Joseph Bongiovanni

Joseph Bongiovanni, age 99, lifelong resident of Northville passed away on August 26, 2026. He was born on January 18, 1927 in Northville, son of Frank and Mary (Scida) Bongiovanni. He was a graduate of Northville High School. Joseph was united in marriage to Donna L. Batchelder on March 18, 1961; they spent 65 years lovingly devoted to one another.

At the age of 17, Joseph proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, beginning a distinguished chapter of service to his country during World War II. He served as a Ship’s Cook Third Class aboard the USS Natrona, which was stationed out of Morro Bay, California. His military service took him across the Pacific to Okinawa and Japan. For his dedicated service during World War II, Joseph was awarded the American Area Ribbon, Victory Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with two stars, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one star. Joseph was deeply proud of his military service and cherished the opportunity to reunite with his former shipmates each year at the Naval Reunion. He was also honored to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where he shared a memorable day of reflection and remembrance at the nation’s war memorials.

Joseph was a dedicated employee and began his long career with the Wayne County Road Commission as a truck driver. He retired as a timekeeper in 1980 after 33 years of service. Beginning in 1964, he also worked at Northville Downs, starting as a parking lot attendant. He remained there for many years and retired shortly before its eventual closing, having risen to the position of Admissions Manager.

Joseph was a lifelong member of VFW Post 4012. He enjoyed an active and social life, spending time playing pool and horseshoes and bowling in a league at Northville Lanes. He especially enjoyed playing cards, with poker and euchre among his favorites. Joseph also enjoyed keeping his mind sharp with crossword and jigsaw puzzles. A devoted sports fan, he proudly cheered on his Detroit teams, especially the Red Wings, Lions, and Tigers. He and his wife enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, exploring destinations along both the East and West Coasts.

Joseph’s greatest joy was his family, who always held a special place in his heart. He cherished the times they could all be together, whether sharing a meal or celebrating a holiday. He deeply loved his wife and always treated her like a queen. Joseph was a devoted and supportive father, grandfather, and uncle, proudly attending the sporting events and activities of his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Most of all, he treasured every opportunity to spend time with the people he loved.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Donna Bongiovanni; his children, Joseph (Clarice) Bongiovanni, Pamela (David) Selfridge, Anne (John Stearn) Hahn, and Sheri (Timothy) Frader; his grandchildren, James (Laura) Herren, Mason Hahn, TJ (Jenna) Frader, Kyle Frader, Kevin Frader, Joseph (Maria) Bongiovanni, and Miles Selfridge; his great grandchildren, Jacob (Amber) Pfeiffer, Zachary (Diana) Pfeiffer, Isabella Bongiovanni, Joseph Bongiovanni, Dominic Bongiovanni, Ethan Selfridge, Marisa Herren, and James Herren; his great great grandson, Reid Pfeiffer; his sisters, Angela McKnight and Dolly Bongiovanni; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jodi Pfeiffer; his great grandson, Andrew Selfridge; his parents; his brothers, Sam Bongiovanni, Tony Bongiovanni, Frank Bongiovanni, and Eugene Bongiovanni; and his sisters, Catherine Holman, Florence Konopaski, and Lucy Austin.

The Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. He will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Honor Flight Network, Box L – 4016, Columbus, OH 43260.