Joseph J. Gadaleto

Joseph J. Gadaleto, a Lansing insurance executive for over 60 years and co-founder of one of mid-Michigan’s leading insurance agencies died on August 9, 2010 at Munson Medical Center, Traverse City, Michigan. He was 88 years old and suffered from Pulmonary Fibrosis. In his long career he was involved in many areas of insurance, but was particularly known for his expertise and years of experience in Pension and Health care coverage.

Mr. Gadaleto was born on December 2, 1921 in Lansing and graduated from Lansing Eastern High School. Beginning in 1934, he was frequently heard on newly formed radio station, WJIM as a teenage singer and announcer. After graduating with a BA degree in Speech and Drama from Michigan State College in 1946 for the next three years he worked as a radio announcer at several radio stations and became Lansing’s first television announcer in May of 1950.

He served in WWII as a navigator and communications officer aboard an LST (Landing Ship Tank), participating in assault landings in the Philippines and Okinawa, followed by 20 years in the Navy Reserve , and rose to the rank of First Lieutenant.

He was a past board member of Colonial Village Kiwanis, Mid-town Cavities, Lansing Life Underwriters, Chartered Life Underwriters, Ingham County MSU Alumni Association, Father John’s fund for needy children. He also served as a City of Lansing commissioner and as co-chairman of the entertainment committee for Lansing’s Centennial celebration.

Together with his wife of 60 years, Joe established several endowments to benefit MSU and the Lansing community. These include an endowment for Scholarships for medical students enrolled at MSU Colleges of Human and Osteopathic Medicine, an endowment for an internship at the MSU Wharton Center for students exploring careers in fields of arts management, and an endowment within the Spartan Fund to benefit student athletes for the Lansing community, the Joe and Betty graduate fund has been established within the Capital Regional Community Foundation.

An avid golfer, he was a member of Walnut Hills, Naples Windemere, and Charlevoix Country Clubs. He and his wife wintered at Longboat Key, FL and summered on Lake Charlevoix. He traveled extensively including several visits to Italy, England, France, and Hawaii.

Mr. Gadaleto is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty; son Dave Gadaleto; daughters, Linda (Bradley) Baker, Janet (Clayton) Alexander, and Lizbeth (Scott) Wilson; 10 grandchildren, Michael, Meris, Ashley, Amanda, Kelly, Zachary, Bridget, Christian, Haylee, and Hillary; and his sister, Teresa Lud.

The Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, August 13, 2010 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Rd, East Lansing. The family will receive friends Thursday, from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM with the Rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing. Committal will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Lansing. Donations may be made to the Joe and Betty Gadaleto Charitable Fund, c/o Capital Regional Community Foundation. 6035 Executive Dr, Suite 104, Lansing, MI 48911 or www.crcfoundation.org in memory of Joe.