Bryan Geno Filizetti

Born in Negaunee on April 24, 1944, the son of Geno and Ruth (Lehtinen) Filizetti, Bryan was raised in both Negaunee and Gwinn. As a boy, he spent countless days exploring Green’s Creek, hunting, fishing, and causing just enough mischief to keep life interesting. He graduated from Gwinn High School in 1962 and soon after answered the call to serve his country.

Bryan proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War era. As an electrician aboard the USS Bexar, he spent four years at sea, building a foundation of discipline and dedication that would carry through the rest of his life.

On April 6, 1974, Bryan married the love of his life, Nancy Fagerberg Copley. Their bond was strong, loving, and enduring, they shared 51 years, 3 months, and 8 days of marriage at the time of his passing. When Bryan married Nancy, he lovingly welcomed her children as his own, never seeing them as anything less than family.

After his military service, Bryan attended Forestry School at the historic Alberta Village in Baraga County. He later began his long and dedicated career with the Gwinn Public Schools, where he served as a bus driver and custodian. Known as a jack of all trades, Bryan did it all, from cutting grass and making repairs, keeping the school running smoothly. Bryan also plowed snow both for himself and others in the community and loved every minute of it, never seeing it as work. His reliability, generosity, and quiet strength made a lasting impact on everyone who crossed his path. He retired in February of 1998.

Bryan’s heart was full of love and kindness. He was a gentle giant, a teddy bear with a heart of gold who would give you the shirt off his back. He enjoyed playing cards with his buddies, trips to the casino, and time spent outdoors. Some of his favorite traditions included deer camp with his dad, whitefish fishing trips to Grand Marais, and visits to Big Erick’s Bridge in Skanee. Bryan was an avid golfer and was always up for a round with his favorite partner, his dad Geno. Bryan was also able to fulfill one of his dreams and opened and ran a golf driving range and mini golf in Gwinn with his wife.

Bryan was a proud member of the Gwinn VFW, the Little Lake American Legion and a lifelong supporter of his community.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; his daughter, Melissa (Kevin) Koepp of Marquette; grandchildren, Tyler (Deserae) Koepp and Bryan William Copley; and great-grandchildren, Dahlia and Asher Koepp, who lit up his life. He is also survived by his nieces, Vicky (Todd) Revord and Debbie (Greg) Westhart.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Geno and Ruth Filizetti and son Richard Copley. grandchildren, Andrew Koepp and Derek Koepp; and niece, Cindy Squires.

Graveside services for Bryan will be held at the Gwinn Cemetery on Wednesday, July 23, at 11:00 am with veterans honors by the US Navy Honors Team and the Little Lake American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to UPAWS, 815 M-553, Gwinn, MI 49841 or the Little Lake American Legion Post 349, P.O. Box 335, Little Lake, MI 49833.

The Canale Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com