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WOLVERINE LAKE, MI – Alan D. Comensoli, age 70 of Wolverine Lake, MI passed away on August 29, 2026. Born in Marquette, Michigan, on June 20, 1956, Alan lived a rich and vibrant life defined by his love for
family, music, sports, and his cherished Italian heritage.
A proud 1974 graduate of Negaunee High School, Alan was a talented multi-sport athlete who competed in track, football, and basketball. Beyond athletics, his true lifelong passion was music, blessed with an amazing tenor voice that brought joy to many. Continuing his education, he attended Michigan Technological University and Northern Michigan University and was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. Alan graduated in 1978 with a degree in accounting and subsequently earned his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
Alan's professional career as a CPA allowed him to travel extensively across the United States, Canada, and Europe. He was fortunate to visit Italy with his parents and Grandma Anna in 1982; a trip he recounted many times in his stories. Ever thoughtful and connected to those he loved, Alan documented his journeys by mailing countless postcards to family and friends from every destination he visited. His love of music continued throughout his life as he attended numerous concerts. He also possessed an extensive record album collection, and was a member of the Negaunee Male Chorus and Farmington Community Choir.
Deeply proud of his Italian roots, Alan was an active member of the Sons of Italy American chapter and the Kalamazoo Italian American Club. He possessed a competitive spirit and a love for bocce ball, participating in local tournaments. An enthusiastic sports fan throughout his life, Al followed his beloved Negaunee Miners through each sports season. He was also an avid supporter of the Green Bay Packers, a dedicated University of Michigan football and basketball fan, and loved cheering on the Detroit Tigers baseball team. Family and friends recount numerous memories of tailgating parties and sporting events attended with Al.
He loved his family, friends and heritage with immense passion. To his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and even children of his friends, he was known as "Uncle Al" or "Uncle Al The Kiddies Pal!" He was creative when sharing birthday and Christmas gifts, always making an effort to consider the gift's sentimental and sometimes silly value.
Alan enjoyed golf, but one of his favorite pastimes was hunting ruffed grouse and going to deer camp. For him, hunting was more about the time spent with friends and family, the wildlife observed, the road trips and of course, just hanging out and playing a game of cards.
He had a very infectious laugh, sense of humor and a big heart. Al was always the life of the party. He could carry on an interesting conversation with the people closest to him or a complete stranger. His varied knowledge of history, geography, sports, music and random trivia made talking to Al uncomplicated. Alan was gifted with an incredible memory, making him an exceptional storyteller and the cherished historian of his family. He prioritized keeping in touch with people across the country by sharing interesting online and print articles via the mail and social media. He also loved to share family photos. Alan truly loved learning and sharing his knowledge. It's no surprise that he loved tuning into Jeopardy! and spent many evenings testing his quick mind at weekly trivia nights with friends.
In the kitchen, Alan was a fantastic cook, but his absolute favorite pastime was making and sharing traditional Comensoli family cudaghi and salami--a passion that affectionately earned him the title “Cudaghi Al". Making the cudaghi was something he was immensely proud of, and delivering it to friends and family gave him ample opportunities to socialize and connect with everyone.
A truly selfless person, Alan always put the needs and interests of others before his own. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Druids and the Knights of Columbus Negaunee chapters. Known for never speaking ill of anyone, he often joked that he was like Switzerland – always remaining neutral. In his quiet time, he enjoyed reading and writing poetry. Here is an excerpt from one of his poems that certainly is appropriate as an autobiographical elegy.
We miss the ones that died too soon
The impact on our lives so fleeting
Their images preserved by photos and tunes
As reminders of time spent repeating
Al could be serious, but most often he had wit and humor to make one smile. He was kind to everyone he met, and deeply devoted to his family and friends. For Al, his life's journey was about the stories, the music, the lyrics, but mostly about creating memories and touching lives along the way.
He is survived by his siblings, Jim (Jennifer) Comensoli, Peter (Nita) Comensoli, Ann Roberts, Lisa (Bill) Learning, and Gina (Dave) Sorensen; his nephews and nieces, Mark and Paul Comensoli, Erik, Andrew, and Kathy Engstrom, and Evan, Ander, and Mara Sorensen; his Aunt Rita; and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
Alan was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Catherine, nephew Stephen Comensoli, brother-in-law John Roberts, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Interment at the Negaunee Cemetery and a Celebration of Life service will take place in May 2027. The specifics of these events will be shared next year.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a scholarship fund being established in Alan's honor for Negaunee High School students. Donations may be mailed to Gina Sorensen, 152 Neejee Rd., Negaunee, MI 49866. In addition, contributions in his memory to the Negaunee Historical Society would also warmly honor his legacy.