Stefano Vecchio

Stefano Vecchio of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, passed away on December 3, 2024 at the age of of 92, just one month shy of this 93rd birthday.
He was the beloved husband of Nina for 65 years. Loving papa of Joe (Joci) and Fiorella (Mike). Cherished nonno of Stephen (Melissa) and Aleah. Adored great-nonno of John. Dear brother of Enrico (the late Maria), Michele (the late Teresa), and the late Antonio (Iolanda), Marietta (Pasquale DiLuzio) and Luigina (Rocco Nardone).
Stefano was born January 1st, 1932 and grew up in Caira Italy, in the shadow of Monte Cassino. As a young adult, he went to Caracas, Venezuela and Germany in search of work. While in Caracas, he would write letters to his future wife, Giovanna "Nina", in hopes that she would write back, and of course, she did. Giovanna and Stefano were married June 8th, 1959. Their son, Giuseppe "Joe", was born a year later and shortly after, they immigrated to Toronto, Canada, where many of their friends and family were already located. Their daughter, Fiorella, arrived in 1967. In 1973, Stefano moved his family to Dearborn Heights and worked alongside his two brothers in their jointly owned cement contracting company.
Stefano's passions were vegetable gardening, wine making, watching spaghetti westerns, shopping for clothes and playing bocce. He held the Bocce State Championship title for 3 years. However, his greatest accomplishment and joy was his family. He adored his grandchildren and his great-grandson.
Stefano will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace, with his spirit continuing to guide us. "Camba e fa camba" or "live and let live" was a favorite saying of his which embodied his love and need to help and share what he had with others.
Please join us to celebrate Stefano's 92 years of life, 65 extraordinary years of love with Giovanna, and 37 years of being a Nonno, that he so joyfully experienced.
Visitation Friday from 2-8 pm with a 7 pm rosary at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 Inkster Rd., Garden City. In state Saturday at 9 am with a 9:30 am funeral mass at St. Linus Catholic Church, 6466 N. Evangeline St., Dearborn Heights.
Family suggests memorials to Leukemia And Lymphoma Society. www.lls.org