Joseph M. Fricano

Mr. Joseph M. Fricano of Norton Shores, age 87, passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2023, following a brief illness.  He was born on January 15, 1936, in Grand Haven, to Mariano and Jennie (Arnone) Fricano. He attended Michigan State University and served his country in the United States Navy.  Joe met the love of his life, Brenn Sprecken, while they worked together at Michigan Plastics.  They married on August 24, 1991.  He was lovingly called “Joey” by her two daughters and "PaPa" to future grandchildren.  Joe had a great love of family and to him there was no using the word “step” when referring to his blended family.  Joe was a St Louis Cardinal fan and followed the team for over 75 years.  Joe was proud of his Sicilian heritage and would speak Italian whenever he could.  Joe was affectionately called “Unk” by his nieces and nephews and was a big part of their life growing up.  Unk could be found hilariously reciting Hail Mary’s on roller coasters at the old Deer Park with family, or stepping in last minute as a travel companion on a two week camping trip with his nephew. 

Joe is survived by his wife, Brenn; daughters: Karri Bomers and Krista (Brian) Klenk; grandchildren: Jena (Cameron) Ferrier, Gavin Pier, Olivia Traxler (fiance Ron Atkin), Emma Traxler, Aleena Traxler, Dalton( Katie) Klenk, Brenna Klenk, and Carmela Klenk; nieces: Diane (Mark) Tobin and Deborah (Steve) Ellis; nephews: David (Cindy) Domanchuk, Dennis Domanchuk, and Dan (Therese) Domanchuk; and longtime close friends: Ron Purcell and Ned Burdick.  Joe was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Vinci Domanchuk; brother-in-law, Joseph Domanchuk; and an infant brother. 

He will be missed everyday, but we are all so thankful for all the love, joy, and happiness he brought into so many lives.  A friend once said, "if you don’t like Joe, there is something wrong with you."  A celebration of life/memorial will be held at Orchard View Community Education Center, 1765 Ada St, Muskegon, on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.  Stories and fun times can be shared, both spoken and written.  Contributions can be made to the Muskegon chapter AMBUCS.

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