Joseph E. DiSanto

Joseph E. DiSanto passed away on April 15, 2025 at the age of 92. Joseph was Maria’s beloved husband for 66 years, and the loving father of Lisa (Michael) Elias, Karen (Don) Passalacqua, Robert (Lisa), and Paula (Keith) Lang. He was a proud and adored Nonno to Enzo Crescentini, Nina (Ryan) Schell, Erica (Steve) Turner, Nadia (Michael) Pfeiffer, Joseph (Katie) Elias, Amanda (Jeff) Roegner, Michael Elias, Kristina DiSanto (Fiance, Brandon), Luca Passalacqua, and Bis-Nonno of 9 great-grandchildren. He was the dear brother-in-law of Anna Balducci-Gai, Cesarina Gai-Rinaldi, and Nella Gai-Napoli. He is preceded in death by Luigi (Gemma), Elma (Clemente) Valeri, Tina (Mario) Farina, and brother-in-laws, Marino Gai, Antonio Napoli, and Orazio Rinaldi. He was born in Rocca Pia, Italy to Orlando and Maria DiSanto and came to the United States in 1947 at the age of 14. He attended Wayne State University and Radio Electronic Television School, and then served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He worked for the City of Detroit and then Cobo Hall for many years. In 1957, he was introduced to Maria at Piemonte Grocery in Detroit, Michigan. He offered her a ride home, asked for her phone number, and their lifelong love story began. In 1966, he bought Mastrogiovanni Travel and in 1984, opened DiSanto Travel. He was in the travel business for 42 years. He was a successful businessman, and a trusted advisor in the Italian community for immigration and social security. His services included income taxes, document translation, and bookkeeping. Joseph was a kind, patient, loving husband, father, Nonno, Bis-Nonno and uncle. A man of principle and discipline, he took time to do things the right way. He was a patriot and lifelong Detroit Tigers fan, who loved traveling the world with Maria. He was an avid storyteller, a formidable card player, and an expert gardener who could coax anything green back to life. Among other things, his deep laughter, strong hugs, and joy in everyday things will be greatly missed. Visitation Tuesday, April 22nd, from 3-8:30pm with a 7:30pm Rosary at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons Inc, (Shelby Township), 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. Funeral Wednesday, April 23rd, Instate from 10:30am until time of 11am Mass at St. Mary of the Hills, 2675 John R Rd., Rochester Hills, 48307. Entombment Resurrection Cemetery. Share memories with the family at their "On Line" Guestbook @ WujekCalcaterra.com

Joseph E. DiSanto

April 2, 1933 - April 15, 2025