February 16, 2010 Laurium

John J. Enrietti, 87, a local businessman in Laurium passed away on Tuesday February 16, 2010 at the Omega House in Houghton.

He was born on April 2, 1922 in Copper City a son of the late Joseph and Johanna (Ceretto) Enrietti.

After his family moved to Mohawk John attended Mohawk School, Calumet High School and the C.C. Camps at Camp Pori.

At the age of 14 he started going with Elizabeth Ivey and on June 15, 1944 they were married in Mohawk. After 55 wonderful years she preceded John in death on December 12, 1996.

At the age of 18 John joined the U.S. Army serving in WW II. He served with distinction in the European Theatre earning a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his service to his country.

In his younger years John was employed at the White House Inn in Mohawk and at C & H running the hoist at the Iroquois Mine. Following the closing of the mines he founded Enrietti’s Pizza Supply and Restaurant in Laurium. John was an early pioneer in the Manufacture of frozen pizza and pasties; as well as traditional Italian Sausage and Antipasto. His wholesale routes supplied restaurants, bowling alleys and bars in the U.P. and Lower Michigan, to Traverse City, with an outlet in Cheboygan, MI.

After he retired from full time operation his place was where his many friends came each morning to share a cup of coffee and solve all of the world’s problems. The gatherers were known by various names including: “The Hole in the Wall Gang” and the:” Italian Hour”. The Hole in the Wall will go on without John so all can still gather and solve the problems.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 230 of Mohawk, the Christopher Columbus Society and the Skinny Club. He was a faithful attendee of Mohawk-Ahmeek United Methodist Church.

Surviving is: Son Jay John Enrietti of Calumet

two Grandsons, a Great Grandson and a great granddaughter

three Brothers: Vincent Enrietti of Houghton
Joe Enrietti of New Allouez
Jim (Teri) Enrietti of Silver Springs, FL

Special care giver and friend Karla

His cat Bimbo who wandered into his life as a stray and never left.

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday February 18, 2010 at 12:00 PM in the Erickson Crowley Funeral Home in Calumet with the Rev. Bob White to officiate.

Friends may call at the Erickson Crowley Funeral Home on Thursday from 10 -12:00 PM.
Burial will be in the Lake View Cemetery with military rites conducted in the spring.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.erickosncrowley.com

Memorial may be left in John’s memory to the Omega House 2211 Maureen Lane Houghton, MI 49931

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