Robert G. Datini

Datini, Robert G. Age 87 of Trenton, formerly of Lincoln Park, died February 28, 2017. Husband of Sharleen. Loving father of Jessie (Harold) Moreau, Ken Datini, Michelle (Scott) Page and Stephanie (Don) Tatum. Proud grandfather and "Papa" of Shannon, Rachel, Ben, Angela, Nathan, Kyle, Audrey, Emily, Domenic and Bryce. Great grandfather of Michael. Dear brother of Louise Kurcz, James (Tenna) Datini and brother-in-law of Irene (Sissy) Quick, Tom, Larry, Randy, and Dale Vasher. Survived also by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and best friend of 82 years, "Johnny" Behrik. Preceded in death by parents Domenic and Rose Datini and brother Edward Datini. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Knights of Columbus #3078, 25160 Outer Dr., Lincoln Park, MI 48146, 313-382-3431. Born and raised in Lincoln Park, Bob lived his later years in Trenton and most recently in Bloomfield Hills. After graduating from Lincoln Park High School in 1947, Bob and many of his closest friends were drafted together and served honorably in the U.S. Army. Upon his discharge, Bob played softball/baseball and then coached Lincoln Park Little League baseball for more than 20 years. He managed the K of C team with a variety of coaches throughout the years and was considered a beloved Little League manager. For his service and dedication, Bob was inducted into the Lincoln Park Sports Hall of Fame in 2012, one of the highlights of his life. Another was watching his grandchildren and others in their many athletic endeavors and performances, including watching a grandson pitch for the Baltimore Orioles Minor League teams. Being voted "The Biggest Fan" by a grandson's high school swim team was another proud moment. Bob's Catholic faith was an integral part of his life. An usher at Christ the Good Shepherd parish while his children were growing up, he transferred this practice to St. Joseph's parish when he moved to Trenton. St. Joe's was also the parish where he and Sharleen were married on February 16, 1957 and the parish from which his Mass of Christian Burial is being celebrated. A lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus (K of C), Bob participated and served in many ways. An avid bowler who once bowled a perfect 300 game, Bob was secretary of the K of C bowling league for over a decade. Many service projects were handled by Bob— coordinating the Red Cross blood drives, working the lunches in the kitchen and, ironically, building ramps for wheelchair users. Bob's work with Michigan Consolidated Gas Company from 1947 until his retirement in 1991, which he enjoyed immensely, brought him into contact with folks from all walks of life, including Rosa Parks. It also gave his family a sensitivity for gas leaks! Bob enjoyed a variety of hobbies. An avid gardener all his life, Bob passed his green thumb and love for vegetable and flower gardening to his children and grandchildren. Most memorable of his garden plots was the soaring sunflower plot in Trenton. Though not a scratch golfer, Bob loved being on the golf course with his brothers and friends. The Detroit Tigers could always count on his support, through good years and bad. He also loved to eat – pretty much anything -- Coney dogs, polenta, chicken paprikas, and of course, pasta! Bob loved music, especially church hymns with his all time favorite song, "How Great Thou Art"; "Amazing Grace" was another song he truly loved. His favorite musicians were Patsy Cline, Gene Autry, Frank Sinatra and Connie Francis and Bing Crosby. Bob had an incredible sense of humor, even when suffering and up until the day he stopped being able to speak. He had a dry wit but it was a sweet, funny sense of humor that could appear at the most unexpected times. He helped us laugh even in the most difficult times. Even though Bob lost both of his legs, he never lost his desire to participate in the lives of all his grandchildren, family and friends. With his trusty side-kick daughter Stephanie as his chauffeur and social director, Bob had real adventures across the country -- New York, Ohio, Indiana, South Carolina, Florida and virtual adventures across Facebook where he was followed by thousands of adoring "fans". Bob simply participated in as many activities as Stephanie could provide for him and all with his famous "Papa" smile lifting the spirits of all who encountered him. A special thank you goes out to all Bob's service providers (Respite Aides, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists, Music Therapist) -- Bob loved you all and truly appreciated the confidence you had in him and the assistance you provided him, especially through these last years. Although Bob/Dad/Papa is no longer with us on this physical earth, we are pretty certain he is with our Lord walking, eating and talking with everyone. We will miss him terribly but cannot truly be sad at his passing. Thank you for all the prayers, support and love you have showered upon Bob Datini, our dad, Papa, uncle and friend – he truly was the rarest of individuals who managed to inspire all he met.