearly 50 years. He owned and operated one of the areas s largest masonry companies. Noted for his penchant for quality and creativity, he leaves a legacy of award-winning, brick, block and stone artistry throughout Michigan. Mike worked tirelessly throughout his career with architects, developers, other contractors and craftsman to promote masonry construction. In this regard, he served as President of the Mason Contractors Association, Chairman and President of the Masonry Institute of Michigan MIM and member of the Novi Construction Board of Appeals. Mike achieved great satisfaction in mentoring young people in the construction business and especially enjoyed his guest-lecturer role at Lawrence Tech, where he annually donned his Santa Claus costume to discuss fireplace and chimney design and construction with students. His commitment to two generations of young people is now recognized by MIM s annual award of the Michael Navetta Scholarship to a deserving architectural student. Mike was a combat veteran of the Korean War and recipient of the Bronze Star. He was active in the VFW and the Italian-American Club. A native Detroiter, he lived in Novi for the past 20 years. The family will receive friends at the O Brien-Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River, Novi (248-348-1800) Monday 4-9 p.m. and Tuesday 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass celebrating the life of this remarkable man will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Novi at 10:30 Wednesday with Interment following at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Detroit. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the University of Michigan Communicative Disorders Clinic, 1111 East Catherine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2054.