Richard T. Backoff was born on June 1, 1941 and passed on July 12, 2025 (84). He became a member of the MCGP on February 13, 2007 (18)

Richard Backoff, age 84, of Saint Clair Shores, Michigan passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025.

A visitation for Richard will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM, followed by a Memorial Service beginning at 11:00 AM, at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Richard's honor to the Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Agency, www.gpaas.org; The Bayview Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program, www.bycjuniorsailing.org; or The Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.   

Robert H. Lees was born on April 26, 1933 and passed on June 19, 2025 (92). He became a member of the MCGP on November 25, 2003 (21).

Robert H. “Bob” Lees, Jr., longtime Chrysler engineer, passionate car enthusiast, and beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on June 19, 2025, at the age of 92.

Born in Washington, D.C., Bob served in the U.S. Army artillery from 1953 to 1955 before earning his BBA from George Washington University. While living in D.C., Bob met his loving and devoted wife, Judy. On their first date, Bob took Judy to look at classic Corvettes. That first date was a preview of their 65 years together of travelling to purchase cars, attend car shows, and participate in shows and parades. Bob married Judy in September of 1959. Three girls quickly followed - Pam, Tricia and Robyn. Bob then followed his passion for cars to the Motor City to work for Chrysler for 37 years. They settled in Grosse Pointe, where they made lifelong friends through the Newcomers Club, their church, car clubs, and their close neighbors. Bob earned his MBA from Wayne State University, at night school, while working, raising his girls, and pursuing “anything” related to cars and speed.

At Chrysler, Bob held a wide range of engineering and management roles. He started in the Parts Division and moved into industrial and competitive analysis before becoming operations manager in Vehicle Development. There, he oversaw nationally recognized projects for police and taxi fleets, collaborated with Carroll Shelby on performance vehicles, and led engineering efforts that supported Chrysler’s reputation for innovation and muscle. After retiring in 1988, Bob returned for 13 more years as a contractor, helping prepare Chrysler vehicles for export to international markets.

Bob often blended his love for cars with his love for family. He brought Judy or his daughters along on Sears trips to buy tools, to retrieve one of his cars from garages all over Detroit, or to travel cross-country to purchase another classic car. He would later share his love for cars with his grandsons, Ryan, Graham and Jackson (parents Pam and Jim), including taking them to see his car in the Woodward Cruise and giving them rides in his ‘Cuda convertible. He became a grandfather again to Anabel and Audrey (parents Robyn and Paul), travelling to California to be part of their lives. Bob and Judy thought nothing of driving 12 hours to attend a family reunion, holiday celebrations, or their grandchildren's birthdays and graduations. Every summer, the family gathered at the house in Cape May, where Bob taught all his children and grandchildren how to body surf or catch the best wave. He also became a great-grandfather to Duke and Grayson (parents Ryan and Chelsea), and more recently to Minnie (parents Graham and Sarah).

In retirement, Bob remained deeply involved with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), serving on its Mobility History Committee and chairing the Detroit Section. In 2002, he helped lead the volunteer effort to build a replica of the Ramchargers’ High and Mighty II, a drag-racing 1949 Plymouth that had set records in the 1950s. The project was a fitting tribute to Bob’s collaborative spirit and lifelong commitment to automotive innovation. As he travelled to car shows to display the Ram Charger, Judy was right by his side, selling t-shirts, a good sport and devoted wife to the very end. Bob will be remembered for his warmth, wit, unwavering devotion to family, and the joy he found in roaring engines, meticulous craftsmanship, and the open road. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery with military honors in 2026. Memorial donations in Bob’s memory can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation at https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=3247&np=true.

David P. Letscher was born on September 16, 1947 and passed on June 21, 2025 (77). He became a member of the MCGP on June 25, 2022 (2).

David Paul Letscher, 77, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 21, 2025, at his home in Grosse Pointe Farms.

Born Sept. 16, 1947, in Sharon, Pa., Dave grew up and spent most of his life in Grosse Pointe, including attending grade school and high school at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic School, where he was an outstanding student-athlete and class leader. He then attended John Carroll University and served as president of the University Club, as well as defensive end on the football team, further cementing a belief that competition brings out the best in people.

After five years as a school teacher, Dave earned his builder’s license and began a four-decade career as a well-respected general contractor, leaving his mark in both the residential and commercial space in Southeast Michigan.

Devoted to his family, Dave loved holidays, special occasions and Michigan football games filled with immediate and extended family. He never missed any of his children’s games and often provided a well-timed piece of advice that helped them level-up on the field or in life.

He relished his many friendships. A day spent golfing with friends, a cigar, a cold beer and laughter in the clubhouse was perfect. In his later years, he frequently gave his time to advance the work of The Helm, a Grosse Pointe-based service organization that helps care for senior citizens. He insisted that any birthday or holiday gift for him be in the form of a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The true love of Dave’s life was his wife, Kathy. After an inauspicious start to their relationship — Dave “accidentally” ripped her jacket in kindergarten — they eventually began dating their senior year at St Paul. After four years apart while attending different universities, they married and spent the next 56 years by each other’s side. Dave’s devotion to Kathy never flagged, nor did hers for him, and they provided a loving and enduring example of marriage to all their children and grandchildren.

Dave was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Helen Letscher, as well as his older brother, Richard Letscher. He is survived by his beloved wife, Katherine Letscher (nee Moxley); sons, Matthew, Brian and Aaron; daughters-in-law, Jennifer Price-Letscher, Amy Bishop and Heather Zarnett-Letscher; cherished grandchildren, Luke, Nick, Lucy, Shea, Devyn and Aidan; siblings, Dr. Joslen Letscher and Michael Letscher; and sisters-in-law, Mary Letscher and Veronica Letscher.

Dave will be missed dearly by family and friends, and forever in their hearts.

A memorial service followed by a reception will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 11, at The War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the causes close to Dave’s heart, including The Helm at the Boll Life Center, helmlife.org; St. Jude’s Pediatric Hospital, stjude.org; Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, michaeljfox.org; Solanus Casey Center, thecapuchins.org; and Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.org

Robert F. Waldvogel, Sr. was born on November 13, 1934 and passed on May 24, 2025 (90). He became a member of the MCGP on November 9, 2020(4).

Robert F. "Bob" Waldvogel, age 90, was born and raised in New Lenox, IL, when it was a small farm town. Bob met the love of his life, Eleanor, in a summer history class. Marriage followed along with children Rob, Lisa and Jim. He cajoled Eleanor to relocate the family to Grosse Pointe to pursue a business opportunity. Bob remained a small-town guy, devoted to his family, growing to love Michigan football when Rob and Jim became Wolverines. He loved traveling and road tripping to see family and friends, and was delighted when Lisa moved to the rural community of Longview, Washington. Bob passed peacefully surrounded by his family. Preceded in death by son Rob, Bob is survived by his wife Eleanor for 62 years, and children Lisa and Jim (Angie). A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 31st, 10:00 am at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Friends are welcome at 9:30 am. Donations to the Jesuits.org or the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mount Elliott Street, Detroit, Michigan 48207 are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their "Online Guest Book" at WujekCalcaterra.com

Leon J. Trumbauer was born on December 6, 1948 and passed on June 24, 2025 (76). He became a member of the MCGP on July 15, 2014 (10).  As the obituary indicates, Leon was a long time member and President of the Tennis sub club.

Leon John Trumbauer, aged 76 of Grosse Pointe Park, passed away Tuesday, June 24 2025 due to a heart attack on the way to one of his favorite pastimes, watching a Detroit Tiger’s baseball game. He loved baseball and never missed watching a game on TV.

He was born in Detroit on December 6th, 1948 to Valentine and Milton J. (Jack) Trumbauer of St. Clair Shores.

Leon loved and lived life to its fullest and seized any adventure that was presented to him.

Starting with, he loved the water in all its capacity. Having lived on or near the water at every place he’s called home, it's no surprise that he learned to swim in Lake St. Clair at the same time he learned to walk. Impressively, at the young age of 5, he was already competing on swim teams locally at the Detroit chapter of the American Turners Club and also participating in AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) races. He kept his love for the water whenever he and the family were on vacation, frequently taking his beloved dogs to the lake, swimming, relaxing by the water, kayaking, and he may have a story or two about sailing across the Ocean in his sailboat that he owned with friends. Fun Leon fact, he also obtained his pilot license and owned a plane with his friends in college.

An early reader, he studied at both public and parochial schools like St. Isaac Jogues. His cousins, Bobbie Ann and Billy Krueger often ferried him to school in their old car fondly known as “The Bomb”. He hitchhiked rides to Austin Prep School where he graduated before attending the University of Michigan where he obtained his degree in psychology.

Leon loved tennis and played as often as he could, which was almost daily. He was the president of the Grosse Pointe Senior Men’s Tennis Club and was responsible for securing tennis courts and planning events, such as tennis tournaments, large informal parties, and their ever so anticipated Christmas party. He was also a member of the Indian Village Tennis Club and served on the bar committee where he worked closely with vendors to pursue and share his passion for wine and Craft Beer. One club member said Leon ensured that everything from tennis balls to tennis schedules were done in an organized and timely manner. “More importantly,” said Marty Peters, “he cared about each of us…inquiring about our concerns, our challenges, and our happy and sad moments.” Leon was outgoing and personable and was able to make friends and connections wherever he went. If you went anywhere with Leon, he would run into people he had met and made an impression on years ago who were thrilled to see him.

Leon was a successful salesman at Art Van Furniture and was frequently honored by membership in The President’s Club, which was reserved for the top salesman in the company. In retirement, he volunteered weekly to ‘Meals on Wheels’, also every year planting daffodils at Belle Isle, and also cared deeply about state politics and became involved in a successful referendum leading to a process that created a redistricting commission. He frequented the DIA, exercising his passion for the arts ranging from paintings, architecture, jazz, opera and classical music.

Leon leaves behind his beloved wife of 43 years, Gail Ann Driver, his daughter Jessica Lee (Bill) Kemerer, his son Ross (Karianne) Trumbauer, his beloved grandson Liam Kemerer.

He loved his sister Diane (Nick) Masucci, and his three brothers, Mark (Kathy), Jeffrey and Raymond, his three nieces, Sophia Lennox, (daughter, Lara), Marielle Trumbauer and goddaughter Deborah Masucci and two nephews, Zack (Samantha) Trumbauer and Ben (Nicole) Masucci. He cherished his best friend, Tony Pellerito, and his dog Sadie, who was his constant companion.

He had many close friends, including members of the Grosse Pointe Senior men’s Tennis Club and the Indian Village Tennis Club most notably Jim and Ruth Harvey and Marty Peters and Kathy Walsh.

He will be missed terribly. In lieu of flowers or gifts please make a donation in his name to the Michigan Humane Society, https://www.michiganhumane.org/support-michigan-humane/ and get yourself a nice baguette.

A memorial service is planned & details will be announced in the near future

Roman P. Hammes was born on February 22, 1945 and passed on April 2, 2025 (80). He became a member of the MCGP on January 14, 2014 (11).    

                                                                            

Roman Peter Hammes,80, of Clinton Township, Michigan died on April 2,2025.

He was born on February 22,1945 in Sheboygan,Wisconsin, the son of the late Elmer and

Catherine (Walsh) Hammes. Roman attended St. Mary's Catholic Grade School in Random Lake, Wisconsin. He graduated from St.Francis Brothers School in Mount Calvary, Wisconsin in May 1963 receiving his high school diploma. He continued his time with the Franciscan Capuchins in Detroit until the mid-70s.

Roman worked as a butler and chauffeur for the late Countess Cyril Tolstoy before returning to college to pursue his nursing degree. Roman held an Associate Degree in both Nursing and Gerontology from Wayne County Community College. Throughout his nursing career, Roman worked at various hospitals, clinics and also did private nursing.

Roman as many have stated was "born to serve." Throughout his life, he was actively involved in his community. He strives to facilitate the needs of others. He worked tirelessly in a wide range of organizations. He served on many governing boards and advisory committees. After his retirement in 2007, Roman worked with Wayne County Commissioner, Tim Killeen's office. He was active in state and local politics and the Democratic Party. Roman received many service awards from the organizations he was affiliated with. He continued to be an active community member until recently.

Roman traveled to many parts of the United States. He also traveled abroad. He was a lifelong learner who enjoyed meeting new people, seeing new places and experiencing all he could.

Roman is survived by a brother, Richard (Barbara) Sheboygan, Wisconsin, a sister, Mary Kay Hammes, Hartland, Wisconsin, as well as nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces and a great, great nephew who shares Roman's birthday. He is also survived by a multitude of friends and two very close friends, Carolyn VanDorn and Denver Higley. He was very blessed to have these two caregivers in his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Roger and his sister-in-law, Mary Ann and his brother-in-law Charles (Chip) Droege.

The Chas. Verheyden Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Clinton Township, Michigan is assisting the family.

Anthony J. Morse was born on December 30, 1936 and passed on March 14, 2025 (88). He became a member of the MCGP on December 9, 2008 (16).        

                                Anthony “Tony” Jenckes Morse, 88, passed away Friday, March 14, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, stepfather, step-grandfather and friend and leaves behind countless people who will cherish his memory.

Tony was born Dec. 30, 1936, in Detroit, to Josephine Jenckes Morse and Clayton William Morse Jr. He was a 1954 graduate of Grosse Pointe High School, where he played varsity tennis, learned to love classical music and opera and proudly played a small part in an opera with Maria Callas.

He received a bachelor’s degree in literature, science and the arts from the University of Michigan in 1959 and was a member of Psi Upsilon fraternity. Tony was a Michigan man and always made sure to have a Michigan baseball cap nearby.

With scholarly inclinations and an adventurer’s heart, Tony set out to travel in his college and post-college years, residing for a time in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he took up skiing at nearby resorts. Making his way back home, he settled in Grosse Pointe to enter the family retail business, Sign of the Mermaid. In 1964, Tony married Susan Gray Garlinghouse, with whom he had two children, Tony Jr. and Carolyn.

At age 40, he moved to northern Michigan and spent 27 years at his “Walden,” which included 360 acres in the woods where, from the trees on the property, he built a cabin overlooking the Pigeon River that he named Fern Hill. Here he developed a love for walking, with daily saunters through the Gaylord woods. He was active in the Gaylord Area Council for the Arts. With his longtime partner, Marie Brabb, he helped publish its newsletter, “Art Source,” and contributed many of his own writings. He also was responsible for bringing well-known musical and theatrical groups to the Gaylord area. Many late nights were filled with poetry, music and guessing games with kindred friends to name the poet or the song. During this period, he wrote his first book, “Walking, the Art of Sauntering.”

Tony returned once more to Grosse Pointe in the early 2000s, where he met and fell in love with Pamela Sattley Morris. They were married in 2007 and spent many happy years together. They enjoyed traveling, visiting family, art lectures and many social and charitable events. He was a frequent visitor to the Detroit Institute of Arts and Detroit Public Library. During this time, Tony wrote his second book, “The Declaration of America and Other Writings,” a compilation of his many writings over the years. As stated on the book jacket, Tony was an intensely literary and probing writer who wrote with the same passion he brought to each day.

Throughout his life, Tony was an avid reader, writer and enthusiastic walker. He enjoyed discussing literature, history and philosophy with anyone who was willing. Toward this end, he enjoyed regular Starbucks meetups with new, old and soon-to-be friends, which among his most treasured daily exchanges included reading to his friend, a retired, blind professor from the University of Chicago. Later in life, Tony took up bridge and thoroughly enjoyed weekly games with close friends. He was quick to warm to new friends while maintaining lasting friendships from childhood, college, travels and beyond. He enjoyed spending time with them at different organizations, including the Detroit Racquet Club, Country Club of Detroit, Woodworkers and American Legion.

A quote from Tony’s “The Declaration of America and Other Writings” encapsulates his lasting message: “Now darkness was closing in. But I had been tracking in this direction long enough. Trails are tender. Care should be taken to preserve the mystery. Our paths will cross again ...”

Tony was predeceased by his parents; and daughter, Carolyn Miriani (Dennis). He is survived by his wife, Pamela Morse; sister, Suzanne Cassel; son, Anthony Morse Jr.; stepsons, Chad Morris (Liz) and Stuart Morris (Shirley); stepdaughters, Leigh Merinoff (Charlie), Lindsay Morris (Stephen) and Carrington Morris; and extended family members, Dennis Miriani, Joe Posch and Cappy Morse.

He was adored by his five grandchildren, Madeline Wrubel (Justin), Lilly Miriani, Phoebe Miriani, Charlie Morse and Ian Morse; and eight step-grandchildren. His four great-grandchildren, Charlie Miriani and Jack, Lucy and George Wrubel, were a delight to him in his final years.

The family acknowledges with gratitude the special care given to Tony by his caregivers, Brian Mendoza and Sol Sunga, as well as Leslie Mackey, who is a close family friend. The family is grateful for the daily visits of Martha Henkel and devoted friends who came to call.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at Christ Church Grosse Pointe, 61 Grosse Pointe Blvd., Grosse Pointe Farms. Memorial donations may be made to the Belle Isle Conservancy, 300 River Place Dr., Ste. 2800, Detroit, MI 48207                                                                                  

Raymond M Cracchiolo was born on November 11, 1924 and passed on January 9th, 2025 (100). He became a member of the MCGP on September 9, 2003 (22).

Raymond Michael Cracchiolo of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, peacefully passed into eternal life on January 9th, 2025, at the age of 100. Born and raised in Detroit, the son of Italian immigrants, Raymond consciously sought out new horizons and faced challenges, while always guided by his Roman Catholic faith.

Raymond was born on November 11th, 1924, to Giuseppe and Benedetta Cracchiolo of Terrasini, Sicily. He was the eighth of nine children. As a child he worked with his brothers to support his family, selling vegetables and fruit from their truck, often on Lakeshore Drive. During these early years he developed his outstanding work ethic and deep commitment to his family. Raymond was known for his discerning intellect, humility, keen wit and connecting easily with everyone.

Raymond attended Wilbur Wright Trade School and developed an extraordinary talent as an engineer and inventor. His unique skill set and ambitious nature served him well as he joined his brothers Peter, Sam and Tom in building both Burns Automatic Corporation and Burns Cold Forge Company. Garnering numerous patents, they helped revolutionize the development of coldforged steel products. Eventually merging with Masco Corporation, Raymond and his brothers would assume executive leadership roles within Masco.

In 1958, Raymond met and married the love of his life, a beautiful and intelligent schoolteacher, Jane Forton of Suttons Bay, Michigan. He lovingly referred to her as his "Jane Girl." Jane was his compass. Together they raised four children: Christi, Heidi, Natali and David. Raymond loved to travel with his family both in the states and abroad sharing with them his love and enthusiasm for art, music, cuisine and culture.

As a young man, Raymond was an avid snow skier. He enjoyed skiing in Northern Michigan, New Hampshire, Idaho, Banff, and later, Colorado. One of his greatest joys in life was skiing with his children and grandchildren. Raymond and Jane spent many glorious winters at their home in Beaver Creek, Colorado.

Raymond was passionate about his home and gardens in Grosse Pointe and he poured himself into their beautification and preservation. Friends and family enjoyed his beautiful trees, gardens, greenhouse orchid collection and picking vegetables with him in the garden. A great delight was sharing the Christmastime lighting of the Ginkgo tree on his front lawn with the community. Sharing his home and making memories with loved ones always brought him immense joy. Later in life he would quietly state that God's natural beauty was his heaven on earth.

Raymond was dedicated to his physical fitness. He skied and played tennis well into his 90s and exercised daily through his 100th year of life. Healthy eating was a priority and one of his greatest pleasures was preparing vegetables from his garden. As a lifelong learner, he began weekly piano lessons at the age of 75.

Raymond always found solace in his unwavering faith and commitment to living a generous life that blessed others. One of Raymond's greatest gifts of service was showing up without hesitation to support those in need. His compassion and tenderness toward widows, the sick and the bereaved was a constant throughout his life. As a member of the Order of Malta, he took multiple pilgrimages with his children to Lourdes, France, serving those in need of healing. He and Jane shared a devotion to giving to the local community of Detroit and other philanthropic endeavors: The Detroit Institute of Art, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, University of Detroit Jesuit High School, St John's Hospital, the Rose Hill Center and numerous Catholic institutions.

His legacy is one of love, faith and generosity–a life lived fully and shared abundantly. Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Jane; his children, Christi Small (Eric), Heidi Bell (John), Natali Ceniza (Bill Royal) and David Cracchiolo (Lucretia); 13 grandchildren, Catherine Mitchell (Ben), John Bell IV, Thomas Bell, Mackenzie Miller (Tyler), Heidi Small, Sophia Ceniza, Mariana Ceniza, Raymond Cracchiolo II, Salvatore Cracchiolo, Vincent Cracchiolo, Angelo Cracchiolo, Louis Cracchiolo and Elaina Cracchiolo; and four great-grandchildren, Benjamin Mitchell, Raymond Mitchell, Lola Bell and George Mitchell.

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, February 15th with instate at 11:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 12 noon at St Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lakeshore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.

Memorial donations to honor Raymond Cracchiolo may be made to the Rose Hill Center, 5130 Rose Hill Blvd, Holly MI 48442, Rose Hill Center; Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist, 4597 Warren Rd, Ann Arbor MI 48105, Sisters of Mary; or Right to Life of Michigan, 27417 Harper Ave, St Clair Shores MI 48081. Right to Life.

Raymond Harry Chown was born on June 9, 1933 and passed on March 3, 2025 (91). He became a member of the MCGP on May 18, 1998 (26).

Raymond Harry Chown, age 91, of Saint Clair Shores and Grosse Pointe passed away on March 3, 2025. He was born on June 9, 1933 in Detroit MI to the late Sidney and Beatrice Chown. Ray is survived by his wife of 64 years Sally, brother Don, sons Kevin (Renee) and Robert (Jill); grandchildren Erica, Melinda, Nicholas and Andrew. He is predeceased by his son Raymond and brother Robert. He will lie instate on Saturday, March 8th from 9:30 am until the time of his Funeral Mass at 10 am at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms. Share a memory at Verheyden.org