John Biliti

John Biliti, 70, of Chesterfield Township passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 30th after a very brief battle with cancer. He leaves behind his cherished wife of 48 years Becci, sons Paul (Julie), John, and Marc (Allison). He was the proud grandfather to Nicholas, Matthew, Avery, Camden and Aubrey.
   John was a 1967 graduate of Osborne High School in Detroit before working as a tool and die maker and Union Representative at Ford Motor Company Rouge Plant. He retired after 36 years and got his dream job as a starter at several local golf courses.
   John maintained close relationships with many of his childhood friends. He grew up playing softball and was a proud member of the original “Willie’s” team and the Local 600 All Stars. He continued to play competitive softball into his forties.
   Besides his family, John’s passion was hockey. Starting in St. Clair Shores, he coached hundreds of players over a 35 year career. Many of his players went on to play Division I, professional hockey and in the NHL. He was the head coach for the 1983 Silver Stick Champions, 1995 Tournoi International Pee Wee Quebec World Champions, Grosse Pointe South High School, De La Salle High School and numerous State Championships.
   John was an avid self taught golfer who stilled played 3-4 times a week up until his passing. He enjoyed playing on his Tuesday and Thursday Leagues where he earned the moniker “Steady Biliti” for his easy, fluid and accurate swing. He looked forward to playing with his long time friends at Lakewood Shores Resort in Oscoda every August. Most recently he worked and played at Pine Valley Golf Course in Ray Township. Prior to that he was a starter at Salt River Golf Course in New Baltimore for many years.
   Most important of all, John was the Patriarch of a strong family. His values, morals and ethics were passed down to his three sons and five grandchildren. Loyalty, dedication, integrity, work ethic, trust, dedication and unconditional love were his greatest traits. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, attending dance recitals, cheering at soccer games, watching karate or swimming or just playing games on the floor with them. John enjoyed traveling with his friends and family visiting some exotic locations. He had the opportunity to travel to Bora Bora, Tahiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts, Panama, Hawaii, Alaska, Turk and Caicos, South Carolina and California. He and Becci were high school sweethearts who were more in love after 48 years of marriage than they were on their first date. Not one day passed that he didn’t tell his wife that she was pretty and how much he adored her.
   John was a son, brother, husband, grandfather, coach, mentor, golf buddy but above all of that he was a friend to all that he met. He will be truly missed but never forgotten.
   Visitation is scheduled for Friday August 2nd at Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Home from 2pm-9pm and service on Saturday August 3rd at St. Isidore Church located at 18201 23 Mile Road in Macomb, MI 48042 for a 10am Mass, instate at 9:30am. A luncheon will be provided immediately following.