Obituaries
Brenda Joyce Pellegrino
Devoted mother and grandmother, Brenda Joyce (Magliochetti) Pellegrino, age 74, was reunited with her Heavenly Father on May 10, 2023. Brenda was born on January 9, 1949, to Armando and Mary Magliochetti in Bridgeport, Connecticut. She was the third of four daughters. She had fond memories of her childhood with her sisters and many cousins. She married Anthony Fredrick Pellegrino, Sr., and spent over 55 years together.
Brenda worked as a manager in multiple customer service positions as she had phenomenal leadership qualities. Dedicated to her family, she moved multiple times between Connecticut, Texas, and Michigan to be with family in their times of need and joy. Her greatest delights in life were spending time with her family, cooking diverse delicious meals, and taking care of others. She has provided great strength, loyalty, and love with her grandchildren, for which they have echoed immense gratitude. Being the matriarch of the family, she never feared to speak her mind to advocate for those she loved. She was a mother and confidant to many. She can be remembered for her warm, welcoming presence and her quick wit.
She is preceded in death by her loving, devoted father Armando; mother, Mary; her beloved sisters, Pamela Lowden, Patricia Anzollotti and Beverly Magliochetti; and son, Americo Pellegrino. She leaves behind earthside her children, Anthony Fredrick Jr., Armando Anthony, Mark Anthony, and Gina Marie Pellegrino. She will be greatly missed by many grandchildren, great grandchildren (known as Gigi), and extended family and friends. A private service was held by family.
Rev. Gerald William Gallaway
Rev. Gerald William Gallaway heard those precious words, “Well done good and faithful servant,” when he was called home to his eternal home on May 25, 2023.
Gerald was born on August 5, 1937, to Warren William and Lois Faroll Gallaway. He grew up in Leslie, Michigan where he attended a one-room schoolhouse until his 8th grade year when he went into the Leslie Public High School. Following high school, he attended Huntington University in Huntington, Indiana where he met the love of his life, Saundra Lou Gallaway, and received his bachelor’s degree in science with an endorsement of Seminary as well as his Master of Divinity. The two were married on August 5, 1961 and served in the United Brethren in Christ Church in Michigan for 36 years. They served at Casco UB/Chicora UB from 1965-1969 on a circuit in South Haven, MI; from 1969-1976 at Charlotte UB, now Crossroads Church in Charlotte, MI; from 1976-1979 at Maple Hill UB, now Homefront Church in Grandville, MI; from 1979-1986 at West Windsor UB in Dimondale, MI; and from 1987-2002 at McCallum UB in Delton, Michigan where he retired.
Gerald enjoyed painting, woodworking and playing his guitar. Singing with his family and friends brought joy to his life, as well as seeing and playing with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and family both in Michigan and Ohio. His after-retirement years were spent singing and playing at various nursing homes in Hastings, Delton, Galesburg, and Plainwell, as well as in church. Serving and loving God and people were the mission and joy of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Saundra; his three daughters, Kimberly, Melinda (Eric), and Jennifer (Shannon) of Delton, MI; and his sister, Kay Dekett (Gary) of Leslie, MI. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Faroll Gallaway in 1970; his father, Warren William Gallaway 1994; his son-in-law, Steven Roy Parish in 2011; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Gerald had seven grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, one honorary grandson, many great-grandchildren and several foster children and foster great-grandchildren.
His life was life well lived serving his Savior Jesus Christ. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday June 24, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the McCallum UB Church in Delton. The Family will receive friends and family on Friday evening, June 23, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. at the McCallum UB Church, 5505 Otis Lake Road, Delton MI 49046. The family is requesting that all who attend both the visitation and service wear bright Hawaiian colors. In his years after retirement, Gerald found joy in the Hawaiian colors and also the music. Gerald’s ashes will be laid to rest at Brush Ridge Cemetery in Hope Township, Michigan in a private family gathering.
The family would like to thank Thornapple Manor and Elara Hospice Care of West Michigan for the wonderful care and treatment that Gerald received during his last days of his illness. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in Gerald’s name to the McCallum UB Church, Thornapple Manor, or Elara Hospice Care of West Michigan. Special thank you to Eric Brundage for making his beautiful urn. God is good all the time! Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Gerald’s family.
Richard Suntken
Richard Suntken went to be with his savior Jesus Christ on May 12, 2023. His suffering in this life is over and his joyous reunion with his loved ones and friends has begun in Heaven. Richard was born in Lansing, MI on July 31, 1951, to Paul and Edna Suntken.
Richard was preceded in death by his father, Paul Suntken; mother, Edna Suntken; and brother, Jamie Suntken. Surviving to cherish his memory are his children, Richard J. Suntken and Trudy (Ryan) Conlin. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Chase (Haley) Suntken, Shyanne (Dalton) Farley, Serenity Suntken and Harper Suntken. Also surviving him are his sister, Lucille (Steve) Graham and brother, Daniel (Teresa) Suntken and their children.
Richard requested that a service not be held. You can pay your respects in the coming months at the Mulliken Cemetery next to his parents. Thank you to all who loved and showed kindness to Richard.
John Joseph Haley
John Joseph Haley of Charlotte, a quiet hardworking man with the best smile, passed away on May 27, 2023, at the age of 83. John was born May 21, 1940, to his John Sr. and Bernice (Woodman) Haley. On August 6, 1960, he married Patricia Steward and together they raised a wonderful family.
John worked three jobs at one time to provide for his family during the early years of raising his family. He worked nights at AE Hoover Ball and Bearing, drove a school bus during the day, and at Fulton Lumber on Saturdays. After a short time working for Schulert Plumbing and Heating he returned full time at Fulton Lumber working at the sales counter helping builders and homeowners find the supplies they needed for their building projects. Coworkers would love it when John would take his wife’s baked goods to work with him. Sometimes his coworkers would even send home requests for some of Patricia’s special cookies.
John was a Jack of all trades. He could fix or build things himself. His hobbies and interests were varied; he built furniture for the home, and often helped on large building projects ranging from decks to entire houses. He was also handy under the hood of a car, fixing the plumbing or taking care of the electrical works around the home. He even was a great talent at crocheting, making afghans, hats and other articles for family and friends. John also had a love of music which he demonstrated by playing the bass guitar in a campground group where he and Patricia spent many summer days. He was a hardworking man of few words and willing to help a friend in need. He was kind and committed to all.
Above all, John was very proud of his family. John is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Nadine (Fred) Klaiss, Pam (Rick) Taylor, Jeffery (Kristi Doba) Haley and Paul (Tammy) Haley; brother, Michael Haley; 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held for John are Friday, June 2, 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Tom Surdenik officiating. Interment followed in Maple Hill Cemetery. Friends may also share memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on John’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Elara Caring Hospice, or Lemmen-Holton Cancer Center, Grand Rapids. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Denzel Wayne Mann
Denzel Wayne Mann of Vermontville was born on March 7, 1932 in Branch County to Leslie and Marie (George) Mann, and passed away May 26, 2023 at the age of 91. Denzel was a remarkable man known for his ambition, hard work, and passion for various hobbies. His gentle nature and willingness to join in conversations endeared him to many.
Denzel’s journey began as a lineman for his uncle’s local telephone company, after several other odd jobs. Denzel found employment as a final repairman at Fisher Body in Lansing, where he dedicated his skills until his retirement. Denzel possessed a quiet demeanor but was always ready to engage in conversations and connect with others.
In his leisure time, Denzel enjoyed reloading shells for his hunting trips, collecting clocks, and pursuing his love for photography. He even had his own darkroom at home, where he developed captivating photographs. His talent as a fabricator was highly sought after, and he often utilized his welding skills at the former Capital City Race Track, where he would weld competitors’ race cars and sometimes construct entire chassis. Denzel’s ability to analyze and solve problems, especially related to cars and other mechanical projects, was truly remarkable.
Denzel is survived by his children, Joyce (Joseph) Verbis, Leslie (Graciela) Mann, John (Mary) Hemstreet, Sharlene (Terry) Thuma, and Harry (Carol) Kelley. He also leaves behind his long-time companion, Pat Yost, along with 19 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Denzel was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara (Barnard); second wife, Alice (Haynes); girlfriend, Pat O’Dell; stepson, James Hemstreet; and brother, Lavaun Mann.
Visitation to pay tribute to Denzel’s life will be at Pray Funeral Home on Monday, June 5 from 5 to 8:00 p.m.. The funeral service to celebrate his life will be Tuesday, June 6, 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. Following the service, interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville. Friends and family are invited to share memories of Denzel on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.