Jack Sanzoni

Jack Sanzoni of Clinton Township passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday inside the home he built humbly with his own hands more than three decades prior. He was 96. A devoted husband for more than a half-century to Norma, and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, his life is a testament to the happiness we all can achieve through exploring our curiosities and acting on our self-determination. Mr. Sanzoni was born in Detroit on June 27, 1928, and was never shy to tout his Sicilian roots. He was an entrepreneur who founded companies in homebuilding and landscaping, and believed that anything was in reach with enough Super Glue and elbow grease. Those who knew Jack also knew he was a man of many hobbies. A weightlifting enthusiast for decades, Jack celebrated the fact he was a near-daily gymgoer well into his 90s, and even then could be seen mingling with fellow lifters, some several decades his junior. In every sense, he believed that balance was the key to longevity and always worked to keep his mind as sharp as his physique through sudoku puzzles and board games with family, especially on holidays. But after he entered retirement, he decided to explore a lifelong fascination with aviation and would soon purchase his first remote-controlled model airplane. Jack went on to join the Radio Control Club of Detroit, and that one remote plane of his eventually became several dozen — from replica fighter jets all the way down to tiny styrofoam planes with electric motors. If Jack wasn’t at the gym, he was at the airfield. And if he wasn’t at the airfield, he was tinkering with his planes in his basement-turned-hangar. Jack also was known for his love of country westerns, the Rat Pack, and collecting anything Coca-Cola and Superman — a fitting captivation for a man who himself seemed at times invincible and who undoubtedly will be remembered as a hero by those who knew him dearest. In addition to Norma, whom he married on May 19, 1974, Jack is survived by son Randy Wood and Carol Wood of Warren; Debbie Harrison of Sterling Heights; daughters Kelly, Deborah, Rosalie and Pat; nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Please join us Tuesday, Oct. 29, for a memorial service celebrating Jack’s life. Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. at Mandziuk & Son, 3801 18 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48314. A funeral service and Catholic mass will take place 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 40501 Hayes Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 40501.

Jack Sanzoni

June 27, 1928 - October 26, 2024