Michael Robert Pitlanish

Okemos, Michigan

Mike Pitlanish peacefully passed away in his sleep after a valiant fight with cancer on January 12, 2012 at the age of 74 surrounded by family. His last words were “I love you.” Loving Husband of Lucille (Lynn), married for 52 years in February, Loving Father of Kathy (Ray) Reno, Mary Lynn (Dennis) Arvanitis, John (Jan) Pitlanish, Susan Tinney, and Nancy (Randy) Foutch. Loving & Devoted Grandfather of Kelly, Claire, & Brooks Reno, Alexis & Andrew Arvanitis, Brenna & Heather Pitlanish, Chelsea & Emily Tinney, and Kate & Brynne Foutch. He is also survived by his brothers Tom (Elaine) and Richard (Diane) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and honorary family. Mike was preceded in death by his parents John & Anna Pitlanish and sister Shirley Swain.

Mike was born 11/18/1937 in Wyandotte, Michigan and graduated from Romeo High School in 1955. As the owner of a Mac Tool business, he was known as “Mr. Mac”, he later retired from Auto Value Parts in East Lansing and then worked as a part-time driver for Hot Shot Nuclear Medicine which he loved. When his children were younger, he was a coach, cheerleader and 4-H volunteer. He was a charter member of Knights of Columbus Council #7816 in East Lansing, Past Grand Knight of K of C Council #7545 in Williamston, Past Faithful Navigator of Assembly #2050 in Howell, Commander of the 4th Degree Color Corp., and Former District Deputy & State Director for the Knights of Columbus. As a member of the Lions Club, he was Zone Chairman, White Cane Chairman, Lion of the Year in 2005, and a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. He was a trustee for the Williamston Senior Center. In June 2011, his commitment to service was honored when he was named Citizen of the Year in Williamston.

Mike was a family man. He was known to his grandchildren as Gigi, Grandpa or Gramps and labeled the “Cool Grandpa” for wearing his tuxedo to dance recitals, soccer games and other sporting events, parties and more. He loved spending time with his family, particularly at his camper in Coldwater, MI. The success of his children and grandchildren were always a great source of pride to him.

His love for life, tireless determination, hard work, and love of God were traits that were passed on to all who knew him. He was always volunteering, asking others to get involved and reminding them why they should and how good they would feel afterward. He was a mentor and role model for his family and those he touched. At St. Mary’s he started the Red Cross blood drive, organized fish dinners, fundraisers, sold Tootsie Rolls, ushered, participated in the men’s prayer group and much more. Many people were drawn to his charm, by his larger than life personality. He always had a joke ready to make you laugh.

The Mass of the Christian Burial will be held January 16, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 157 High Street, Williamston, MI. Interment will follow at St. Mary Mount Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, Williamston Chapel, 205 E. Middle St., Williamston, MI and on Monday from 10:00 am until service time at the church. The Chalice ceremony will be at 7pm Sunday, with Rosary to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Church School Roof Fund, 157 High Street, Williamston, MI 48895, Holy Cross Children’s Services (Boysville), 8759 Clinton-Macon Road, Clinton, MI. 49236-9910 or www.hccsnet.org/donate.php or the Michigan Eye Bank (Lions Club).

On line condolences may be made at www.grwilliamston.com