Angelo Antonio Persichini

He was born June 2, 1924, in Valleluce, Province of Frosinone, Italy to Loreta (Pacitto) Persichini and Nicola Persichini. In 1934, he and his family came to America and settled in Detroit, Michigan.

Angelo joined the United States Navy in 1943 and served until 1946. Angelo was a proud member of the Aviation Ordinance Crew of the USS Franklin CV-13, and valiant survivor of the 1945 bombing of ‘Big Ben,’ just 66 miles shy of the coast of Japan. Angelo was blown from the ship and spent nearly 7 hours floating in the water before climbing aboard a rescue vessel. The USS Franklin came closer to the coast of Japan than any ship during World War II and was awarded four battle stars. Angelo was personally awarded a Naval Medal for Good Conduct, an Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, an American Campaign Medal, and most importantly, a Purple Heart Medal for his service.

A man of many hobbies and interests, Angelo lived his life to the fullest. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of tying knots learned in his Navy years (he is said to have known more than 10,000 knots), enjoyed woodworking and gardening, and played the harmonica and Native American Flute. He created prayer rosaries and donated many to the marines and churches. Angelo enjoyed spending time in the woods of Northern Michigan, hunting and tending land on the family ranch. Angelo was an avid source of knowledge of both Native American History and traditions, and of World War II history. Family, friends, and strangers alike loved listening to Angelo’s many detailed stories.

Angelo was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. He cherished his time with family, and always greeted everyone with a smile, laugh, or joke. Always positive, always grateful, Angelo was a devoted Roman Catholic who treasured each day of his life and shared his infectious love of life with all whom he met.

Angelo met Joan Darlene (Christensen) in 1952 in Tacoma, Washington, and they were married in 1953 and spent nearly 67 beautiful years together. He is survived by his loving wife, along with three children Nick (Janice), Michael (Teri), and Laurie. Angelo and Joan have 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters Annie, Rose, and Dorothy, and many loving cousins and friends. Angelo was preceded in passing by his parents Loreta and Nicola, his two dear sisters Angelina and Mary, and his dear son Patrick Persichini.

A family service will be held Monday, April 6th 2020. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.