Carl A. Stitchick

Mr. Carl Anthony Stitchick, age 72, passed away April 8, 2011 at home in Macomb Township, MI. He was born in Denbo, PA. He worked at General Motors as an analyst. Family members said he loved truck gardening and farming, and he will be remembered by everyone as a kind person. He is survived by his wife Suzan and his daughter Kathy. He is predeceased by his brother Lloyd. He is also survived by many other family members. A funeral mass will be held Monday at 10:00AM at St. Therese of Lisieux, 48115 Schoenherr, Shelby Township, MI. Visitation Sunday 3-8:00PM with a rosary at 6:30PM at Resurrection Funeral Home 40800 Hayes, Clinton Township, MI. Additional visitation at church Monday 9:30-10:00AM. Memorials to the Salvation Army would be appreciated.

Carl was born on February 19, 1939. He was born at home in Denbo, Pennsylvania. His parents were Lynn and Edith Stitchick. He grew up in Denbo, Pennsylvania. Always able to express himself well, Carl was always able to be open and direct in his communication and was eternally optimistic in his outlook on life. Armed with a great wit, he was raised to be accepting of others and to employ a strong personal work ethic. These were all traits that would help him throughout his life.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Carl was able to relate well to others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. He was raised with one older brother, Lloyd. He had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Carl showed his creative ability in many ways ranging from his various hobbies to his ability to develop new twists on old games. He always seemed to enjoy new activities and was constantly pursuing a variety of interests. He enjoyed playing sports while growing up, with his favorites being football. A take-charge person even as a child, Carl liked being actively involved. Some of his favorite pastimes while growing up were playing sports.

Carl was outgoing and animated. Some of Carl's biggest accomplishments during this time included his football skills. Some of his best childhood friends were Bobby Ratica and Bobby John Stitchick. Later in life he was friends with Pat and Paul, Sam and Judy, Ralph and Jeannie, and Helen and Bill.

Known to most people as a focused, logical, open-minded and driven individual, Carl was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. He satisfied his curious nature by utilizing a hands-on approach to learning. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated in 1958 from Centerville High School in Pennsylvania. Where he enjoyed playing football and baseball.

While it was obvious that Carl had many of the tools necessary to ensure success in the classroom, he also knew that there were plenty of things to do and enjoy outside of school. Those close to him were well aware of his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. People appreciated these traits in him. He was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for who they were.

For Carl, relationships were precious things that should be valued. That was particularly true with his relationship with Suzan K. Gennrich who he married on September 21, 1963 at Santa Maria Church in Detroit, Michigan. He did his best to be charming to everyone, but this relationship was special. He brought into it his gift for being able to give freely and generously. This was just one of the things he did to create a happy home. A good listener with an engaging personality, Carl was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship. The couple incorporated both old and new friends into their relationship.

Very much like a kid himself, Carl identified with the inquisitive and creative side shown by just about all children. Carl was blessed with one daughter, Kathy.

Carl never seemed to be afraid of work and was often willing, even early on, to tackle new and different challenges. His primary occupation was working as a supervisor at the G.M. Tech Center. Though he rarely sought out any accolades for his achievements, he would humbly accept any recognition that came his way.

Carl served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1962. He was stationed in Washington D. C. And the Philippines. Carl was a calm and collected thinker who could handle himself well in a crisis. Carl achieved the final rank of Petty Officer 1st Class. He showed leadership qualities and could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so.

Carl enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. Some of his favorite hobbies were farming, sports including bowling, and watching TV. Throughout his life, Carl developed many likes and passions, things that put a smile on his face.

Because he was not afraid to be assertive and aggressive at times, Carl was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic about these activities and his confidence served him well. Later in life he enjoyed baseball and bowling. Carl also enjoyed watching his favorite teams and events whenever he got the opportunity, He enjoyed watching all sports.

Carl held close to traditional values, and as a result, his faith was very important to him. Carl was a member of St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Community for 10 years.

Those around Carl saw him as one who could study and scrutinize just about any situation and come to a definitive conclusion. This was definitely the case in his approach to retirement. Carl liked to think he was well-prepared for his golden years, and his chance to prove it came when he officially retired in August of 1997 after 34 years with General Motors. He used his logic abilities to choose the right options that ensured him a retirement that would be fun and relaxing. Retired to his home in Macomb Township, Michigan. He kept active even in retirement. Carl was a lifelong Democrat and an associate member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

His enjoyment for keeping pets continued as was obvious with Sheba a Cockapoo for 10 years, Kailai a Chow Chow for 12 years and Shadow a cat for 9 years.

Carl Stitchick left us on April 8, 2011. He passed away from natural causes at home in Macomb Township, Michigan . He was 72. He was preceded in death by parents and brother Lloyd. He is survived by his wife Suzan, daughter Kathy, mother-in-law Bernice, many brothers and sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. Services were handled by Resurrection Funeral Home of Clinton Township, Michigan on April 11, 2011 at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Community in Shelby Township, Michigan. Carl was cremated and will be kept at home.

Carl was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A direct communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his many friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes, and stories. He enjoyed his life to the fullest because of the limitless experiences it had to offer. This is how everyone will remember Carl A. Stitchick.