Gregorio Marcello Massara

Gregorio Marcello Massara, age 94, of Novi, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Rose Senior Living in Novi.

Gregorio was born on February 5, 1931, in Detroit, the beloved son of Primo and Ellen (Panziera) Massara. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Lena Antonello, and together they shared 48 devoted years of marriage until her passing in 2004.

Gregorio proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he built a distinguished career as an engineer with Ford Motor Company, where he worked for 38 years. Known for being exceptionally precise and particular in his work, Gregorio took great pride in his profession and earned the respect of colleagues through his integrity, strong work ethic, and quiet leadership.

A man of many interests, Gregorio lived life on his own terms. He rode his motorcycle well into his late 80s, enjoyed a nightly Brandy Manhattan, and had a love of racquetball and bowling-winning many trophies in his younger years. He also cherished time spent fishing and hunting in northern Canada. An accomplished woodworker, Gregorio often created beautiful display pieces for Lena's artwork, blending his craftsmanship with his devotion to her talents.

Gregorio was known for his stoic nature and memorable one-liners that revealed his sharp sense of humor. He had a deep love for animals, especially cats, and always had feline companions by his side-two of whom remained with him at the time of his passing.

He and his family shared countless treasured memories at the cottage he built in Gaylord, a place filled with laughter and togetherness during his children's younger years. In 1995, Gregorio and Lena moved to South Carolina for retirement, where he formed many lasting friendships and continued to be admired for his character, honesty, and quiet strength.

Gregorio is the loving father of Michelle (James) Nordberg, the late Michael (Sallie) Massara, Donald (Fran) Massara and the late Andrew (Mellisa) Massara; cherished grandfather of Tory (Jessica) Massara, Bianca (Thomas Schriver) Massara, Madison (Jesse) Leister and Luca (Florence) Massara; great grandfather of Lilianna Massara, Ascher Massara and Jessie Leister. Sadly, Gregorio was preceded in death by his siblings, Rita Foresi, Dino Massara and Denise Massara.

Above all, Gregorio was a man of integrity-well respected, deeply principled, and steadfast in all aspects of his life. He will be remembered with love and admiration by all who knew him.