Joseph Fittante

Joseph Fittante, age 83, of Caspian, MI, passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at his home. He was born May 7, 1932 in Caspian, MI, the son of the late Tony and Rosia (Folina) Fittante. He graduated from Stambaugh High School with the Class of 1950. He was a U. S. Army Korean War Veteran. Joseph married the former Katherine “Kathy” King on September 29, 1962 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Gaastra. The couple were married for 53 years and were lifelong residents of the area. Joseph was employed by the M.A. Hanna Mining Company for 17 years until injury forced his retirement and served as Vice President of Local 1724 for three years prior to the closing of the Homer-Wauseca Mine. He was a member of the Caspian City Commission and was elected as Mayor of Caspian, being the youngest elected in the state. He also served on the West Iron County Board of Commissioners, was Vice Chairman of the Iron County Board, Chairman of the Building and Insurance Committee, a member of the Welfare Committee, Negotiations and Veterans Committee, Civil Defense Committee, Caspian Progressive Men, American Legion Reino Post # 21 of Stambaugh, and Caspian Fire Department. He was also a member of the West Iron County Credit Union Board, Medicare Board, and Department of Health and Human Services Board for many years. Joseph was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian, the Holy Name Society, and the Duc D’Abruzzi Lodge for 45 years. He enjoyed making wine, hanging supressa, and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. He was a kind and happy man and never had an enemy. Joseph is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons, Joseph (Ann) Fittante of Bates, and Michael (Jennifer) Fittante of Negaunee, MI; brother, Sam (Mary) Fittante of Warren, MI; 11 grandchildren and one great granddaughter; nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Fittante; son, Mark Fittante; grandchild, Kristin Fittante; brother, Louis Fittante; sisters Annette Krans, Angeline Canale, and Mary Jacobson. Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 16, 2016 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian, with Rev. George Maki to officiate. Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery in the spring. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites at the graveside. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Fittante, please visit our flower store.