CSM Joseph James Di Giovanni

Joe passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday September 25, 2025 at the age of 81.

Born on May 2, 1944 in Detroit, MI, Joe lived a life defined by service, strength, and deep devotion to his family and country. A proud member of both the Navy and the Army National Guard, he served 33 years with honor and distinction. Joe rose to the rank of State Command Sergeant Major Michigan Army National Guard. His time in the military started with him serving as a corpsman with the fleet marine force in Vietnam, where he exemplified courage, leadership, and loyalty, and then continuing his service to several places around the world, finally ending in his home state of Michigan.

After retiring from the military, Joe owned and operated a construction business with his wife, Darlene. Later in life, he took pride in working as a Veteran Service Officer, where he helped hundreds of troops with everything from troubling times returning home from battle to older veterans finally getting the benefits they deserved after years of fighting.

Joe was known for his fun loving nature and the deep dedication he showed his loved ones every single day. He led the family in many traditions such as pie-making the night before Thanksgiving and never missing an opportunity to get the family together for every type of celebration. His Italian heritage shined through in his warmth of hospitality, homemade marinara sauce, his Catholic faith, and wearing his emotions on his sleeve.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Darlene. They were married for 34 years and lived a life full of love, spontaneity, and laughter.

Joe is survived by his children: Annette (Richard) Lynch, Matt (Deidara) Kroeger, Carolyn (Mike) Moser, Nick (Kerri) Di Giovanni, Sam (Erica) Schwein, and Joe (Paige) Di Giovanni. He also leaves behind many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless others whose lives have been touched by his humor and wisdom.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Mary Di Giovanni; and his daughter, Chris Mears.

A visitation for Joseph will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Lansing Chapel, 900 E Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 801 N Bridge St., DeWitt, MI 48820. Command Sergeant Major Joseph Di Giovanni will be honored and laid to rest on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 2:30 PM at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI 48442.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joe’s memory to Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, 2950 Monroe Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, https://www.michigan.gov/mvh (Validation Code: MVH2025)

His legacy lives on through his many stories and the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed.