Gregory Frank Niespolo

Gregory Frank Niespolo September 17, 1954 – May 24, 2020 May 24, 2020: Gregory (Greg) Frank Niespolo, age 65, of Sterling Heights. Son of Giorgio (George) and Lucy Niespolo, both deceased. A proud father, he is survived by his beloved daughter Dominique Niespolo, mother of Greg’s adored grandson River Niespolo Estrada, and by his beloved daughter Elizabeth Niespolo and son-in-law Devin Helmen. He will be missed by them, his former wife Laura, his dear brothers George and Geoffrey and their wives, Linda and Dawn, respectively, his nieces and nephews, and his many, many loving cousins. Greg grew up in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, graduating from Detroit Austin Catholic Prep. in 1972. After graduation, and under the tutelage of his father, George Sr., he became an accomplished journeyman tile setter, working on both large commercial and custom residential projects. It is at this same time, and from his early teen-age years, that Greg developed his love for Rock and Roll and Motown music, a love that he nurtured and enjoyed throughout his life. With a sense of adventure, Greg moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1976 where he joined his oldest brother George. There he continued his chosen profession, pursuing his passion for physical fitness while finding comfort in using his artistic talents to sketch real people and places. It is there in San Francisco that he met his future wife, Laura, the mother of his daughters. In the early 80’s George Sr. also moved to the Bay Area, and the father and son duo then founded a commercial tile company where their projects included creating elaborate mosaic work in the Embarcadero Buildings and the plaza at Levi Strauss in San Francisco. Beyond his profession in tile, he was a talented craftsman, always willing to swing a hammer and make a weekend of it with friends pursuing home improvement projects. As a true artist at heart, Greg fostered an environment of creativity in his own home. Personal time was often spent drawing, teaching his daughters about the arts, or crafting original gifts for friends. In both the best and worst of times, everyone who had contact with Greg would tell you that he was loyal and loving, had a big heart and would do what he could to be there when you needed him. He was known for sharing his generosity through cooking big meals and classic Italian dishes for family and friends. He was a real joker/prankster, loved to laugh and to make other people laugh. In 1998, when work slowed in the Bay Area, Greg moved back to Michigan to continue in his trade. Notwithstanding that the physical nature of the construction trade was beginning to take a toll on him, by 2012 much of his time was directed to taking care of his late mother, Lucy, whose health was failing. During this time he reminisced of times passed and spoke fondly of the family gatherings, both at the Holidays and at Harsen’s Island. Greg fiercely loved family, especially his daughters about whom he spoke proudly of their many accomplishments. In September 2019, Greg returned to the Bay Area to celebrate the marriage of Elizabeth and Devin. His daughters, his grandson, and the rest of the family in attendance will forever be grateful to have had this one last reunion with him in the City that he called home for so many years. His loving spirit and soulful presence will be deeply and forever missed. Because of COVID-19, further information about a memorial service will be forthcoming when it is possible to have a Celebration of Greg’s Life.

Gregory Frank Niespolo

September 17, 1954 - May 24, 2020