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Joseph Anthony Forlenza
Born: 3/18/1940
Died: 9/16/2021
Age: 81
Community: Clio, MI
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Joseph Anthony Forlenza, born March 18, 1940, in Chicago, IL, died September 16, 2021 at his home in Clio, MI. Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 59+ years, Patricia Jo Forlenza (Blankenship), and their four children, Joseph Anthony Jr. (Julie), James Matthew (Robynne), Theresa Jo Wyatt, nee Forlenza (John; deceased), and Robert David (Cory), his 11 grandchildren, John Wyatt, Patty, Stacie, Stephanie (Scott), Devin (Cory), John Ellis (Kaitlyn), Anthony, Brin, Nicholas, Alyssa, Reese, and his 4 great-grandchildren, Maddie, Isabella, JC, and Marley. He joins in heaven his father (Anthony), mother (Berniece) and adored sister (Carmella), as well as many other family and friends.
Upon graduating from St. Joseph’s College (Rensselaer, IN), Joe was recruited to play football by the Montreal Alouette’s of the Canadian Football League, but spurned the offer to dedicate his life to Catholic education, primarily, in the Flint-area. He began as a teacher at Mendel Catholic High School in Chicago, then moved to Flint in 1962, taking on the positions of teacher and football, baseball and track coach at St. John Vianney high school. Upon the merger of SJV into Powers Catholic High School in 1970, Joe served as the high school’s Dean of Students, as well as an assistant football coach. He moved into the role of principal at both O’Sullivan Middle School and Donovan North Middle School before returning to Powers Catholic HS in 1974, where he served as principal until 2002. He continued to work on special projects for Powers and serve as a football coach until his retirement in 2005. All told, Joe served 44 years in Catholic education.
Joe cherished his many friends, in particular the close relationships he shared with football coaches, teachers, and administrators throughout the Flint-area. Some of his favorite times were spent telling stories of the old Catholic league rivalries and coaching for and against some of the best athletes in the history of Flint.
Whether it was helping to build tall buildings that still grace the Chicago skyline, caddying for Bing Crosby at Beverly (IL) Golf Club, playing pick-up basketball and hockey against Detroit Tiger and Detroit Red Wing greats, or clandestine late-night carousing with presidential secret agents, Joe lived life to its fullest.
He is known for his effervescent joy of spending time with his friends and family. From legendary backyard BBQ’s and Christmas Eve parties, to his famous root beer floats and Michigan Rummy games with his grandchildren, Joe lived a life of honor, love and dignity.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, September 20, 2021 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 2415 Bagley Street, Flint, Father Thomas Firestone officiating.
Visitation 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday at church and 10 a.m. Monday until the time of the Mass at the church.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, to make donations in his honor to either St. John Vianney School and/or Powers Catholic High School.
Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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9/19/2021 |
| Time: |
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4:00 PM |
| Visitation 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday, September 19, 2021 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 2415 Bagley Street, Flint and 10 a.m. Monday, September 20, 2021 until the time of the Mass at the church. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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9/20/2021 |
| Time: |
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11:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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St. John Vianney Catholic Church
2415 Bagley Street
Flint, MI 48507Get a Map to this location...
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