Joseph J. Vale

Joseph J. Vale, "Mr. Cadillac" died on Monday, January 11, 2010 at St. John Hospital & Medical Center in Detroit. He was 85. Joe was born May 9, 1924 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania; the son of Michael and Susan Valesko. After high school, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served time in England. He attended Kettering College in Flint and then was employed by Kotcher Cadillac on East Warren Avenue in Detroit as their service department manager. He advanced at the dealership and was soon a sales consultant for new car sales. "Mr. Cadillac" as he was affectionately known, had a career as a sales consultant spanning 60 years. After working at Kotcher, he moved to McGlone Cadillac in Harper Woods. The McGlone dealership was bought out by Gooley Cadillac and eventually moved to their current location on Nine Mile Road in St. Clair Shores. Joe retired in 2005 at the age of 80. During his career he won numerous awards for his sales performance. In 1984 he held the number six ranking for Cadillac new car sales in the United States. In appreciation for his outstanding sales, Joe enjoyed many promotional trips, cruises and vacations. Cars were Joe's life. He also enjoyed car racing, travel, and visits to his favorite casinos. Joe enjoyed a fulfilling life by doing what he wanted to do, when he wanted to do it and where he wanted to do it. Mr. Vale is survived by his daughters Joann Leman and Susan Butkovich (Frank); three grandchildren, Sara, Andrew and Katherine Butkovich; his sweatheart, Helen Gianotti (and her daughters Jeanine Walker, Christine Vanicelli and Cathleen Christopher and their families); two nieces, Janet Koneczny (David) and Phyllis Ores (Ben) and two nephews, David Kerekes (Sandy) and Robert Beltz (Norma). Joe was predeceased by his wife Doris and daughter Debra. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 9:00 pm Wednesday at the A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue at Vernier Road, Grosse Pointe Woods. The funeral will be held at 12 noon on Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. Jack M. Cascione, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in St. Clair Shores officiating. His body will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that memorial contributions be made to either the Arthritis Foundation of Michigan, 1050 Wilshire Dr. Suite 302, Troy, MI 48089-9762 or the American Heart/Stroke Association, 208 S. LaSalle, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60604.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236