Curtis Anthony Slotta

Curtis Anthony Slotta, age 59 of Roseville, died Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at home surrounded by his loving family. Curtis was born September 30, 1957 in Detroit, son of the late Robert Bruno and the late Marion Delores (nee: Ciocca) Slotta.Born in Detroit and raised in Hamtramck, Curtis was a proud graduate of Hamtramck High School, the Class of 1975. This would prove to be quite the magnanimous year for Curt as it was shortly after graduation that some friends helped arrange a blind date with a special young lady. So it was on June 26, 1975 that Curt met the lady who would one day become his wife,…even though that realization was yet to come. He and Charlotte met, had a wonderful time together, and it was on that eventful evening that the two shared their first kiss. Their second date came soon afterwards as they headed to Algonac on July 4th to watch the Independence Day Fireworks Show,…and one can only imagine, since that 1st kiss was already shared, that these two newly-discovered lovebirds shared some fireworks of their own that night. This would lead to many more dates in the days and weeks ahead. Some were spent at the Drive-In, where Curt just couldn't get enough of watching the cartoon Hot Dog slide into the bun during intermission. (No double-entendre intended). Heading to the parks, or somewhere outdoors, also provided Curt & Charlotte some of their more favorite dating destinations. On one occasion, their "outdoor adventures" found them enjoying a little "too much fun" until a local police officer put the kibosh to their entertainment. Over the next 5 years, Curt & Charlotte's relationship continued to grow and blossom, and eventually led them to a romantic and intimate evening at home when Curt proposed to his bride-to-be in May of 1980. Just 5 months later, on October 10, 1980 in a simple but lovely ceremony before a Justice of the Peace, Curt & Charlotte exchanged their vows, promised their love to each other, and became husband & wife.Now, in going forward, an important mention should probably be placed right about here to say,…Curt was a consummate outdoorsman and hunter, and it permeated his soul unlike any other. That will hopefully support the next mention involving Curt & Charlotte's honeymoon,…a romantic and heartfelt setting and occasion they shared in the company of Curt's Dad in the up north country of Michigan. When it was time for Charlotte to return home, that's a trip she was relegated to make alone while her newlywed husband remained with Dad for another couple weeks. (See the next paragraph…quick!)In telling the story of Curtis, there's no greater trait that can be shared aside from his love of hunting and the outdoors, and how it was more than merely a seasonal adventure or hobby,…it was truly a "religion," of sorts. Curt was devout in his passion to be away from the concrete jungle and amidst the beauty of nature and the camaraderie of his fellow sportsmen. There was a special place they gathered called "Gaslight Village"…of which, by the way, Curt's Dad was "The Mayor." So you see, between his "religious convictions" and his position as son of the Mayor, Charlotte didn't have a chance. But with 5 years of getting to know her husband's lifestyle, she would have had it no other way. Though hunting was Curt's greatest passion, he was also known for spending some time with a rod & reel in his hands,…in search of the "Big One." When fishing was calling his name, his favorite catches were those of bass, pike, walleye and perch. If it was time for the hunt, he often sought the likes of deer, pheasants or turkeys. For all the time that "the boys" spent their time at deer camp, the search forever ensued for that special buck,…the infamous "Old Monarch." Elusive and bold though he was, he gave them all a run for their money. Curt was employed for many years at a company called Ring Screw Works where his responsibilities included that of a Shipping & Receiving Clerk, and Truck Driver, and where he extended the utmost in dedicated service to the company. He enjoyed his job, but the best benefits came in the close and wonderful friendships he forged with many of his fellow workmates. These were friendships he carried far into his life, and relationships that made a world of difference as he navigated the path of illness that beset him. After tying the knot, Curt & Charlotte made their first home in Detroit where they lived on Halleck Street. It didn't take long for the place to become a "Haven of Fun & Friendship," a destination known to many for the countless evenings of gaming that took place within those walls. From slingin' the irons in the horseshoe pits out back, to tossin' the cards in a rousing game of Euchre, perhaps a tamer version of card playing in the game of Uno, or calling upon the artist's within while drawing on the Pictionary board,…it all spelled for an evening a fun and a host of wonderful memories made at the "Slotta House." Quite often, the get-togethers were named the "Loser Parties," stemming from a custom created to designate the person who reached loser status first. A sign was actually created for the loser to hold onto, a photograph was taken for posterity, and laughs were had by all. The origins of it all harken back to Curt's unique sense of fun and his endearing way of having fun at the expense of others.Possessing a broad and deep sense of humor, Curt was renowned for his skills at storytelling. Often, it would entail him sharing something embarrassing about another,…or perhaps initiating something that would get somebody in trouble. Yes, he could stir the pot quite nicely. On many occasions, this "pot stirring" was aided by the help of his special friends, Art & Rosemary. Call them the Three Amigo's,…the Three Musketeers,…or simply, Triple Threat,…what you had were a small cadre of friends who shared the name "mischief." Considered lovingly and affectionately to be "The Troublemaker's," these three managed to string together a lifetime of mad-cap fun, and stories that would curl your hair. Like the time they espied an ambulance sitting on the street in Greektown, with the keys in the ignition, and decided to take it for a joy ride. The techs were inside somewhere eating while these three role played saving Rosemary's life. They eventually returned the ambulance, but parked it further down the street,…just for affect. (Or was that their signature?) Another of Charlotte's reflections tell of the day that Curt and Art were out cruising in Curt's car when a stop was made at an ice cream parlor. While Curt was inside satisfying his sweet tooth, Art decided to take his buddy's car for a spin while doing Neutral Slams up and down the road. Ultimately, the slams trashed Curt's transmission and the car would only drive in reverse,…and that's exactly how these two "bad boys" got home, backwards all the way. Curt never did let Art live that one down,…and never got that new transmission he kept looking for over the years. Yet they loved each other, enjoyed years of making it real, and were affectionately known to many as the "Smith Brothers." Along with his gregarious side, Curt was also known for being quite the "scrapper." Whether he was protecting his wife or defending the needs of others, he would never balk at a fight. One of the places that brought this out of him the most was Cha Cha Pat's in Hamtramck, where the fists flew wild and free at times. If you ever asked Curt about the resolves, you would have heard how "he always won" and how it was always the "other guy who started it." Priceless memories.Curt and Charlotte were blessed with two beautiful daughters. Melissa, their firstborn, was the Alpha,…and Erica, their baby, was the Omega. Two Up, Two Down, Game Over. So there he was, the sole sailor amidst a sea of estrogen. He loved all three of his girls immensely, but had to do whatever he could to navigate the waters at home,…so he did it through the various dogs that became part of the family over the years. Anyone care to guess what sex they were? That's right,…MALE! At least that way there was more of a balance to the make-up of the house.Another way Curt offset the imbalance was by befriending each of his daughters' boyfriends. He instantly forged great connections with the boys, and they often became the sons he never had. This one boy, Jeremy, was a young man that he watched grow up as one of his daughter's friends,…a boy that would grow to manhood, would walk his daughter down the aisle in marriage, and officially became his "son." It wasn't merely that Jeremy was the one that brought joy to his little girl's heart, Jeremy was an extra-special part of Curt's life as they had already grown close in the many things they shared in common and the recreational pastimes that helped build the relationship that Curt treasured. This was his baby's husband, and his dear friend.Another boy that entered his life came compliments of his eldest, Melissa. Though he hadn't "officially" become part of the family before Curt passed, Bryan was another young man that provided Curt with his own version of happiness. Unlike the hunting and outdoorsy traits that he and Jeremy shared, Bryan filled a big chasm when it came to Curt's appreciation and support of the Michigan Wolverine's, "Go Blue!" There was always a good dose of testosterone shared between these two with each game they watched together. But unlike Jeremy, the family still regales about how long it took Melissa to finally introduce Bryan to her Dad,…thereby donning him the name "Bryan the Midget" because Melissa was keeping him hid.Curtis loved his wife beyond measure, and his girls were his angels here on Earth. Yet God brought an extraordinary blessing into Curt's life when he and his granddaughter, Charlotte Rose were introduced. Known more affectionately as "Charlie," the two bonded instantly and became "famous friends." As with all children, we know they can have their moments of crankiness and the world is simply out of sorts. But all Charlie needed at those times was a good ol' dose of Papa Curtis,...and the smiles & laughter immediately ensued. And likewise, if Papa Curtis was fighting his own brand of difficulties and challenges,...the perfect medicine was always the sight and sound of his precious Charlie who could calm the storm and quicken a smile to his heart and face. Without question, Charlie was the greatest joy of Papa Curtis' life and she always held a special place in his heart. Curt's life was filled with many other special people, as well, who were part of his journey, either through commonalities or perhaps because of their diversity. Whatever the case, he was truly blessed to have been surrounded by so many who loved and cared for him for reasons that could probably fill a book. One of these special angels was his brother Bob's wife, Josie. She was more than merely an "in-law,"…Josie was like a sister to Curt. When he was going through the challenges and difficulties with his illness, it was often Josie that quickened Curt to reality when his mind would wander. Just one look at Josie and the world was right again. The older Curt became, it seems the more precious the little ones in his life grew. He loved being surrounded by all of the kids in the family, who knew him more affectionately as "Mr. Curt." As it was throughout his life, Curt was known for allowing "colorful language" to pass his lips. He tried to be mindful of his surroundings, but at times,…a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do, right? So at times, a cuss word would fly, and here would come one of the little one's giving him a little pinch as a sign that he had stepped over the line. It was like their little game, one that he so enjoyed sharing with them. A loving husband and father, Curt leaves behind a legacy of love for all to embrace who were blessed to know him, and with whom he shared his life's journey. Always the jokester, the famed storyteller, and the neighborhood Fun Guy, Curt loved to have a good time and loved to bring others along for the ride. Though his departure comes at far too young an age, its reality does not diminish the magnitude of care and love he emanated in that seemingly short span of time. His absence is sure to be felt by many, but perhaps none-so-much as his hunting buddies who are voicing Heavenward,…"Higher Up!" Curtis was the loving husband of Charlotte for 36 years. Beloved father of Melissa (Bryan Suliman) Slotta and Erica (Jeremy) Floer. Dear brother of the late Julie Slotta, and the late Robert Slotta, and brother-in-law of Josie Slotta. Cherished grandfather of Charlotte Rose Floer.Visitation for Curtis will be held Sunday, March 26th from 3 - 9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Road) in Warren.Funeral services will take place on Monday, 11:00 am at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Please share memories at Mr. Slotta's guest book above.