Nicholas R. Cipponeri

Nicholas R. "Nick" Cipponeri Age 97 August 31, 2015 Beloved husband of the late Geraldine and Eva. Dear father of Evette (The late Chuck) Priestap and James (Connie). Proud grandfather of Michele Brown, Laurie Clausen, and Cameron. Great grandfather of Devin, Logan, Ashley, Easton and Addison. Step grandfather of Nicole, Thomas, Matthew and Jonathan. Step greatgrandfather of 12. Brother of August and the late Pauline Sinatra. Mr. Cipponeri was affectionately referred to by his many grandchildren and great grandchildren as “Bapa or Papa”.Always a family oriented person he provided wisdom and guidance and molded the lives of not only his children but nieces, nephews and friends. He retired from Ford Motor Company World Headquarters as General Manager of Food Services in 1985.His career at Ford spanned 47 years which included the Golden age of the auto industry.Nick was on a first name basis with the Fords, Lee Iacocca and Union leaders of his day. Raised in the humble Italian community of Southeast Detroit he was a champion of the underdog. He supported the “common folk” and many minorities way before it was politically correct or socially acceptable. Sports were a large part of Nicks life.He was a exceptional amateur bowler and in his later years he won many honors in the Pinellas and Oakland County Senior Olympics.In his earlier years he and his wife Geraldine enjoyed watching his son and daughter compete in sporting events .This tradition continued with Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren as he and his second wife Eva also attended numerous recitals,plays and academic ceremonies. He was an avid Tiger fan and attended over 40 Detroit Tigers Spring Trainings in Lakeland, Florida.Those that knew Nick would enjoy his stories recounting the successes of the old Detroit Tigers,Red Wings and even Lions teams. Visitation at the O’Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home 41555 Grand River Novi Thursday 2-8pm Scripture Service Thursday 7:15pm. In state at St Fabian Church 32200 Twelve Mile Farmington Hills Friday 10:00am until the funeral Liturgy at 10:30am. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations in memory of Nick may be made to the charity of your choice.

Nicholas R. Cipponeri

November 24, 1917 - August 31, 2015