Donald J. Baravetto

Don was born on May 10, 1931, in Iron Mountain, son of the late James and Rose (Andrini) Baravetto. He graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1950 and proudly served in the United States Navy for four years.

Don married Lola Sparapani on July 2, 1955, at St. Mary Queen of Peace Church. He worked for AT&T as a construction and engineering manager for 30 years, retiring in 1986.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church.

Don was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting deer; throughout his lifetime, he accomplished the admirable feat of harvesting exactly 100 whitetail deer. He was a skilled dog trainer who enjoyed hunting rabbits with his beagles. Spending time at Camp Pottsville with his family and friends was time well spent.

Trout fishing was another of Donald’s lifelong passions, and anyone inquiring where he caught his latest limit were quick to hear him reply, “Never ask a trout fisherman where he got the trout because he will never tell you!” Lastly, gardening was a skill Donald mastered. Each summer his garden produced plentiful fruits and vegetables, and he found great satisfaction in sharing his harvest with family and friends.

Don loved his three girls, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. He cherished his time with them, always sure to give a hug and a kiss, a gentle reminder of how much he loved each one of them.

Don was blessed with friends too numerous to mention and he cherished each and every one of them. He was a humble, generous man, always willing to help anyone in need. His greatest legacy was his generous gift of a college education to his eight grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy; a special cousin, John; and a step-grandson, Jason Maraccini.

Donald is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lola; his daughters, Pamela (Jack) Wallis and Paula (Steve) Gazza of Kingsford, and Patti (Mike) Maloney of Clinton, Mich.; his grandchildren, Ben (Christine) Wallis and their children, Connor and Chloe; Brock (Alyssa) Wallis and their children, Talia, Eli and Lakyn; Katie (Rusty) Baker and their children, Marli and Reid; Alyssa (Justin) Schuelke and their daughter, Giana; Jessa (Blake) Everman; Krista (Brent) Buchcuski and their children, Jake and Baya; Allison (Maloney) Glasby, and Rayce Maraccini (Jenna Steward); a step-granddaughter, Mel (Jerry Cazzolla) Gazza and her children, Lacey and Gage, and his son, Braxton; step-grandsons, Nathan Gazza and Andy (Miranda) Gazza and their children, Audrina and Bella; his brother, Roger (Pat) Baravetto; his sister, Gail Baravetto; several nieces and nephews; and many special friends.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass will follow at 1 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. Msgr. James Kaczmarek will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Don’s memory.

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

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