Peter J. Viselli

Peter John Viselli, 87, departed this world Friday to meet the Lord and join his beloved wife Josephine, who preceded him in death by eight days. After 22 years Peter and Josephine are joyfully reunited with their son Anthony Francis Viselli, who passed away unexpectedly in 1993. Peter was born July 22, 1928 to John and Nataline (Russetto) Viselli in Binghamton, New York. It was in this upstate town that Peter began to cultivate his love for baseball, including the New York Yankees, as their farm club was nearby. Peter, more affectionately known to his grand children and great-grandchildren as Nanno Pete, would recall later in life with great fondness watching Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford and other future greats make (or stumble) their way to the big leagues. Playing loose with his age in order to serve his country, Peter departed his family and joined the United States Navy in 1945. For two years he travelled across the Mediterranean and Adriatic, witnessing first-hand the destruction the Second World War brought about both in Italy and throughout Europe. Following his discharge Peter moved to Chicago where he would fall in love twice; first with Josephine Giliberto, and later with the Cubs.Peter and Josephine met at a dance at the Paradise Ballroom; she was a great dancer, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. They married four months later on July 29, 1950. The couple went on to spend 65 years together, enjoying a life full of love and happiness, held together by the strong bonds of family and faith. In 1972 Peter moved his family to Lansing and went on to spend the majority of his working career as a manger at Sundance Chevrolet. Along with his interest in cars Peter was a man of various talents and hobbies. Whether smoking a pipe while playing the guitar or meticulously caring for and maintaining the yard (the kids and grandkids were never allowed to walk on the front grass), Peter kept busy. His example and wisdom left an indelible mark on those who knew him and knew him well. They regularly sought his advice on a wide range of subjects, his comfort when in need, and his thoughts on any number of current events. While he enjoyed dissecting the pros and cons of politicians and political parties, the teachings of popes, and the examples of history, Peter loved to talk baseball. And his stories were terrific. But nothing interested Peter as much as his family and his Josie, to whom he signed off on all of his correspondence “All my love, all my life.” In his later years Peter enjoyed regular company from and talking on the phone with his grandkids. He could not have been more proud to be “Parino” to two of his great grandchildren. Just as his namesake was the rock upon which Jesus built his Church, Peter was the rock of his family. He has gone on to eternal rest knowing his family is and will be close for many years to come. Surviving Peter are his daughters, Nataline (Don) Maluchnik, Theresa Coglianese, son, John (Deborah) Viselli, 7 grandchildren, Katie (Matt) Luczak, Christopher (Abby) Maluchnik, David (Bonnie) Maluchnik, Nick Coglianese, Melissa (Louie) Rodriguez, Michael (Amy) Viselli and Gina (Jake) Tropf, 9 great-grandchildren, Anthony, Mary Grace and Sophie Jo Luczak, Cameron and Isabella Rodriguez, Gabriel and Josephine Maluchnik, Roman Maluchnik, Logan Viselli and a great-grandchild on the way. Funeral Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lansing. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Lansing, with military honors to follow. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5:00-8:00 pm, with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 p.m., at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E Michigan Ave in Lansing. In lieu of flowers those who care to make a contribution may do so to the American Cancer Society.