Steve J. Folino

Steve J. Folino, age 99, lifelong resident of Northville, passed away on June 19, 2025. He was born on November 12, 1925 in Northville, Michigan; son of Luigi and Josephine (Fabiano) Folino. He graduated from Northville High School with the Class of 1944. A talented and dedicated athlete, Steve earned varsity letters in multiple sports, including basketball, football, and baseball. Steve was united in marriage to Liza Jane (Fultz) Folino on October 11, 1958; they spent 59 years lovingly devoted to one another until her death on February 22, 2018.

Just out of high school, Steve was drafted into the United States Army to serve in World War II. He trained at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, where his exceptional clerical skills, typing over 100 words per minute, led to his assignment in administrative operations. Serving as a T/3 Sergeant in the Pacific War during the Philippine Conflict, Steve was part of General Douglas MacArthur’s flotilla of ships. Aboard his troop ship, he acted as the Administrative Clerk, responsible for managing logistical operations, preparing deployment orders, coordinating troop strategies, and overseeing ship requisitions. Steve was later stationed in Manila, where he continued his work in base administration and supported various coordination efforts until the end of the war. For his service, he was awarded numerous honors, including the Army Commendation Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, and the Philippine Independence Medal. In recent years, Steve was recognized with a banner displayed in downtown Northville each May and November, and he was honored with a handmade quilt bearing his military insignia from the Michigan Quilt of Valor Organization.

Steve dedicated 48 years of service to the Ford Motor Company, working as an Order Processing Supervisor for the Ford Customer Service Division. He played a key role in ensuring the timely fulfillment of parts, working closely with dealerships across the United States. Although he retired in 1995, Steve, who had obtained his real estate license, sold homes in Northville and nearby communities to keep himself busy.

Steve was a devoted Catholic and longtime member of St. James Catholic Church in Novi, where he faithfully served as an usher for many years. He was a lifelong member of VFW Post 4012, as well as the Plymouth and Farmington Elks Clubs.

Sports were a constant and meaningful part of his life. After returning from the war, he played and managed a semi-pro baseball team in the Inter-County League in Cass Benton Park. His love for athletics extended beyond playing; he went on to serve as a referee for the Michigan High School Athletic Association. For over 45 years, Steve officiated high school and junior college basketball and football games across the state, dedicating his time to supporting youth sports. He remained an avid fan throughout his life, especially enjoying high school and college games. His greatest joy, however, was watching his granddaughter play college basketball. A devoted father and grandfather, Steve never missed an event, from dance recitals to sporting competitions, always showing up with pride and enthusiasm to cheer on his family.

He was an avid golfer and served for many years as the treasurer of the Ford Motorcraft Golf League. A passionate auto racing enthusiast and devoted IndyCar fan, he attended the Indianapolis 500 for over 20 years. He cherished his time spent up north at his cottage in Lupton, especially during deer hunting season, where he found peace in the outdoors. Steve also loved big band music, listening to the Three Tenors opera singers, dancing, and watching cowboy western movies.

Steve had a true passion for cooking and grocery shopping, taking pride in preparing meals for his loved ones. An exceptional Italian cook, his homemade spaghetti and meatballs became a treasured family favorite. Steve’s deep love for the Northville community was evident throughout his life. During the heyday of Northville Downs, he owned an overflow parking lot, adjacent to his parent’s home, and, alongside his son, helped park cars for racetrack patrons, a tradition rooted in both family and community. He also supported his wife in running and managing the Old Mill Restaurant, a cherished local spot for many years. A proud participant in the Northville Olde Timers Luncheon, Steve was honored as the very first recipient of the Northville Person of the Year Award, an acknowledgment of his lasting impact on the town he held so dear. In his later years, he remained an active and beloved member of the senior community where he lived, contributing to the Veterans Club.

Above all, Steve loved his family deeply. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a role model to those who knew him. With a warm heart and a gift for making everyone feel valued, Steve leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and community spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Steve is survived by his loving children, Luigi (Sharon) Folino, Jody Folino, and Diane (Arlen Dewall) Jennings-Dewall ; his son-in-law: Mike Cederberg; his grandchildren, Rachele (Michael) Russo, Natalie (Matt) Vander Zanden, Stefano Folino, Lyle (Gina) Taylor, Anthony Taulbee, Sheldon Taulbee, Kate (Ryan) Timmers, and Amanda (Kraig) Borr; his great grandchildren, Dominic, Gabriella, Jordan, Kane, Henrik, Brooklynn, Liza Jane, Oliver, and Aubrie; his brothers-in-law: Don (Ruthann) Fultz, Paul Meier, and Ken (Jeri Lou) Meier; and many nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Liza Jane Folino; his daughter, Lynnda Cederberg; his brother, Paul Folino; and his sister, Jenny Watson.

The Visitation will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville. The Funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. instate at 9:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 46325 W. 10 Mile Road, Novi. Military Honors will be rendered immediately following the Mass at St. James. Mr. Folino will be laid to rest next to his wife at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville in a private family ceremony.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to American Cancer Society, 29777 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 1451, Southfield, MI 48034.