Gino Michael Ala

Gino M. Ala, age 70 of Shelby Township, died Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at Beaumont Hospital in Troy. He was born on November 26, 1939, the son of the late Giuseppe and the late Gina (nee: Gazzei) Ala. Born in Siena, Italy, Gino and his family decided to make North America their new home and chose Windsor, Ontario, Canada in which to reside. They made that move in 1951 when Gino was a mere 12 years of age. Ten years later, the family relocated again, this time to Detroit. Two years later, in 1963, Gino made the ultimate sacrifice for his new country by serving as a sailor in the U.S.Navy. Following his leave from active duty, he went on to serve two more years in the Naval Reserves. With thanks & praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to Gino for the part he played in helping to protect & preserve the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today. In April of 1966, Gino's life was gloriously enhanced when he was blessed to watch his bride walk down the aisle, and the two would become husband and wife. Together, he and Fran shared 44 wonderful years of marriage, built and nurtured their home, and raised 3 beautiful boys; Greg, Geoff, and Michael. In 1968, with his engineering education and skills in tow, Gino was hired by General Motors where he extended the utmost in dedicated service, for over 30 years, until his retirement in 1998. But engineering wasn't his only skill. When he wasn't working, he truly enjoyed exercizing one of his other great skills through his finesse with firearms. Gino was an avid hunter who spent many-an-hour in the woods of Cass City and Newberry, Michigan chasing his prey. Yet, his sights were much more broad as his hunting portfolio also included places such as; Wyoming, South Dakota, New Mexico, Colorado, and Iowa. Being the consummate firearms enthusiast, his marksman skills were also realized in the realm of Trap and Skeet shooting. For over 40 years, Gino was involved in numerous trap and skeet competitions, and won a plethora of awards and trophies that reflected his talents. He was a member of the North Macomb Sportsman Club, and a longtime member of the Michigan Trapshooters Association, the American Trapshooters Association, and the National Rifle Association. Along with his shooting prowess, Gino was also a mentor to many kids in the art of firearms use. His appreciation was so deep that he wanted to make sure the little ones got off on the right path. Gino also loved to travel. Not only on his hunting excursions, but as a "Snowbird" as well. For the past 6 years, the winter months found he and Frances hitting the road for sunnier & warmer climates like Arizona and Florida...and all of this while cruisin' in the camper. Gino was passionate about his family, devoted to his friends, and devout in his catholic faith. He was an Awesome Dad & Grandpa, known more affectionately as "Nonno." The lives he touched were many, and the legacy of love he leaves behind will be a beacon to all in the memories they've built to last a lifetime. Beloved husband of Fran. Loving father of Gregory, Geoffrey (Shannon), and Michael (Margaret) Ala. Dear grandfather "Nonno" of Anthony, Nicholas, Isabella, Bianca, Sloan, and Colin. Brother of Rose Mary (Dan) D'Aloisio, and brother-in-law of Theresa (Ken) Kowalski. Visitation for Gino will be on Friday, August 27th from 3:00-9:00pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd) in Warren. He will lie in state Saturday, 11:30am at St. Clement Catholic Church until the time of his Funeral Mass at 12:00pm. Officiating will be Rev. Father Mike Gawlowski. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcomed to the American Cancer Society-or-visit on-line at http://tinyurl.com/24g5qnq for donation instructions. Please share memories of Gino at his guest book.