Joseph John Tiradani

BESSEMER, Mich. - Joseph John Tiradani, 99, a long-time resident of Bessemer, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, Dec. 29, 2017.

Joe was born on Nov. 6, 1918, in Ironwood, a son of Demetrio and Lena (Beauchamp) Tiradani. During his early teenage years, the family moved to Pennsylvania. They returned to Hurley, Wis., and he graduated from Hurley High School.

Following graduation, Joe worked at the A&P grocery stores in Ironwood and Minocqua, Wis. He was a salesman for Nabisco Biscuit Company and worked at a powder plant in Baraboo, Wis.

Joe was inducted into the U.S. Army on June 11, 1941. After basic training, he was assigned to Battery F, 18th Coast Artillery Corps. Joe was honorably discharged as a private on March 12, 1942.

On May 1, 1943, Joe was united in marriage to Mary Johanna Dalle Ave at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Ironwood by the Rev. Msgr. J.B. Moriarty.

They moved to Detroit, where Joe was employed by Ford Motor Company for many years in their dynamometer department. After his retirement, Joe and Mary made their home on beautiful Lake Gogebic and then on the east side of Bessemer.

He was a faithful member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer and a supporting member of the Gogebic-Iron County Paisano Club.

Joe took great pleasure going to the casino with his family. He was an excellent bowler, and his hobbies included coin and stamp collecting. Joe and Mary enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends in the United States and Europe, especially Italy. They absolutely loved going on cruises.  

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Mary; his cherished sister, Edith Richardson, Minneapolis; his devoted sister-in-law, Ada Facchinello, Bessemer; and numerous dear nephews, nieces, their spouses and children, friends and neighbors.

He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Emil; and a sister, Florence Nicholls.

The family is honoring Joe's life in a private funeral service. The Rev. Dominic Agyapong, pastor of St. Sebastian Catholic Church, will officiate.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place in Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer, in the spring.

Expressions of affection in a charitable contribution in Joe's memory are suggested in lieu of flowers to St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 210 E. Iron St., Bessemer, MI 49911.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the caring staff at Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center and Aspirus Ironwood Hospital for their compassionate, professional care and the many kindnesses extended to Joe and his family. Special acknowledgments are given to Rev. Frank Kordek OFM, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley and to his neighbor and friend, Bill Hepenbecker, who provided care and assistance to Joe.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.