Julius J. Tiziani

MARQUETTE, Mich. - Julius Joseph Tiziani (Tiz), age 84, passed away on March 23, 2015, at his home at 1511 Lynn St., Marquette, following a lengthy illness in the loving care of his family.

Julius was born in Ironwood on January 18, 1931, to Julius Antoine and Mary (Pertile) Tiziani. He was the middle child of three who grew up in Ironwood and attended St. Ambrose Catholic School. When he was going into high school his family moved to Land O' Lakes, Wis., because his father had been given a promotion on the railroad. He attended Watersmeet High School and graduated at the top of his class in 1948. He enjoyed partridge hunting, golfing at the Red Fox Run, camping and all sports especially playing basketball. But the most important thing to him was the time that he shared with his family.

After high school he attended Northern Michigan University and graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in education and in 1960 with a Masters of Arts. He also attended Northern Iowa College and Michigan State University with additional studies in business administration. His first teaching position was in Rockland in 1952-53.

On July 18, 1953, he married the love of his life, May Lou (Aho) Tiziani, from Marquette at St. Peter's Cathedral. He then enlisted as an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1953-1956 with service in Japan, Korea and Corona, Calif. Upon leaving the Navy he became a teacher in Watersmeet Public Schools from 1956-62, and Marquette Public Schools from 1962-1969. In 1969 he became the Business Manager and later the Assistant Superintendent of Finance for Marquette Public Schools. Julius coached varsity basketball at Rockland and Watersmeet, and later at Graveraet Middle School in Marquette. He retired from MAPS after 37 years of public service. He was the first member from the Upper Peninsula to be elected president of the board of directors of the Michigan School of Business Officials (MSBO).

Julius had many friends with Fred and Louis Taccolini of Marquette being two of his closest. Louis and Julius took their families camping together for many summers which enabled them to travel to all states in the continental US. He also enjoyed card games with his many friends, playing Marquette city league basketball, and going to watch local high school football and basketball games. He was also an avid coin and stamp collector and a loyal St. Peter's Cathedral parishioner.

Julius loved Mary Lou very much often making unique celebrations such as their every thousand days of marriage anniversaries. As of March 23, 2015, they had been married over 22,528 days.

Julius is survived by his loving wife of almost 62 years, Mary Lou; seven children, Mary (Ed) McKinney of Marquette, Jean (John) Korhonen of Negaunee, Gail (John) Whitney of Escanaba, Carol (John) Laux of Green Bay, Wis., John (Noelle) Tiziani of Marquette, Paul (Chauntel) Tiziani of Marquette, Scott (Mikki) Tiziani of Green Bay; and 16 grandchildren, Michelle (Jesse) Renfors, Jonelle (Chris) Thompson, Shaun Gannon, Tony Englund, Kelsey McKinney, Rachel Tiziani, Tara Englund, Christina (Jacob) McKinney Blotter, Chris Laux, Drew Laux, Tyler Englund, Kevin Tiziani, Mike Laux, Matthew Tiziani, Alexis Whitney, Jack Tiziani; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Julius was preceded in death by his father, Julius Antoine Tiziani; mother, Mary Tiziani; a sister, Mary Ann Caron Fisher; and a brother, Robert Tiziani.

Three words to best summarize Julius's life: Respected, loved and remembered.

Visitation will take place from 9:30-11 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2015, at St. Peter Cathedral. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. with Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber officiating followed by a luncheon. Pallbearers will be Louis Taccolini, Fred Taccolini, Ed Mckinney, John Korhonen, John Laux, and John Whitney. Interment will take place in Park Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Marquette Hospice, Dr. Tom Huffman, and Marcy.

The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.