Joseph Arnold Rotellini

Joseph Arnold “Little Joe” Rotellini of Northville, Michigan passed away at the age of 98 peacefully on February 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Joe will be remembered for his kind heart, the man everyone loved for his beautiful demeanor, steadfast loyalty and boundless willingness to help others.

Born on December 11, 1927, in Avella, Pennsylvania, Joe grew up surrounded by values of hard work, family and integrity. He spent his early years working on the family farm, playing as an accordion player in a Big Band after high school. He was called to serve his country in 1950, he entered the US Army and served honorably during the Korean War, stationed in Germany.

After his discharge in 1952, Joe moved to Detroit, Michigan where he was hired as welder in the Experimental Engineering Vehicle Building, contributing to innovative automotive development at Ford Motor Company. Joe had a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence; he worked on the first mustang model and quickly received recognition. He retired in 1985 after 33 years.

In 1954, he married the love of his life, Lillian Belli whom he met from a cousin in Follansbee, West Virginia. Joe and Lillian established their lives in Detroit and went on to have three children Joan, Joe and Ronald. While working full time and raising a family, Joe was a baseball coach for his boys, participated in recreational bowling and took up golf as one of his favorite sports. He enjoyed cooking and sharing his Italian pasta sauce with all.

He spent many years playing golf with his family and friends with many memories of Myrtle Beach trips annually. Joe and Lillian became “snowbirds” in Venice, Florida where they spent many years, creating cherished memories, enjoying the Florida Sunshine and where he spent the last days of his life in his “Happy Place”.

Joe will mostly be remembered for being the “rock” to his deceased wife Lillian, his three children, Joan (dec. Randy), Joe (dec. Lori), Ron (Cre). His grandchildren, Joey (Ashley), Marissa (Ben), Joel (Emily), Montgomery, Lily (RJ) and Madison (Ryan) and great- grandchildren, Lucia, Carson, Oaklyn, Isabella, Charlie, Ember, Georgia and Callahan (arriving in March 2026). He was our “hero”, our light and strength, and we all our better individuals because of the values, characters and lessons he demonstrated through his life.

Joe will be deeply missed, and his legacy will be carried on by his family and friends.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date.