John L. Facchinetti Jr.

John L. Facchinetti Jr., 83 of Gaylord, passed away at home surrounded by friends on Monday, September 26, 2016.

Born and raised in Detroit, John was the son of John L. Sr. and Marion (Tremonti) Facchinetti.

At an early age he developed an interest in a career in funeral service.  He was working at the Sullivan Funeral Home in the Detroit area when he was called to serve in the U.S Army in 1953.  He served in Korea as a medic for two years and was discharged in 1955.

After returning home, John continued to pursue his career in funeral service, eventually attending Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago.  He became a Michigan Mortuary Science Licensee in 1964.

John continued to work in the Detroit area at the Sullivan Funeral Home, Wujek Funeral Home, Temorowski Funeral Home and Ira Kauffman Chapel.  His mother had owned property on Old State Road which led John to make the move north.   In 1976 John opened the Facchinetti Funeral Home in Gaylord at 850 North Center Avenue which he operated until 1981.

Both in his earlier years in Detroit and later years in northern Michigan, John built a reputation as an expert in restorative art. His skills were sought by many of his colleagues in funeral service.  It was this expertise that helped so many funeral directors and the families they served for more than 50 years.  He remained active helping funeral northern Michigan Funeral Directors as recently as last month.

A proud American and veteran, John was tireless in his efforts on behalf of veterans.  He was a longtime member of the Ralph Holewinski VFW Post #1518 in Gaylord, serving as Commander the past seven years.  John was the driving force behind Post #1518’s Honor Guard, providing military burial honors for countless veterans.  He was also very instrumental and committed to last year’s purchase of property in Gaylord to construct a new Post and to the success and growth of their Building Fund.  This will be his legacy as the project moves forward.

John attended St. Mary Cathedral.  He was a longtime member of the Gaylord Elks Lodge and with membership number 2; John was the second longest member and most senior living member.  He was also a member of the Gaylord Eagles Lodge.

John was an avid hunter, fisherman and woodworker.  For several years he operated Nature House from his home where he sold homemade birdhouses, mailboxes and other items.  Success in the woods, on the lake or time spent in his shop always brought a smile to his face.  John was also an animal lover.  Over the years his house was home to many dogs and cats, each one a part of his family.

John is survived by his daughters, Paula Facchinetti of Plymouth and Linda (Jeff) Potts of Novi; his son, John L. Facchinetti III of Livonia; granddaughters, Jennifer and Christina; a great grandson, Jackson; several nieces, nephews and cousins and his many friends in the VFW and VFW Auxiliary.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Joseph Facchinetti.

John’s family and friends will visit from 4:00-8:00 PM Friday, September 30, 2016 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service where a Parish Wake Service will be held at 8:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 1, 2016 at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord.  Visitation at the church will begin at 10:00 AM. Burial with military honors provided by VFW Post #1518 will follow at Otsego Lake Township Cemetery.

John would be honored if those who wish would consider memorial contributions to the VFW Post #1518 Building Fund.  Please share your memories and personal messages with his family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com