Obituary of John Brandi

John "Jack" Brandi of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at Covenant HealthCare - Cooper. He was 88 years old. Jack Brandi was born on May 4, 1926 in Saginaw to the late Salvatore and Raffaela (Pito) Brandi. He was a proud 1943 graduate and salutatorian at St. Joseph High School. Jack then, at 17 years old, enlisted into the United States Navy serving during World War II on the USS Lumen. He then married his sweetheart, the love of his life, Donna Packard on April 28, 1951; she survives him. Jack worked for General Motor's, retiring as a General Supervisor in 1982 following 33 years of dedicated service. He was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church and a third degree knight with the Knights of Columbus #4232. Jack was also a member of the American Legion Post #439. He loved both Michigan State University sports and the Detroit Tigers baseball. He enjoyed walking at the Center Courts and fondly was known as one of the "6:00 a.m. Center Courts Crew". Above all he loved and cherished his family, especially his grandchildren. He will fondly be remember for Papa Jack's Cookies. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Covenant HealthCare. Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Donna Brandi of Saginaw; three sons and two daughters: Jon (Dawn) Brandi of Defiance, OH, Donald (Lois) Brandi of Waterville, OH, Mary Anne (Fred) Zingg of Saginaw, Alan (Susan) Brandi of Avon, CT, and Kristen Brandi of Saginaw; 11 grandchildren: Brett (Tiffany) Brandi, Derek (Audrey) Brandi, Zachary Brandi, Lance Brandi, Jackie Zingg, Stephen Zingg, Crystal (David) Rankin, Jim (Amy) Temple, Shirley (Dan) Schaller, Tina (Tom) Kuron, and Erica Blake, 11 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; and a sister, Mary Jane McDonnell of Saginaw; three sisters-in-law: Betty Passariello, Irene Packard, and Mary Ellen MacConnel. He was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters: Angelo, Irene, Daniel, Edith, Samuel, Joseph and Ralph. FUNERAL: Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn St. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit and Rev. Fr. James G. Heller will concelebrate. Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion Post #439 with Rite of Committal at St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening. Jack will lie in state at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Stephen Catholic Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.