Frank Verderese Sr

East Lansing

Born May 3, 1926, in Lansing; died June 21, 2011, at the age of 85. Frank was a 1945 graduate of Lansing Eastern High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served in Japan during the Occupation. He owned and operated Verderese Distributing Company, Lansing for over 40 years. The company imported wine from around the world including an Italian Asti Spumante wine under his own Verde label. Frank married his beloved wife Mary Elizabeth Reed in 1944. They enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe during their 65 year marriage. He was a former member of the Italian-American Club and the Singapore Yacht Club in Saugatuck. Frank and Mary enjoyed 18 winter seasons at The Riverside Club in Ruskin, FL. until Mary’s death in 2009. Frank was also preceded in death by his parents Pasquale and Antonia (Ciccorelli) Verderese. He was 1 of 5 siblings and particularly close to his dear sister Rose who spent many hours visiting with him and bringing him comfort. Frank’s Godfather was the renowned Opera Singer Tito Schipa. Mr. Schipa promised his father Pasquale to be Frank’s Godfather and the family waited two years for Mr. Schipa to come to Detroit with the Chicago Opera Company and travel to Lansing for the Baptism at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Surviving are his children, Victoria (Richard) Strimel, Antoinette (James) Hornberger, Mary Rose (Michael) Duncan, Francesca (David) Dean, Frank Verderese Jr., Elizabeth (Benjamin) Botelho and Patrick Verderese. Frank and Mary were blessed with both grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family is very thankful for the exceptional love and support Frank received daily throughout his illness from his dear friend Joe Ruggiero, Ruskin FL.

We loved Dad for his humor, strength, courage and determination to meet every challenge with spirit. We remember all his words of wisdom and advice he shared so enthusiastically over the years and we celebrate the achievements of his life and abiding love for his family.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 25, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing. The Rite of Committal will be held in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lansing. The family will receive friends at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, on Thursday and Friday from 6-8 p.m. and at the church on Saturday 1-hour prior to the service. A Scriptural Rosary will be said on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Those desiring may make contributions to Patient Advocates for Advanced Cancer Treatment, 1143 Parmelee NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504; Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI, 48906; or to Hospice House of Mid Michigan, 1210 W. Saginaw, Lansing, MI 48909 in memory of Frank Verderese.

His enthusiasm and love of life never diminished, may he shine on forever in the light of God’s love and blessed peace.

Online condolences may be sent to www. gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com