Pierino Guglielmetti

It is with great sadness that the family of Pierino Guglielmetti (84) announces his passing on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in Allen Park, Michigan. Pierino took his last breath peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving wife and daughter.

Pierino is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Ida Guglielmetti. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Giuseppe Guglielmetti, and beloved sister-in-law, Franceschna Guglielmetti and his first Great Grand Child Viviana

Pierino was loved by many, especially his family. He is survived by his children: Piero (Ramona), Maria (Andy), Beatrice, Marcello, Silvana, Renato, Gianni (Tonya), and Giorgio (Kristen), along with his 13 grandchildren: Marina, Manny, Michael, Nadia (Kaan), Nicholas. Sabrina (David), Jessica, Gianna, Ella, Ava, Antonio, Ona, and Katherine, and many other family members and friends.

He was born on November 8, 1939, in Calabria, Italy, to Michele and Carmela Guglielmetti. In his town, it was standard to attend school until the age of 11. At the young age of 14, he went to culinary school and became a certified chef at the age of 18. Pierino did not want to take the easy path and settle in Calabria, where opportunities were scarce. Instead, he looked for his fortune wherever he could, working in England, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Canada, and finally the United States. He would passionately recount the trials he experienced in pursuit of his dreams, including being caught and expelled from England for not having the "correct paperwork." Despite several setbacks, Pierino's perseverance and hard work eventually paid off.

In 1966, at the age of 27, he immigrated to the United States with his wife, their first two young toddlers, hardly any money, and knowing very little English. However, he was armed with his passion to provide a better life for his family. He immediately started pursuing the American dream, quickly adapting to his new country and the challenges many immigrants face. His strong work ethic and determination made it impossible for him to fail. He quickly learned English and became a productive member of this new society. His passion for his work, ability to get along with others, and exceptional culinary skills soon led him to become the head chef at an Italian restaurant in Detroit.

Despite making enough money to live comfortably working at a restaurant, Pierino knew he wanted to spend more time with his children. Working in restaurants required him to be away from them in the evenings and on most holidays. So, in 1969, with the help of his wife Ida, they started making ravioli by hand in their home but also kept his job at the restaurant to pay the bills and to help his fledgling business. Eventually, Pierino was able to quit his job and moved into a rented building and grew from being a small vendor for local Italian shops to building a nationally recognized pasta brand. It was his dream to see large semi-trucks picking up full loads of his products, and through consistent hard work with his entire growing family, this dream

became a reality that made them all very proud.

Pierino succeeded through sheer hard work and a strong work ethic, and he wanted to help other succeed as well. There were countless occasions where Pierino treated less fortunate employees like his own family, helping them succeed even if it meant buying a car for an employee who couldn't get to work on time from Detroit, lending another immigrant money to help his family India, or simply offering guidance and advice to someone who had no one to guide him.

His other passions were what drove Pierino to work so hard. He loved his family and cherished spending time with them on weekends, doing simple things that built lasting memories, such as going to a state park, swimming, barbecuing, or visiting extended family members and celebrating the simple joys of life. He was also a passionate gardener who enjoyed tilling the soil and caring for his plants even on hot summer days. His family can still taste the delicious figs from the trees he planted and nurtured to survive the harsh Michigan winters, and they still have several jars of tomato sauce and peaches that Ida canned from trees he planted. He also loved making his own wine, playing bocce ball with his friends, and successfully placing 1st or 2nd in several tournaments that took him as far as Italy.

We will always remember his inspirational work ethic, his outgoing and funny personality, his love for helping those around him, and above all, we will remember him as a caring husband, loving father, Nonno, and friend.