Gioacchino "Gino" Tognetti

Gioacchino “Gino” Jack Tognetti of Riverview, Michigan passed away in his home while surrounded by his family on April 19, 2025 at the age of 84. Beloved husband of 58 years to Vincenza “Enza” Tognetti. Cherished father of Cathy (Matt) Vitale, Leo Tognetti, Geri (Vince) Galati, and Tony Tognetti. Loving nonno of Nicholas, Gina (Benedetto), and Michael. Dearest great-nonno of Salvatore and Matteo. Caring brother of Vito (Betty) Palazzolo, Sam (Carol) Palazzolo, Vita (Joe) Alastra, and Mary (Mario) Trupiano. Gino will be deeply missed by his loving family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

Gino was born on October 07, 1940 in Partinico, Sicily. Son of the late Leonardo and Caterina Tognetti. He immigrated to America in 1953, on the SS Andrea Doria, to begin a new chapter in life with his mother; after his father passed in World War II.

Gino began his professional career as a carpenter. He completed his apprenticeship in 1963 while working at Demar Brothers. Less than a year later, he was drafted to serve in the Army Corps of Engineers (538th Engineering Battalion) and stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After proudly serving from 1963-1965, he returned back to Demar Brothers. Gino began working at Wyandotte Chemicals (BASF) in 1968. He would continue to work there for the next 13 years. In 1981, Gino began working at General Motors (Fisher Body Fleetwood Assembly Plant). There he completed his electrician apprenticeship. Once the plant closed in 1984, Gino relocated to “Poletown” (Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant). He would finish his 25-year career there retiring in 2006.

Gino enjoyed bowling, woodworking, playing bocce and card games. He had a “green thumb” and was passionate about his vegetable garden, roses, and fruit trees. Anyone who knew Gino knows that he loved his fruit!

Gino shared his enthusiasm for traveling with his “Sweetheart” Enza. Some of their trips included: New York, Florida, Arizona, Napa Valley, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Sicily. Their multiple Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises led them to destinations such as the Bahamas, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Spain. Locally, they often took road trips to Soaring Eagle, Firekeepers, and Caesars-Windsor to inspect the slot machines!

Gino was extremely self-sufficient and a perfectionist. There wasn’t any home repair, remodel, or task that he couldn’t handle. He was not the fastest but always did things properly. His work was clean and precise. He had the incredible ability to fix anything; often unconventionally, like MacGyver.

Gino was very proud of being an American but never forgot his Sicilian heritage. He pridefully instilled those traditions, customs, culture, and values into his children. He had a big heart and a caring generous nature. Gino lived for Enza and she was his world. He especially loved her cooking; nothing could compare. He was a great father and provider. Family meant EVERYTHING to him.

Visitation for Gino will take place on Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Trenton Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes located at 3200 West Road, 48183. There will be a scripture service held at 6:00 p.m. that evening at the funeral home followed by The Santa Rosalia Club honoring his memory. The Mass of Resurrection will take place the following day, Monday, April 28, 2025 at St. Cyprian Church located at 13249 Pennsylvania Rd, Riverview, MI 48193. In State 9:30 a.m. and Mass to begin at 10:00 a.m. The Wyandotte Veterans Honor Guard will be performing military honors at church at the conclusion of Mass. Gino will be privately entombed with immediate family present at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery in Brownstown Township, Michigan.

Please visit Gino’s online guestbook and tribute wall to share memories and leave condolences for his family.