Vincent J. Consiglio

Consiglio, Vincent J. ("Jimmy") Age 89, of Allen Park. December 19, 2016. Beloved husband of the late Mary and the late Evelyn. Loving father of Mark Consiglio and Paula Consiglio. Proud Grandpa of Brooke, Nick and Lisa and Great-Grandpa of Gwendolen. Vince was the Dear Uncle to 11 nieces and nephews, Great-Uncle to their 14 children, and a Great-Great Uncle to 12 more. He was known in his younger days by both his family and East Side friends as "Jimmy" (his middle name), but used Vincent once he began teaching, so his names became interchangeable (his birth name was Vincenzo). Vince was a well-respected educator with the Detroit Public Schools for 33 years and, for 25 years, he was a member of the American Contract Bridge League (Michigan Unit 137/203) achieving Club Master Status with over 500 points. And, as a life-long second job, Jimmy was a musician and singer and a 70-year member of the Detroit Federation of Musicians Union - Local 5 while he played his tenor sax, clarinet and sang. Jimmy played his horns and sang on stage as a teen at school dances and then in the U.S. Navy band. He played clubs, dances, weddings, senior centers, Italian festivals, holiday parties, and he once said that Louie Armstrong had stepped on stage for a song with the band at a Belle Isle event! He did his share of strolling, too - in the park, at special events including black ties for the opening of the Detroit Auto Show and Democrat Conventions, and he even strolled during a 3-day weekend series in 1992 which celebrated the remodel completion of the once-Tiger Stadium. Although Vince loved to be and was a devoted teacher of English/Language/ Literature, Drama and Performing Arts, and even Spanish for a few years, his lifelong love of music forever poured out of his soul. He retired from working gigs' in around 2013, but he'd sometimes sing a song at family celebrations, and he always sang around the house right up until he passed away. He retired his instruments, music and equipment to his Grandson, Nick, who also plays the clarinet and tenor sax, along with guitar (both acoustic and electric). Nick, and his sister, Lisa, both play the piano and, his eldest Granddaughter, Brooke, plays the trombone. Jimmy's love and appreciation for music was an influence to those who loved and looked up to him, hearing him perform was a true pleasure, and the unforgettable tunes from his horns - along with his melodic voice - will echo in our hearts forever. Memorial contributions may be made to Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. [Gleaners Food Bank]