Lino F. Widmann

Born in the Italian mountain village of Coredo on August 20, 1932, Lino came to the U.S. with his parents just after his first birthday aboard the ocean liner MS Vulcana. The family settled in Detroit.

He was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Van Dyke (now Warren), where he studied drafting and played clarinet in the school band. Lino served in the Army, stationed in occupied Germany for two years. While there, Lino made plans to attend college. He graduated from the University of Michigan College of Engineering in 1960 and later completed his Master's degree. Upon graduation, he joined the Ford Motor Company, working in automotive engineering until retirement in 1991.

Lino met the love of his life, Philice Walker, a student at Eastern Michigan University, on a blind date. It was love at first sight. They soon married and raised a family of four children, first in Ecorse and then in Livonia, Michigan. Their loving marriage would last over 61 years.

Nothing was more important to Lino than his family, and he was a devoted and loving father. Like clockwork, he arrived home from work at 5:30, ready for a family dinner and time with his children. Whether playing catch or cards, shooting hoops on the driveway, making candles, or overseeing homework, he supported his kids in pursuing their interests. Lino and Philice loved to travel and took the family on memorable extended camping trips, hiking, biking, and skiing in Michigan and across the country to experience many national parks.

After retirement, Lino and Philice kept traveling. They visited Alaska, China, Africa, the Galapagos Islands, and Central and South America. They regularly visited Lino’s family in Italy and their grandchildren on both coasts. At home, Lino enjoyed playing golf and bowling with friends. He was a 60+ year Venetian Club of Mutual Aid member, maintaining connections with his Italian heritage. Lino also had many interests and hobbies. He painted watercolors, dove into genealogy, raised orchids, and built intricate models of sailing ships. Outside the home, he enjoyed tinkering with his vintage Ford Mustang, mentoring others with mechanical challenges, and helping Philice around the garden.

He was predeceased by his parents, Anna and Amadio Widmann, and his loving wife, Philice. His children survive him: David, Felicia, Jim, and Carl. His six grandchildren, Ailea, Teyha, Nico, Elise, Jason, and Lina, his daughters-in-law Susan, Satia, Natalie, and son-in-law David, also survive him. He has a sister-in-law, Mary Fisher, and many nieces and nephews, as well as grandnieces and nephews.

Above all, he will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle who will be greatly missed.

Memorial contributions in Lino’s memory may be directed to the Salvation Army’s Bed and Bread Club.

A visitation will be held Friday, February 14, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Harry J Will Funeral Home, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152, with a scripture service at 5:00 PM. An in state will occur Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at St Edith Catholic Church, 15089 Newburgh Rd, Livonia, Michigan 48154, followed by a funeral mass beginning at 10:30 AM.