Obituary of Luigi Matteocci

Luigi Matteocci was born August 29, 1940 in Rome, Italy. He was one of two children and the only son of Bruno and Vienna (Caratelli) Matteocci. After attending school, Luigi enlisted in the Italian Marines where he served in the Lagunari branch. 

In Rome, Luigi married the love of his life, the former Ms. Lorraine Valente on June 9, 1963. Luigi immigrated from Italy to Detroit, Michigan to reunite with Lorraine after his enlistment where they were blessed with four sons. Luigi and Lorraine chose to settle in Newport, Michigan after raising their four boys.

Luigi was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Taylor, Michigan and a proud member of UAW Local 14 in Toledo, Ohio where he was gainfully employed for over twenty-five years at General Motors before retiring in 2003. Prior to his employment at GM, Luigi worked in construction for fifteen years with his in-laws on major highways in the Detroit Metropolitan Area.

Luigi loved to spend time in Lewiston, Michigan and Jackson, Michigan hunting deer and other small game with his sons. He also enjoyed ice fishing, and always looked forward to smelt dipping at the Point Pelee National Park in Leamington, Ontario, Canada. When Luigi wasn’t hunting or fishing, he and his wife enjoyed camping in their travel trailer when the boys were young. He was a big sports fan, particularly of baseball and football. He also loved watching old western movies.

Luigi had a great sense of humor and loved spending time with family, friends, and neighbors. Luigi was a great husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Luigi Matteocci, age 83, of Newport, Michigan passed away unexpectedly at the hospital in Trenton, Michigan. His passing was preceded by his parents: Bruno and Vienna Matteocci.

To cherish Luigi’s memory he leaves behind his loving wife of sixty years: Lorraine Matteocci of Newport, Michigan; four sons: Louie (Denise) Matteocci of Dearborn, Michigan, Michael (Kim) Matteocci of Newport, Michigan, David (Arlene) Matteocci of Denver, Colorado and Mark (Yuri) Matteocci of Chelsea, Michigan; one sister: Marina (Massimo) Diretti of Rome, Italy; seven grandchildren: Craig, Cristen, Amber, Michael, Marina, Jade and Luna; one great granddaughter: Emersyn and two nephews: Daniele and Danilo Diretti.

Friends may gather from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024 with the recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m.  at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734)384-5185. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church; 8125 Swan Creek Road, Newport, Michigan with Father Sanjeeb Tanri, as celebrant. Luigi will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Procession will follow to St. Charles Cemetery in Newport, Michigan for burial.

Memorial contributions in honor of Luigi are suggested to the St. Jude’s Children Hospital. Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration and or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com