Obituary of Robert Germani

July 16, 1921 - September 30, 2014 Robert Arthur Germani was born in Monroe on July 16, 1921. He was one of ten children born from Italian immigrants, the late Sebastian and the late Loretta (Pietrantoni) Germani. Robert attended the Hall of the Divine Child and Monroe High School through eleventh grade leaving school when his father Sebastian died to help support his family. He honorably served his country during World War II in the United States Navy. Robert married the former Josephine Castellese on June 1, 1940 in Monroe. Robert married the former Marjory Clark on June 12, 1968 in Toledo. From its groundbreaking, and for more than thirty-five years, Robert worked as a car salesman at Ed Harwood Buick before retiring in 1985. Robert was a fourth degree knight with the Knights of Columbus. He was very active in the community serving on many boards. Robert attended St. Joseph and St. John Catholic Churches for over 40 years each, and was a member of the third order of St. Francis and the Holy Name Society. He most recently attended St. Michaels Catholic Church and North Monroe Street Church of God. As a skilled woodworker, he built practical items around the home. Robert loved yard work and his lawn was the "best in the neighborhood". He loved going horseback riding and collecting HO scale model trains. Robert, age 93 of La Salle passed away in his home on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. In addition to both parents his passing was preceded by his wife of nearly 33 years: Marjory on May 19, 2001; son: Stephen Germani; six brothers: Mario, Gene, Joe, Rene, Gail, and Orlando; three sisters: Helen Gerweck, Margie Larkins, and Orlanda "Dolly" Billock. To cherish his memory Robert leaves eight children: Loretta Germani of Toledo, Carol (John) Calkins of Oxford, Robert (Georgia) Germani Jr. of Florida, Denise (Bert) Wilson of Toledo, Gerard Germani of Toledo, Thomas (Carol) Judson of Florida, Scott (Shalene) Germani of Springfield Twp, and Katherine (Michael) Gilbert of LaSalle; daughter-in-law Teri Germani of Indiana, nineteen grandchildren; twenty-two great- grandchildren; and many, many nieces and nephews. Friends may gather on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 from 5:00-8:00pm and Thursday, October 2 from 1:00pm until a Praise Service at 7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service; South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. He will lie in state from 9:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00am, Friday, October 3 at St. Michael Church, 502 West Front Street. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery for burial. Memorials are suggested to the wishes of the family. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.