Joseph J. Dattilo

Joseph Jude Dattilo, 74, of Dearborn, MI passed away on August 22 at Lakehouse Assisted Living in Escanaba. Born in Memphis, TN on November 19, 1950, son of Francis Dattilo and Amanda (Cornell) Dattilo, Joseph was raised in Detroit, MI where he attended St. Luke Elementary School and graduated from St. Gregory High School in 1968. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Wayne State University and taught school briefly in Levelland, TX before returning to the Detroit area. Feeling a possible call to the religious life, Joe spent a month with the Carmelite Friars in Little Rock, AK. Very astute with figures, Joe held accounting and inventory positions throughout his career.

Joe was born with scoliosis which in later life became very severe. Despite the handicap, Joe was active in sports, especially high school and college baseball and track. The Dattilo Family's personal thrill was to see Joe playing left field in Tiger Stadium in Detroit. An avid Motor City sports fan, Joe backed the Lions, Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings.

Joe enjoyed a variety of music from folk to rock and roll with classical music topping the list. Mozart touched his heart and soul.

Joe had a special fondness for cats. They provided him with many cozy and quiet moments.

No one he ever met walked away without realizing that Joe was a saintly person. Soft-spoken, humble, spiritual, full of kindness, Joe lived his Catholic Faith in thought, prayer and actions. He had a great devotion to St. Therese, The Little Flower, who showered him with many a rose over the years.

Joe's family meant everything to him. The youngest of four brothers, he hosted many family gatherings. Blessed with a phenomenal memory, Joe's recall of events, dates and details made him an American History buff as well as the family historian. He was the primary caregiver for his loving parents and was dedicated to their well-being.

Over the course of his life, Joe was a quiet, dignified man with a deep spirituality. He will always be remembered as a loving, generous brother and devoted friend.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Frank. He is survived by his brothers, Anthony Dattilo of Sarasota, FL and Philip (Maureen) Dattilo of Escanaba, MI. He leaves niece, Laura (Clay) Lumley, grandniece, Kaylin Lumley and grandnephews, Blake Lumley and Austin Lumley, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 27 from 10 until 11 AM at St. Joseph Church in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11 AM with a luncheon to follow. Burial will take place at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Pregnancy Services of Delta County or U.P. Health System Home Care and Hospice.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Lakehouse Assisted Living and the compassionate health care professionals at U.P. Health System Home Care and Hospice and Bellin Health My Home My Care.

To offer an online message of sympathy please visit www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Dattilo family.