Patrick "Pasquale" John Izzo

Patient, loving and kind Patrick "Pasquale" John Izzo lived a life rich in faith and family. A happy husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Pat’s innate ability to find the good in everything was a powerful gift to all who were blessed to know him. A man who knew no strangers, Pat’s heart was a safe harbor for all. Revered by many, the gifts of Pat’s whole-hearted, generous life will long be treasured by those who knew him best.

Despite the obvious gloom of the Great Depression, 1930 beheld a power of hope that undulated in the hearts of many. With a natural drive to not just endure but thrive in the face of uncertainty, the nation continued to put one foot in front of the other to build a better future. Nowhere was there a greater sense of hope than at St. Lawrence Hospital, in Lansing, Michigan as Frank & Teresa (Sorbo) Izzo welcomed their son Patrick into their hearts and home on February 5th.

Growing up on Madison Street in Lansing during the 30s and 40s, Pat enjoyed the many comforts of community, faith, and family that his hardworking parents provided for their family. Pat’s father owned and operated a shoe repair shop in downtown Lansing while his mother managed the home. As the curly-haired blond oldest child, Pat naturally carried himself with charm and confidence from a very early age. In the good company of his younger siblings, Victor, Florence, and Nicki, Pat learned the values of hard work, tradition, and community that served as a firm foundation upon which he built the rest of his life.

As a teen, Pat’s gregarious nature made him a favorite of the nuns he ran errands for and the peers he easily befriended. Pat was naturally centered in an unwavering faith and a clear call to be of service to others. With an effortless sense of goodwill, Pat always found a meaningful way to connect with others. Liked by all of his classmates, Pat was a good kid in school who ran with the good crowd who eventually became lifelong friends. Whether serving as an altar boy during mass or tooling around with his pals in his car, Pat was sure to be the source of comfort and ease for those who shared time with him.

After graduating from St. Mary’s Cathedral in downtown Lansing, Pat proudly served in the Army during the Korean War. Famous for his amazing ability to sleep through anything, Pat was well known for being able to lie down next to a Howitzer and soundly sleep through his fellow soldier’s practice shots.

Shortly after being honorably discharged in January of 1953, Pat was blessed with the good fortune of meeting the love of his life, JoAnn Marie Westen, at a school dance in North Branch, Michigan. Instantly smitten, the young couple dated just three months before marrying on May 23 of 1953 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in downtown Lansing.

Pat and JoAnn happily made their home in Lansing and soon joyfully welcomed seven children into their fold. Pat’s family was his heart’s delight. He provided for his wife and children by working for over 45 years at The Butcher Shop/Consumers Food and relished in creating a home rich in tradition. Devout Catholics, Pat and JoAnn centered their family in undauntable faith. Every Sunday, Pat and JoAnn dressed to the nines and proudly attended church where Pat served as an usher while simultaneously helping JoAnn manage the kids in the pew.

Everyday life in the Izzo home was a treasure and holidays proved particularly special. Pat’s children often fondly recall Pat’s famous napping. Whether the kids were rubbing his back or combing his hair, Pat would quickly doze off. He could sleep anywhere. More often than not, Pat could be found fast asleep in the middle of the TV room floor surrounded by his seven children and blissfully snoring over the blaring TV. As the kids would wake him and beg him to go to bed, he’d muster just enough energy to move to the footstool or couch and promptly fall asleep again. Holidays were an especially joyful time for the Izzos. Every year at Christmas, the family gathered and collectively sang “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Pat was especially pleased with any event that included dancing. Nothing made him more proud than spinning the dance floor with the love of his life in his arms. Many a wedding was blessed by the Izzos’ talented Polkas. Watching Pat and JoAnn on the dance floor was sure to inspire a smile for all who were lucky enough to witness their love.

A man of many interests, Pat easily found enjoyment in a good meal of pasta, a great game of golf, cheering on his beloved MSU Spartans, attending Mooser Super Bowl parties, classic Oldsmobiles, traveling with his bride and treasured friends, tooling around Crystal Lake on the pontoon, and laughing at the antics of Red Skelton and Abbott and Costello.

Without a doubt, the births of each of his children and the blessing of welcoming each of his 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren into the world were the greatest days in Pat’s life. Pat cherished his family and any time spent with them was pure contentment. One of the many good times Pat held dear was when he played his best game of golf in the summer of 2016 at Royal Scot with his grandson Nicolas. His score of 37 was even more celebrated for having earned it with Nicolas at his side.

For all who were lucky to share time with Pat, it is easy to recognize the many ways life was grander because of his influence. The world was always brighter, bolder, and more beautiful when seeing it through Pat’s eyes. The grace in which Pat found the positive in absolutely everything powerfully inspired others to do the same. Pat consciously strove to embody the values of his faith. He loved unconditionally, practiced forgiveness, encouraged peace, and remained humble. His heart was a safe place for others to simply be and his efforts to live a life of service were evident. Pat brought this ease of faith to everything he did. As a longtime member and usher of Holy Cross Church, St. Gerard Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus-Richard Council 788, and his 11 years of volunteering at McLaren Pat’s embodiment of his love of God made a positive difference for countless others.

The world clearly feels less certain in the absence Pat’s bright spirit. While it is difficult to imagine life without Pat’s steadfast presence, may we find comfort in our many sweet memories of the lovely man we were privileged to know. May we also find comfort in the privilege of carrying Pat’s legacy of embracing each person and each day as a gift forward. With every kindness we extend to another, “Louie the Lip” we search for, and dancefloor we hit with abandon, we keep Pat’s spirit alive in our hearts and lives where it will continue to emanate out and inspire others.

Patrick "Pasquale" John Izzo passed away on Monday, November 6, 2017. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife and loving partner for over 64 years, JoAnn (Westen). Also surviving are 7 children: Pat Jr. (Patty), Mike (Terry), Teresa (Howard) Phelps, Tim (Linda), Tony (Catherine), Tom (Susie) and Michelle Izzo, 16 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, sisters Nicki Shangle and Sister Rose Teresa, brother and sister in law’s: Bill (Pauline), Bob (Nancy) Westen, Joy Link, Marge (Mac) Davis, nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by a brother Victor.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at 10:30 AM at St. Gerard Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. John Klein as celebrant. Rite of committal will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday, 5-8PM at the Palmer Bush & Jensen, Delta Chapel where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 PM.

Our special thanks to his caring Physicians, Dr. Rapson and Dr. Brandau and their staff at Red Cedar Oncology. Memorials can be made to St. Gerard Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society. Condolences can be made at www.palmerbush.com.