Mark Steven Seitz unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Mark was born on July 17, 1951, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was an avid University of Michigan and Detroit Lions football fan. He graduated from Pioneer High School class of 1969. He then went on to graduate with a bachelors degree from the school of Accounting at Eastern Michigan University. Many years later he returned to school and earned his masters degree from Ashford University in Healthcare Administration. He was the first born son of the late Arlo and Ruth Seitz. He is survived by his wife, Michelle Seitz, stepson, Adam (Katie) Arney, granddaughter, Madeline Arney, and grandson, Mathew Arney. He is also survived by siblings Collin (Gloria) Seitz, Linda (Brad) Jones, and Paula Murphy. Preceded in death by sisters, Karen Mayville, and Terri Carpenter. And stepsons, Paul Hubert, and Timothy Hubert. 

A Memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday April 6, 2024 at the Cunningham/Taylor Funeral Home, Freeland, MI. Rev. Kevin O'Bryan will officiate. Per Mark's wishes cremation has already taken place. Burial of Mark's cremains will be in Poseyville Cemetery, Midland, MI. Friends may call at the Cunningham/Taylor Funeral Home, 310 E. Washington St. Freeland on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the donor's favorite charity.

David A. King, age 72, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2024, after enjoying dinner and dessert with his wife in his Ann Arbor home. A lifelong Ann Arborite, Dave was born in Ann Arbor and graduated from Pioneer High. He received his bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University, and in 1976 received a law degree from the Detroit College of Law. He spent his summers working at a foundry to pay for his education. Throughout his life, he gave special attention and respect to people whose jobs were physically demanding. In 1976, Dave began his lengthy and notable legal career as an Assistant Washtenaw County Prosecutor. The majority of his time as a prosecutor was spent in the Appellate Division. His work included supervising legal interns who were assigned to research and write responses to appellate pleadings. During the nearly 40 years he worked as a prosecutor, Dave especially enjoyed mentoring the many law students he worked with and keeping in touch with them over the years.

Dave was an avid reader, athlete, gardener, and cook. Always judicious with his words, he preferred to sit back and listen first, waiting to offer a thoughtful insight or witty interjection when needed. After his retirement in 2016, Dave was able to focus on his hobbies, which included taking care of Thomas, the stray cat he had adopted as a kitten, and whom he adored.

Above all else, Dave was devoted to his family. He cheered on his sons' achievements, both professional and personal; proudly attending their weddings and graduations, and coaching countless little league baseball teams. He doted on his grandchildren, who loved bringing him cookies and making him laugh with their antics. "Grandpa and Yiayia's house" will always be one of their favorite places to visit. And he did all this side by side with his wife of 37 years, Angela. Not everyone in life gets to spend 37 years with their soulmate but Dave did. After a rocky start to their courtship involving a miscommunication, Angie was quick to leave a message with Dave's office telling him to "call her about an appeal." Their love for each other cannot be overstated. Family dinners were a daily must-attend event that continued up until the day Dave passed. Angie and Dave would always bring out the best in each other.

Dave is survived by his wife Angela, his sons Luke (Christi) and Adam (Sabrina), his grandchildren Riley, Ryan, Blake and Sloan, and his brother, Michael.

PAUL PARRAVANO Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by William F. Spencer Funeral Service on Dec. 15, 2023.

 Paul (Paolo) Parravano, beloved husband, father, uncle, cousin, friend, colleague, and university administrator at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, passed away at home in Arlington, Massachusetts, on December 9, 2023, surrounded by family. His death followed a courageous, year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Paul was the youngest child of Giuseppe and Ernesta (Paparozzi) Parravano. His father, a professor of chemical engineering, served on the faculty of the University of Michigan; his mother tirelessly volunteered for many charitable causes. Paul was born in Princeton, New Jersey, on January 27, 1952, three years after his family immigrated to the U.S. from Italy. At eighteen months old, he lost his sight to retinoblastoma, a childhood cancer of the retina. Despite this setback, he grew and flourished, supported by his family, who sought to include Paul in their activities in every way possible.  

Paul’s early education was in local schools in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His parents were greatly ahead of their time, insisting that Paul be given the opportunity to study in mainstream schools and instilling in him a lifelong spirit of determination and generosity that became his hallmarks. After graduating from Huron High School, where he was the school’s first student-body president, Paul went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Harvard University and a law degree from Northeastern University. 

Paul began his career as a consultant at Harold Russell Associates, a firm specializing in legal issues facing those with disabilities. In December 1990 Paul joined MIT as Assistant for Government and Community Relations, becoming Co-Director in 1997. He worked closely with public officials, advocacy groups, and nonprofit organizations at local, state, and national levels. On behalf of three MIT presidents, Paul established and participated in regular visits with government leaders in Washington D.C. to help advance the cause of science and research. He arranged countless campus visits for dignitaries, community leaders, and schoolchildren.

Internally, Paul supported campus-based voting and elections, served as secretary for MIT’s Community Service Fund, acted as an advocate and a research participant in the field of assistive technology, and was a longtime committee member (and chair) of the Institute’s annual MLK Jr. Celebration. In June 2022, Paul became the inaugural recipient of the MIT Staff Award for Distinction in Service. At the award ceremony, he was referred to as the “Mayor of MIT.” A colleague described him perfectly: “Paul is an important person who doesn't act like an important person. He makes everyone feel that they have an equal place at the table.” 

Paul left a lasting imprint on the Institute and the broader community. For three decades, he led with kindness and compassion, created meaningful relationships with everyone around him, and generously shared his wisdom and guidance.

Paul diligently sought to improve his life and the lives of others by helping make the world more accessible for those with disabilities. A longtime board member of National Braille Press, he advocated for the greater use of Braille in public spaces and on everything from restaurant menus to voting booths to utility bills. He became an expert at finding ways to modify and use newer technologies. His indomitable spirit, patience, and excellent sense of humor were always there to ease the way.

Paul never let physical barriers impede him. He learned to ride horseback as a youth and took part in equestrian events that included show jumping. In high school, he was an avid wrestler. As an adult, he reveled in following his daughters’ sports teams (including a memorable trip to San Marino for a tournament with his younger daughter’s soccer team) and cheered on Italy in the World Cup. In July 2017, on his tandem bicycle, he rode across Iowa as a participant in RAGBRAI. Paul spent many happy summer vacations with family and friends on Lake Michigan, one of his favorite places. He loved music, good food, good conversation, travel, conviviality, his family, and his many friends. He loved life, and he lived a life of consequence and meaning.

He is survived by his loving wife of thirty-five years, Martha (Vaughan); two adored daughters, Emily Lucia and Eleanora Grace; three brothers and their spouses: Nicola (Deborah), Carlo (Ellen), and Pietro (Joan). He is also survived by a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins both in the U.S. and Italy, as well as his mother-in-law Barbara Vaughan and brothers-in-law Andrew and Roger Vaughan. 

Holding true to his commitment to supporting research and science, Paul specified that his remains be donated to medical research. A memorial gathering in Paul’s honor will be held in early spring 2024 at MIT, on a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers or other tributes, his family has requested donations to the Paul Parravano Memorial Fund at MIT. Checks should be made payable to MIT and mailed to: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, PO Box 412926, Boston MA 02241. Please indicate the gift is in memory of Paul Parravano for the Paul Parravano Memorial Fund. Credit card gifts may be made using the following link: https://giving.mit.edu/paul-parravano.

Reece J. Lopucki, 72, of Gainesville, FL passed away on November 28, 2023.

Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Lopucki Family. 

Eric Ross Quackenbush, 72, of Ann Arbor, MI, died peacefully on November 13, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born and raised in Ann Arbor, the second son of Leland James and Elizabeth Hasse Quackenbush. He attended Burns Park Elementary School, Tappan Junior High School, and Pioneer High School. He continued his education at the University of Michigan. He earned a B.G.S. with a concentration in political science and Masters' degrees in Public Policy and Business Administration. While studying at U. of M., he met the love of his life Lucinda (Cindy) McCreery. They married in 1973, celebrating their 50th anniversary shortly before his death.

Eric was a hard-working and ambitious young man, beginning with a lawn-mowing business and work at the Packard Dairy Queen, then bartending at the Village Bell through his college years. He went on to work at ISR, the University Musical Society ticket office, in Detroit with a housing reclamation business, formed a bar catering business and another business building beautiful 18th and 19th century reproduction furniture.

By the time he was ready to start a family, he found work for the Michigan State Senate Democratic staff, working there for nine years. Moving into the private sector, he worked for more than 25 years in healthcare information technology. He especially enjoyed his work with small, start-up businesses. He made many contacts and friendships through the years, continuing in retirement to mentor and offer career advice.

Eric's work brought many opportunities for travel, and he was a proud two-million-mile air traveler. He and Cindy travelled extensively for pleasure as well, with trips to Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. They also visited their large, extended family throughout the country, touring national parks, and spending time in their beloved home in Charlevoix, MI. In addition to travel, Eric's hobbies included music, art, antiques, woodworking, reading, cooking, and bridge.

Eric is survived by his wife, Cindy, and their sons, Christopher (Jeffrey Lofgreen) of Lilburn, GA, and Blair of Ann Arbor, MI. Also surviving are his sister, Ann Ongerth of Seattle, WA; his sister-in-law, Susan, of Ann Arbor; nephew, Benjamin Quackenbush, of Merrimack, NH; niece, Amanda Guidotti (Mike) and great-nephew, Theo, of Fredericksburg, VA.. In addition, he is mourned by his extended McCreery family who considered him a brother. He will always be in our hearts.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his dear brother, Jamie.

Private interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Ann Arbor, MI. A memorial service will be held in the Spring.

Alan Edward West, age 72, born exactly at the stroke of midnight on January 27th, 1951, died peacefully at home in his sleep on Monday, November 6th, 2023.

Alan was the eldest child of Ralph Edward and Marilyn Jean (Hitchingham) West. He graduated as part of the last class at Ann Arbor Pioneer High, now just Pioneer High. Alan worked at the Zephyr Gas Station until going to work at Ford Motor Company’s Ypsilanti plant in 1973.

In 1971, Alan married Leann Scott. They had three children; Tina Marie, Alan Jr., and Karen Ann (Virgil) Pace. Alan and Leann divorced in 1989. He worked at both Ford Motor Company and Meijer Inc., where he met his current wife Robin (Hainstock) West. The couple had two daughters, Kelly Lynn and Megan Elizabeth. Alan later retired in 2006.

Alan loved hunting and often shared his memories of being near the Air Force base near Tawas, MI and having a B52 fly low over his head. He also shared of his compass being 180 degrees off north, due to the sulfur water near his house in Petersburg, MI.

Survivors include his siblings; Robert (Marybeth) West, Jill (Richard) Grim, Kathy Zill, Steven (Lori) West, and Thomas West. Alan is also survived by his first wife and children: Leann, Tina, Alan Jr., and Karen (Virgil) Pace, grandchildren; Morgan West, Courtney Heatley, Lily and Noah West, and great-granddaughter Harmony Martin. Alan is also survived by his current wife Robin, daughter Kelly, mother-in-law Ruth Hainstock, several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins. He was preceded in death by his daughter Megan Elizabeth in 2002.

A Memorial Gathering will take place on Saturday, November 18th, 2023 at St. Paul UCC in Saline, MI from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Please wear your favorite flannel, t-shirt and jeans in honor of Alan. This was his “dressed up” outfit. Memorial contributions in honor of Alan may be made to the family, care of Robin West. Private burial has taken place. To leave a memory you have of Alan, to sign his guestbook or for directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.

Brian Jeffrey Behling, 72, passed away October 26, 2023, after suffering from complications from Covid-19 despite being fully vaccinated, in Sun City, AZ. He was born on April 10, 1951, in Port Washington, WI. Brian is survived by his loving wife, Laurie, and his cousins G. Zirbes, W. Dross, and H. Dross. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Doris, and his brothers Donald and Bruce. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones. Brian attended Ann Arbor High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from ASU and an MBA from UCLA. His career began in 1984 after completing his MBA, working for several years at TRW Aerospace in Los Angeles. In 1988, Brian and Laurie moved to Albuquerque, NM, and he began working at Sandia National Laboratories. After a 20-year career at Sandia, he retired in 2008. Outside of his professional life, Brian had a passion for motorcycles, especially MotoTrials.  The friendships he developed in the NM and national MotoTrials communities remained strong throughout his life.  He was always ready for new adventures,whether he and Laurie enjoying dual-sport moto trips or he and his friends on“boys’ vacations” in the Southwest USA and Baja Mexico. He enjoyed travel whether at home or abroad.His enthusiasm for sports showed in his devoted support through thick and thin of the Detroit Lions and cheering on the AZ Diamondbacks. Growing up in Ann Arbor MI, Brian held a deep loyalty for U of M football –Go Blue!  A Celebration of Brian's life will be held on November 8, 2023, from noon to 2 pm at the Menke Sun City Room in Sun City, AZ. Also, a reception will be held at Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort New Mexico in summer 2024, date tbd. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Rheumatology Research Foundation.

Pat Rector, age 72, of Springfield, passed away on October 22, 2023. She was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on August 16, 1951, the daughter of Gail and Kathryn (Swain) Rector.

Pat was a 1969 graduate of Huron High School in Ann Arbor. She worked as a medical technician for more than thirty years at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor before retiring. Her work there involved caring for children, which she took great joy in doing. In her free time, Pat was active in the Ann Arbor Civic Theater, acting, directing, and creating costumes. She also enjoyed needlework, reading, music and movies. Pat was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor and most recently attended High Street United Methodist Church in Springfield.

Pat is survived by her brother, Richard Rector; sister, Ellen (Al) Stickney; nieces, Carolyn Stickney, and Laura (Matej Horak) Stickney; nephew, Michael Rector; along with her beloved dog, Muffin.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of Pat's life will be held at High Street United Methodist Church at a date to be announced.

Richard "Dick" Sturm passed away on December 9, 2021 at the age of 70, following a courageous 3 year battle with MDS, a rare blood cancer. He was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
Dick was born March 4, 1951 in Ann Arbor, MI. He attended the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. He completed his residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, received his medical degree, and became board certified in Internal Medicine and Occupational Medicine. Throughout his career, he treated thousands of patients at Lutheran General Hospital, Northern Illinois Medical Center, Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, and Evanston's Northwestern Healthcare Employee Health Services. He spent his last 15 years as a Medical Director at Aurora Occupational Health in Oshkosh, WI.
Dick was determined to learn new skills and to try new things throughout his lifetime. He took classes in Portuguese, French and Spanish. He enrolled in art classes and became an accomplished oil painter. In addition, Dick exercised regularly and participated in the Chicago Triathlon and Chicago Marathon. He even built a barn on his family's property (by hand) and learned how to brew his own beer!
Dick loved spending time in nature and completed two mountaineering courses and summited several peaks in the North Cascades of Washington. Other outdoor hobbies included hiking, cross country skiing, camping, and biking. Upon retiring, Dick was diagnosed with MDS, but he did not lose sight of his dream. In the Spring of 2018, he hiked a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail!
Dick was enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge with others. His loved ones will forever treasure the lessons that he passed along. His intelligence, patience, and generosity will be cherished among the many lives that he touched!
Dick is survived by his wife, Marci; two daughters, one son in law, one granddaughter, many extended family members, and three cats. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Barbara Sturm.