Donald M. Cannistraro

Donald M. Cannistraro Age 73, of Northville, passed away July 6, 2014 of complications resulting from Parkinson 's Disease. He was born February 21, 1941 in Waltham, Massachusetts; son of Michael and Marjorie (Leishman) Cannistraro. Don was united in marriage to Janice W. Copson on October 30, 1965; they spent nearly 49 wonderful years together. Don grew up in Waltham, Massachusetts; he has been a resident of Northville for 31 years. Don fulfilled his childhood dream to be a pilot when he began working for Executive Airlines in his 20s. From there he continued to fly with Bendix, Allied-Signal, Honeywell, Marlin Air, and Freudenberg. He retired over ten years ago with many wonderful memories. Don had a wide-ranging array of interests. He was an avid golfer, enthusiastic about woodworking, and he loved the outdoors. He and Janice spent many wonderful vacations with friends from the Born Free RV Club. Growing up on the water, Don thoroughly enjoyed boating, fishing, and time spent near the ocean. Ultimately, Don's life-long passion has always been airplanes. From the first he helped to build in a friend's garage, to the model variety, and eventually his own private planes, his eyes were often turned to the sky. None of this, however, compared to the focus that Don put on family. Don and Janice were true partners who originally met as children. Their most special moments were delighting in the joys of their children and grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, Janice; his children, Deborah (Roy) Hall, Lauren (Joel) Cannistraro, and Sara (Bryan) Russell; his grandchildren, Savannah, Brianna, Mitchell, Michael, Emma, Madison, and his brother David R. Cannistraro. He was preceeded in death by his parents, and his sisters Marjorie Doyle and Beverlee Cannistraro. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 9, 2014 from 4-8pm at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 10, 2014 at 4pm with visitation beginning at 3pm at the First United Methodist Church, 777 West 8 Mile, Northville. If friends desire, flowers are welcome, as are memorial donations to the Michigan Parkinson's Foundation, 30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 150, Bingham Farms, MI 48025-5819.