Domenic Chiapusio

IRON MOUNTAIN - Domenic "Cabby" Chiapusio, 84, went to be with the Lord and his wife unexpectedly on Thursday, June 12, 2008, at ManorCare Health Services in Kingsford, with his daughter and granddaughter, Crystal at his side. Formerly of 1421 West Hughitt St. in Iron Mountain, Dom had been a resident of ManorCare since suffering a disabling stroke on Aug. 19, 2005. Dom was born on May 28, 1924, in Iron Mountain, son of the late John and Madelina (Ozzello) Chiapusio, who had immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1922. He had been a lifelong resident of this area. He married the former Delores Sovey on Oct. 6, 1945, in Iron Mountain. Dee preceded him in death on Dec. 31, 2003, also at ManorCare. Dom attended the Hulst School through the eighth grade, when he left to go to work. During World War II, he worked at the Ford Plant on the windshields for the CG 4-A gliders. He later worked as a mechanic and shop foreman at Anderson Motor Co. Fulfilling a lifelong dream of owning his own business, in 1962 he opened "Dom's Standard Station" on the north side of Iron Mountain where Computer Connection is now located. When this closed, he went to work for the M.A. Hanna Mining Co. until its closure, and later went to work for his brother in-law at Fayas and Sons until retirement in 1995. Never one just to sit around, he then went to work as groundskeeper and maintenance man for the Menominee Range Historical Foundation until suffering his stroke. Dom was very well-liked, having a cheerful disposition with customers and a ready smile for everyone he met. Dom enjoyed golf and especially snowmobiling with a passion. Dad didn't let his lack of an education stop him and another of his dreams was fulfilled with the building of his camp, "The Wop Stop" at Peavy Falls where family and friends were always welcomed to stop and visit. Dad built this from scratch and even dug his own well and septic system. He was a life member of the Menominee Range Historical Museums, Elks Lodge 700, Paisano Club of Upper Michigan, and a former member of Pine Grove Country Club and United Commercial Travelers. Dom is survived by his daughter, Dianne Castelaz-Chiapusio of Norway; a son, John (Sandra) Chiapusio of Waukesha, Wis.; grandchildren, David (Terri) Castelaz, Dawn (Brian) Burcar, Christopher (Cindy) Chiapusio, Scott Chiapusio, Christopher (Lisa) Slusar and John (Wynne) Slusar; great-grandchildren, Amber, Chrissy, and Heather Burcar; Payton Castelaz and Baby Castelaz due in November, Marcus and Cassandra Treiber, Keith (Kayla) Burcar, Crystal Burcar, Victoria and Christopher Chiapusio, Natalie, Mitchell, and Nicholas Slusar, and John and Madeline Slusar; great-great grandchildren, Kelly and Keith Jr. Burcar; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Marvin Fayas; brother in-law, Joseph Sovey, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Raymond and Rose Sovey, all of Iron Mountain. In addition to his wife, Dom was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John, who was killed in action in Italy during World War II; in-laws, Roy and Helen (Lacni) Sovey; and a sister-in-law, Dolores Sovey. The visitation will be held Monday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. The funeral Mass will follow at 12 noon at the church. Fr. Daniel Zaloga will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. The burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain. Pallbearers will be David Castelaz, Brian Burcar, Marcus Treiber, Keith Burcar, Daron Fayas, and Jeff Fontecchio. The family asks that flowers be omitted. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Domenic Chiapusio online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.