Donald John Fiorani

Born March 27, 1962, in Stambaugh, a son of Don Vincent and Sally Jean (Mylchreest) Fiorani, Don was raised in Stambaugh until age 9 when the family relocated to Laurium. In his youth, he was a Boy Scout, enjoyed participating in athletics, played hockey, and was a member of the All Conference football team. He graduated from Calumet High School, Class of 1980. Don enrolled at Northern Michigan University pursuing a degree in criminal justice, but after two years left to accept employment at the Presque Isle Power Plant. His career with UPPCO spanned over 34 years, beginning with janitorial duties and progressing through various jobs until his retirement on April 15, 2019 as plant control room operator. In retirement, he was able to devote more time to his passions of fishing, hunting, and taking care of often neglected repairs around the house. Don was laid back and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Time with family was paramount, but Saturday evening saunas, listening to Elmer Aho and old country music, going to camp, a good game of cribbage, and feeding and watching the birds and animals that frequented his yard were all occasions that gave much pleasure. He enjoyed fishing with his son on Lake Superior in the summer and on the Chocolay River in the fall. He was a wonderful cook, a master at grilling, smoking, barbecuing, and outdoor cooking, all of which he began developing in his youth. In his leisure moments, he also enjoyed old westerns, especially with John Wayne, and was an avid reader of Marquette history and history of the Old West. Don was kind hearted, loving, generous to a fault, caring and someone you could depend on. He was a happy man who enjoyed doing for others and could tell and take a good joke.

He was a member of the International Brotherhood Electrical Workers, Local 510, and a life member of Commemorative Bucks of Michigan.

Don is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kathy, whom he married September 15, 1987; his children, Amy Elizabeth (Travis Heikkinen) Fiorani and John Edward (Kaitlyn) Fiorani both of Marquette; his parents, Don and Sally Fiorani of Atlantic Mine; a brother-in-law, William Junttila of Hancock; nieces and nephews, Nathan, Michael, and Ellen Junttila; his mother-in-law, Marie Elaine Bal of Norway; brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael (Sally) Bal of Norway, and their children, Annie (Mike) Schienke and son, Henry Schienke, and Jill and Neil Fernandes; Patrick Bal of Vulcan, Donna Dulong of Denver, CO, Thomas (Angie) Bal of DePere, WI and their children, Billie and Rachael Bal; and Suzanne Bal of Green Bay, WI. Don was preceded in death by his sister, Julie Junttila; and father-in-law, Edward Louis Bal.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Friday, February 21, beginning at 12:30 pm until the time of service at 2:00 pm. Rev. Greg Heikkala will officiate. A reception will be available during visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Cancer Care of Marquette County, 700 W., Kaye Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com