Richard Tabbi represents the very best of the Greatest Generation: hard work, faith, family, moderation and self-sufficiency. He built his life on quiet discipline and deep love, and in doing so he became the unshakable foundation of a family that spans nearly a century. His shoes cannot be filled, but his example will never be forgotten.
The gifts Richard gave his family are immeasurable. Having known true hardship, he possessed the rare ability to bring humor to any situation. He was successful from an earthly perspective, but from a biblical one, he was the wealthiest man in the room. He had food on his table, faith in his heart, and family surrounding him.
Richard Tabbi was born June 11, 1926, in Detroit to Guiseppe and Pietrina Tabbi. His childhood unfolded in the heart of the Great Depression, where he learned early that hard times could shape you but didn’t have to define you. At only twelve years old, his life changed forever when a tire blew on his father’s car, causing it to overturn. The accident took his father’s life and left his mother to raise Richard and his four siblings - Sam, Renardo, Bonnie and Clara - entirely on her own. That day carved a toughness and resilience into Richard that stayed with him for the rest of his life.
Richard attended school through the 10th grade before attending the Ford Trade School. He later earned his GED, proving that education is a lifelong pursuit. He became a skilled tradesman for Ford, where he drew technical designs by hand long before the age of software. He relied on a natural knack for precision and a demand for perfection; traits that served him well in his career and in life.
A proud patriot, Richard served his country in World War II, returning home on August 11, 1946.
Not long afterward, he met the love of his life, Elvera. They spent 69 years together and raised four children: Joe, Bruno, Rick and Patty.
Richard retired from Ford at 63, though anyone who knew him understood he was not built for idleness. Believing he had “retired too early,” he immediately went back to work helping his son and daughter-in-law build houses and complete construction projects. Even in his 90s, you could find him on the roof cleaning gutters or mowing his lawn.
He is survived by a legacy that is nothing short of breathtaking. Richard is survived by his children: Joseph (JoAnn), Bruno (Francesca), Rick (Louise), and Patty (Jack) LoPiccolo; 12 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister, Clara DeTomasco; and sister-in-law, Annie. He was preceded in passing by his beloved wife, Elvera; brothers, Nardo and Sam; sisters, Bonnie Stranieri and Nunzia; and his grandson, Nino.
While his family will miss him dearly, after 99 years of a life well-lived, we celebrate his return to our Lord and his reunion with his beloved Elvera.
The family will greet guests from 2:00pm until 8:00pm with a 6:00pm funeral service on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd., Clinton Twp., Michigan.
Private burial at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East, Clinton Twp. will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Nino Tabbi to:
Children's Hospital of Detroit, 3901 Beaubien, Detroit, MI 48201 or
Detroit Goodfellows, P.O. Box 44444, Detroit, MI 48244-0444.
