Joseph Thomas Quagliata

Joseph Quagliata Saginaw, Michigan Passed away November 10, 2013. His beloved wife Ann preceded him in death in 2002. He loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly. His gregarious and loving nature was a joy to everyone. Joseph loved music. He began playing the accordion at age 10 and as a teenager played Chicago area clubs. He often delighted his family and friends by entertaining them with his accordion, humor and phenomenal story telling. He loved sports and pitched baseball in high school. He coached teams for St. Thomas Aquinas, Saginaw Township Little League and summer baseball for Eisenhower High School. At Douglas MacArthur High School he refereed basketball and worked the sideline chains at football games. He was a charter member of Maple Hill Golf Club, and a former member of Rolling Green Golf Club, where he once aced number four with a 3 iron. Joseph was a member of the Sons of Italy Sacra Famiglia Lodge 2456 and served two full terms as its president. In 1999 he was awarded the Lodge's Christopher Columbus Man of the Year Award for his contributions and participation. He was born October 29, 1930 in Melrose Park, Illinois, the son of the late Mario and Josephine (Muff) Quagliata. He married Ann Plecas February 18, 1951. They enjoyed 51 years together in love. Joseph served in the US Air Force during the Korean War. He worked for Saginaw Steering Gear/Delphi and retired as a Reliability Engineer in 1987. In his later years he enjoyed life in southern Florida with his family, friends and his very good friend and companion Joan Gooley. Joseph was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Surviving are three sons: Michael (Susan) Quagliata, Anthony Quagliata, Mark (Penny) Quagliata; four grandchildren: Mario (Pauline), Joseph (Haleigh), Justin, Taylor; two great grandchildren: Ann and Grace; two brothers: Tim (Nancy) Quagliata and Edward (Bernice) Quagliata; and two sisters: Grace (John) Cicchiani, and Rose Petrella. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2013 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Rev. Marcel Portelli will officiate with military entombment will follow at Oakwood Mausoleum under the auspices of American Legion Post #439. Friends may call at the W.L. Case & Co. Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, November 15, 2013. Friends may then call at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the American Cancer Society. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603