Joseph Randazzo

Joseph Randazzo, age 88, died peacefully at the William Beaumont Hospital of Grosse Pointe on December 2, 2015. Joseph was born, Giuseppe Randazzo, in Terrisini, Sicily on January 5, 1927, the son of Salvatore and Maria Randazzo. In January of 1953 at the age of 26, Giuseppe immigrated to the United States. Like so many others, he heard about America and the opportunities that lie within. With determination and courage that became legendary, he set sail to America to fulfill his dreams. As a stow away on a freighter, Giuseppe was locked in a small dark room, next to the engines for almost 30 days. A friend worked in the kitchen and brought Giuseppe food when he could. At one time, he went without food or water for almost five days, because his friend that worked in the kitchen had taken ill and was unable to bring Giuseppe any provisions. Finally, after a grueling voyage, the ship docked in New Orleans for repairs. That's when Giuseppe got off the ship. Soon after, he arranged to live with his uncle, Antonio Bommarito, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan and eventually became an America citizen. His first job was at Ford Motor Company in Wayne, Michigan, where he worked on the assembly line. He saved enough money to buy a used truck and began peddling fruit & vegetables up and down the streets of Detroit. Not surprisingly, his business flourished and his many customers from nearby auto plants and neighborhoods would look forward to seeing Joe daily with his fresh produce. In 1956, Joe Randazzo opened his first store on the corner of Mound Road & Outer Drive in Detroit. Throughout the years, it underwent several expansions to meet the needs of his never ending line of customers. Joe has four children who are currently involved in running the produce business, as well as the upcoming third generation, his grandchildren. There are five locations throughout the Metropolitan Detroit area. Joe Randazzo's Fruit & Vegetable Markets has become one of the largest produce retailers in the Midwest. The story doesn't end there! In November of 1993 Joe purchased a nursery on Romeo Plank Road, at 25 Mile, in Macomb Township; another accomplishment after the success of the fruit and produce businesses. Mr. Randazzo's hobby was work. He loved to work and the nursery business became his pride and joy. When the nursery slowed down in the fall, he would go to Marco Island, Florida during the winter months. There he enjoyed fishing and playing cards with his buddies. Joe's grandchildren fondly remember the family stories he would share at the table during family, Sunday dinners. Mr. Randazzo is survived by his children; Samuel (Janet), Marie Urbani (Anthony), Patrina Bergamo (David), and Peter. He is the loving Pappa of Sam Randazzo, Annmarie Thursam (Scott), Sarah Urbani, Alexa Bergamo, Patrina Bergamo, Marina Bergamo, Joseph Randazzo, Peter Randazzo, Jr. and Jack Randazzo. Joe is also survived by two brothers, Carl Randazzo (Agnes) and Nino Randazzo (Joanne). He was predeceased by his wife Antoinette in 2012 and his siblings, Salvatore Randazzo, Rozena Millitello, Fillipo Randazzo and Maria Ventimiglia. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 pm Sunday at the A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue at Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm Sunday evening. On Monday, his body will lie instate from 9:30 am until mass begins at 10:00 am, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 467 Fairford Road at Morningside in Grosse Pointe Woods. Monsignor Patrick Halfpenny will officiate. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township. The family has suggested memorials be made to either The Capuchin Monastery, c/o The Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order, Attn: Development Office, 1820 Mt. Elliott Street; Detroit, MI 48207 or Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation, 3901 Beaubien- Mailslot 257, Detroit, MI 48201.