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Donald B. Fornetti

BREITUNG TOWNSHIP — Donald B. Fornetti, 90, of Breitung Township, passed away on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center.

Don was born on May 31, 1926, in Iron Mountain, son of the late James and Anna (Manko) Fornetti. He was a lifelong resident of this area and was a 1944 graduate of Iron Mountain High School.

Upon graduation, Don joined the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Ray K. Edwards during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Don married Mildred Poupard in August 1947. They began raising their family in this area while Don worked various jobs. He started with Michigan Bell Telephone Co. in 1948 and retired from AT&T after 34 years in 1982. Mildred preceded him in death in 1979.

Don married the former Dorothy Elliott in 1990 and Dorothy passed away in 2008.

Don was a member of the Communication Workers of America and served as CWA president for many years. He was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, Oak Crest Golf Club, AARP and placed lifeline phones for the elderly.

Don was an avid hunter and fisherman. Over the years he traveled on hunting trips to Canada, Newfoundland and Alaska. He also enjoyed golfing, gardening and traveling.

Don is survived by his daughters,Trudy (David) DeGroot and Susan (Matthew) Fornetti Hecimovich; two grandchildren, Heather (Eric) Hiatt and Tara (Edward) Herr; two great-grandchildren, Addison and Logan Herr.

He is further survived by several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Mildred, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; and his brother, George Fornetti.

At Don’s request, private services were held.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Donald Fornetti online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

DONALD B. FORNETTI