Obituary of Donald Joseph Stangis
Donald Joseph Stangis died at his home in Newport, MI in the loving arms of his daughters Chris, Kay and Connie on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the age of 88. Don was born in Detroit, MI on April 8, 1930. He was the son of Edward and Kathleen Stangis of Lincoln Park, MI. Don is preceded in passing by his parents: Edward and Kathleen Stangis; his wife: Helen Ann Stangis; his son: Larry; son-in-law: Daniel Greca; and a great grandchild: Angel Micholuk.
Don married his one and only love Helen Ann Gratz on April 28, 1951 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in River Rouge. He graduated from Wayne University College of Engineering on June 16, 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Shortly after that, he was hired on as a Lead Engineer for US Rubber Company, a.k.a. Uniroyal Rubber Company. Don and Helen resided in Trenton, MI, where they were blessed to raise 6 children: Brian, Chris, Kay, Donnie, Connie and Nancy.
He was honored in the US Rubber Company Worldwide magazine for building their first computer from the ground-up. He was a great and well-respected engineer around the country, so much so, that he came out of retirement several times. For the past 30 years, Don lived in Zephyrhills FL for most of the year, returning to Michigan for the summer.
Don loved to play bridge, euchre and pinochle. He was an avid boater, fisherman and his early days loved to duck hunt. Don and his wife Helen loved to travel. Visiting Spain, Mexico, Hawaii and the Bahama’s on several occasions.
To cherish his memory Donald leaves; two sons: Brian (Jenny) Stangis and Donald E. Stangis; four daughters: Christine (Nick) Vince, Kathleen Feaganes, Constance Greca and Nancy (Mitchell) Allgood; Twelve grandchildren: Angela (Chris) Joyner, Renee (Tom) Acs, RJ. Stangis, Ryan (Carrie)Vince, Dominic Vince (Patricia Collins), Anthony (Roxanne) Feaganes, Tracy Micholuk (Terry), Daniel T. Jr. Greca (Sara), David Greca (Miranda), Derek Greca (Jessica Forbes), Spencer Allgood and Meagen Allgood.
In addition, he leaves fifteen Great-Grandchildren and Five Step Great-Grand Children: Isabella, Samuel, Joshua, Ariana, David, Jason, Jacob, Joshua, Kyle, Keeley, Anthony Jr., Logan, Daniel III, Haylie, Skyler, Zachary, Mara, Madison, Camden and AJ
Friends may gather on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 from 3:00pm until 5:00 pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 14567 S. Dixie Hwy., Monroe, MI 48161 (734) 384-5185. A Memorial Celebration of His Life will take place at 5:00 pm, immediately following the gathering, also at Merkle’s, with Deacon George Cousino from Divine Grace Parish officiating.
In lieu of Flowers, the family has requested donations to Promedica Hospice Monroe, 1070 N Monroe St., Monroe Mi 48162.