Fred G. Taccolini

Fred was born on 3-30-32 in Princeton, MI, to Frank and Letizia Taccolini. He graduated from St. Paul High School in Negaunee, MI and received a bachelor’s degree in 1953 from Northern Michigan University. He also received a master’s degree in 1960 from the University of Michigan and a second master’s degree from Northern Michigan University in 1966.

In 1953, Fred began teaching Physical Education in the Marquette Public Schools and returned there in 1956 after spending two years in Yokohama, Japan where he served with the US Army. Fred continued teaching until he retired in 1992. He was the varsity boys basketball coach from 1959-1972. He also taught countless students to drive during his many years teaching Driver’s Education. He continued to enjoy running into former students around town.

Fred was married to the late Charlotte (Dingman) Taccolini for 58 years. Together they raised five children who continued to enjoy spending time with him, and he with them. His hobbies included wood carving, walking, swimming, following the University of Michigan football and basketball teams, reading and taking care of (or supervising the care of) his lawn.

In addition to his wife, Fred was preceded in death by his son and good friend, Bobby, and his parents, Frank and Letizia Taccolini. He was also preceded by his in-laws, Mildred and Louis Carafelly, his sister-in-law Shirley Taccolini, several aunts and uncles as well as a niece and nephew, Susan and Tom Dingman.

He will be greatly missed by his children, Jeanne (Fred) Groos of Marquette, MI, Fred (Kristy) Taccolini of Charleston, SC, Kris Taccolini of Marquette, MI and David (Valerie) Taccolini of Ypsilanti, MI. He will also be missed tremendously by his 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved very much; he spent much effort striving to keep track of the details of their lives. Surviving him also is his brother Louis, whom he has always looked up to, and many nieces and nephews.

Fred had a way of making anyone he interacted with feel as though they were the most important person. He was quick to tell his family, and especially his grandchildren, how much he loved them. He was known for his wonderful hugs, a perpetually positive attitude and grateful heart, an infectious laugh and a true talent for storytelling, whether it was his infamous “tiger hunt” or countless stories of his basketball coaching days.

His family will also remember with a smile his cheerful whistling. He had attended St. Michael Catholic Church for more than 65 years and continued to grow in his faith.

The family wishes to thank the 6th and 7th floor staff at UP Health System for their compassionate care.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael Catholic Church on Wednesday, June 28 at 12:00 pm with the Reverend Greg Heikkala officiating, Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick and the Rev. Larry Van Damme concelebrating. Deacons David Taccolini and Dennis Maki will be assisting. The Taccolini family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Burial will take place at Park Cemetery. Fred’s grandchildren will serve as his escorts.

In lieu of flowers, Fred has requested that you consider a donation to Bay Cliff Health Camp, PO Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808 or Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. Marquette.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family, where memories of Fred may be shared at canalefuneral.com.