Donald V. Stitz

Donald “Don” Vincent Stitz was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. He peacefully passed into God’s loving arms surrounded by family on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at age 82.

He was born to the late Vincent and Helen Stitz on May 5th, 1941. He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1959 and earned a bachelor’s in science and biology and a minor in chemistry in March 1968 from Wayne State University. He proudly served our country as a Staff Sargent in the Air Force and received a commendation medal for meritorious service from August 1, 1968, through July 22, 1969. While honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1970 he was in active reserve status until 1972.

Just prior to serving his country, he married the love of his life, Joanne, in 1966 and shared an enduring love for 56 years. They raised their two daughters, Denise, and Juliana, and after retiring spent precious time with Grandkids Isabella and Logan.

Don was kind and patient. He was a man of varied interests, read everything from Rifleman to Mother Earth News and consistently watched educational videos on investing and the ever-changing world of technology. Don loved being outdoors, he was an avid hiker and loved exploring trails at local parks and the miles of Port Crescent State Park’s beach on family vacations. He was meticulous in his care of his over thirty wild and domestic orchids as well as tending to his lime and lemon trees.

Don is survived by his children Denise Mahnick and Juliana Harper (Wayne), grandchildren Isabella Hambly and Logan Harper, siblings Janet-St. Therese Marie, Judy (Jerry) Pontone, David (Pamela) Stitz, , siblings Nick Philips, Diana Szymanski, Michael (Debra) Philips, nieces and nephews: Ann Marie (Ernie) Hernandez, Sarah Stitz-Krawetz (Bob), Emily Stitz, Leah Pontone Tessier (Jim), Greg Pontone, Devon and John Szymanski, Jeffrey Phillips, and many grand nieces and nephews.

Don is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joanne, parents Vincent and Helen Stitz, Nick and Lena Philips, and family Donald Szymanski, Carol Philips, Kevin Philips, Brian Szymanski.

We invite you to celebrate his life with family and friends on Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 1 pm to 4 pm with a service to follow at 4 PM located at Harry J Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152. Don’s final resting place will be Great Lakes National Cemetery.

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