George Giannetti

George Giannetti May 13, 1932 - July 25, 2025, George Giannetti, a longtime resident of Madison Heights, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, at the age of 93. He was the beloved husband of Beverly Giannetti for 69 years, devoted father to Marc (Donna) Giannetti and Vanda (George) Smith, and cherished "Puppa" to five grandchildren: Matthew (Nicole) Giannetti, Steven (Michelle) Giannetti, Eric (Sarah) Giannetti, Danielle (Blake) Wallace, and George (Ana Maria) Smith. He was also the proud "Grand Puppa" to his great-grandchildren: Maisie, Daphne, Lilliana, Giovanni, and Adriano. George is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Noe and Lide Giannetti, and his brother, Lorenzo (MaryAnn) Giannetti. Born on May 13, 1932, in Bagni di Lucca, Tuscany, Italy, George immigrated to the United States in 1946 at the age of 14, reuniting with his father after World War II. He began his American journey in Detroit, where he attended the foreign language school before graduating from East Commerce High School in 1950. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Wayne University in 1954, majoring in Spanish with minors in social studies, French, English, and Italian. While attending Wayne University, George was an active member of the Spanish Club, taught conversational Spanish at the Detroit YMCA, and served as an accredited university tutor. He also worked as assistant manager of the Studio Theatre in Detroit-a role that not only deepened his love for the arts but also led to meeting the love of his life, Beverly. He later completed a Master of Education in Foreign Language Education from Wayne State University in 1960. George's passion for languages and education shaped a remarkable career. He taught multiple foreign languages at Ferndale and Oak Park High Schools and led evening classes at Wayne State University. He was known for producing vibrant ethnic shows featuring music, dance, and readings performed by his students. His dedication led him to develop and direct a multilingual Program of Academic Excellence, which was adopted by the Michigan State Department of Education and used across several states and Washington, D.C. He also directed six federally funded grant projects and served on the National Advisory Council on Bilingual Education for the U.S. Office of Education. Over his career, he authored more than 30 publications in the field of foreign language education, many of which continue to be used today. In retirement, George became the Director of Education at the Italian American Cultural Society in Warren, Michigan-later the Italian Cultural Center-where he taught and led Italian language programs for over 15 years. He took great pride in helping students of all ages connect with their heritage and prepare for travel through language and culture. Despite his many professional accomplishments, George remained deeply connected to his family and his Italian roots. He found joy and purpose tending to his large garden, growing fresh vegetables and fruits that he generously shared with those he loved. He also delighted in hosting friends and colleagues for homemade Italian dinners. Above all, his happiest moments were spent at the family cottage in Northern Michigan, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. George's legacy lives on in the lives he touched-as a teacher, mentor, colleague, and most of all, as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Memorial Service A celebration of George's life will be held on Thursday, August 28, with 9am instate until the time of the memorial mass at 9:30am at St. Michael Catholic Church, 40501 Hayes Road in Sterling Heights. Following the service, family and friends are warmly invited to a luncheon at the Italian Cultural Center, 43843 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038. In Lieu of Flowers, the family asks that any memorial donations in honor of George be made out to the Alzheimer's Association at: www.alz.org.