Nunzio Pantalena

Nunzio Pantalena, surrounded by the love of his children, peacefully returned to his Lord on April 17, 2025. Born on March 25, 1935, in Vietri di Potenza, Italy, Nunzio was the beloved son of Francesco and Antonia Pantalena. On May 15, 1957, he married the love of his life, Vincenza Pascaretta. Though Vincenza had to return to America shortly after their wedding to complete her citizenship process, the two were joyfully reunited in 1958 and settled in Detroit, where they began building a beautiful life and family together. Nunzio and Vincenza shared 67 wonderful years of marriage and raised three children: Francesco (Susan) Pantalena, Rocco (Kandi) Pantalena, and Antonietta Pantalena. In 1974, they moved to Sterling Heights, and eventually to Romeo in 2015, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Nunzio worked proudly and diligently at Ford Motor Company for 36 years on the assembly line, retiring in 2000. He often said, "Ford paid me good then, and they pay me good now." A man of deep faith, Nunzio loved the Lord with all his heart and was a devoted member of St. Clement Catholic Church. One of his well-known sayings was, "God blessed me my whole life. Without Him, I would have nothing." In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, bike riding, playing Scopa, and tending to Vincenza's garden. He also loved to travel, taking cherished family trips to Italy and across the United States. In retirement, he found joy in simpler pleasures--watching Three's Company, taking long drives to "the farm," grabbing a bite at Burger King, and sipping on a Coca-Cola. He often joked that in retirement, he had three jobs: "Eat, Drink, and Sleep"--and he was a master of them all. Nunzio treasured every moment with his family. His stories, filled with warmth and wisdom, will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. Among his favorite sayings were, "America is the best country in the world," "You have to think about tomorrow, today!", “Sweet man like me don’t eat sweet things,” “You can have anything you want but you have to ask” and “I don’t like it, I love it!" He is survived by his loving children and grandchildren: Rachel (Jonathan) Korth, Giovanni Pantalena, Bri (Alex) Lee, Christine (Andrew) Cymbalski, Michelle (Noah) Klein, and Andre (Natalie) Pantalena; and great-grandchildren: Arthur, Margaret, and Baby Pantalena (expected July 2025 to Andre and Natalie). He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Angelina, and his brother-in-law, Anselmo, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family. Nunzio was preceded in death by his cherished wife Vincenza, his parents, and his siblings: Pasquale (Vincenza), Felice (Vincenza), and Maria Pitta. His legacy of love, devotion, and hard work will continue to inspire all who knew him. Visitation Wednesday from 3-8pm with a 7pm Sharing of Memories at Wujek - Calcaterra & Sons Inc., (Shelby) 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. Funeral Thursday Instate from 10am until time of 10:30am Mass at St. Clement Catholic Church, 343 S Main St., Romeo, MI 48065. Immediately following Nunzio’s Funeral Mass there will be a luncheon held at the church. Entombment, Resurrection Cemetery, there will be a 1:30pm Committal Service, all are welcome to gather inside the main gate of the cemetery. Memorial contributions in Nunzios honor are appreciate to Meals on Wheels (https://payments.g2gcloud.com/MacombSeniorServicesDonation/1718?EditExisting=False) Please share memories with the family at their online Guestbook at WujekCalcaterra.com

Nunzio Pantalena

March 25, 1935 - April 17, 2025