Louis Taccolini

Louis was born April 6, 1931 in Princeton, Michigan, to Frank and Letizia Taccolini. He graduated from Negaunee St. Paul High School in 1948, where he participated four years on the varsity basketball team. He was the first U.P. basketball player to score over 1000 points. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education from Northern Michigan University in 1952. He was captain of the NMU basketball team, scoring a one game record 41 points and also participated in football and track. He continued his education and received Master’s Degrees in Secondary Administration from the University of Michigan in 1959 and Biology from Northern Michigan University in 1963. Louis continued to be a life-long learner, taking additional classes in Biology, French and German.

Louis served in the U.S. Army from 1953-55, spending most of his time in Kaiserslautern, Germany. It was during this time he first traveled to his father’s birthplace, Lovere, Italy, a small village in the Provence of Bergamo. There he met his wonderful Italian relatives and future friends. Over the next 63 years he would visit Lovere over 30 times.

After being Honorably Discharged from the Army, Louis began his teaching career. For the next 38 years he taught in Berglund, Ontonagon and Marquette Public Schools, until his retirement in 1990. The last 33 years were in Marquette where he taught Biology and Driver’s Training. He also coached a variety of sports, but basketball was his favorite, both boys and girls. His coaching career included many district and conference championships. His students and players respected him and enjoyed being in his class. He was always “Firm but Fair”ù. His Saturday morning intramural basketball program and summer basketball camps were enjoyed by hundreds of students grades 7-12.

Many honors and awards came his way over the years, such as Michigan Biology Teacher of the Year, NMU Distinguished Alumni Award, MSHS Teacher Recognition Award and NMU Sports Hall of Fame.

Louis was known for taking groups of high school students across Europe for six weeks. They enjoyed biking, hiking and camping across several countries, always ending up in Lovere, Italy. They were always welcomed with delicious food, laughter and friendship. He also brought his family and friends to Europe, and especially Italy. One of the most memorable was when he took his father, Frank, back to his birthplace, Lovere, in 1981.

Louis was married to the late Shirley (Aho) for 63 years. Together they raised three daughters in Marquette. Over the years they enjoyed many summer camping trips, sporting events and hobbies. His hobbies included bird watching, wood carving, gardening, autograph, stamp and coin collecting. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #44, Big Brothers Board of Directors and Marquette City Commission.

In addition to his wife, Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Letizia Taccolini, and his brother, Fred Taccolini. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Charles and Leona Aho, his sister-in-law, Charlotte Taccolini, several aunts and uncles and a nephew, Bobby Taccolini.

He will be greatly missed by his children, Diane (David) Salko of Fort Myers, FL, Gina (Lee) Lindberg of Marquette, MI and Natale Taccolini of Marquette, MI. He will also be missed by his three grandchildren, Nadia Lindberg, Jeffrey Lindberg and Alex Zerbel and his great-grandchild Everett Lindberg, all of whom he loved very much. He is also survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.

Louis lived his life to the fullest. Always finding a new adventure meeting strangers who became friends. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and students. A graveside ceremony will be held at Park Cemetery, Monday, January 29, at 1:00 pm for all family and friends. Deacon Dean Jackson will preside. Please join the Taccolini Family at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home afterward from 2:00-4:00 pm for refreshments and to share your favorite memory.

In lieu of flowers, Louis has requested that you consider a donation to Trillium House, 1144 Northland Dr., Marquette, MI 49855 or Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St., Marquette, MI 49855.

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