HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Michael D. Wilpula, age 42, of Harrison Township, died Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at his home.
He was born Aug. 9, 1969, in Ashtabula, Ohio, the son of James E. and Nicki (Petruzzi) Wilpula.
Michael attended Ashtabula High School and Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School. He was employed in the welding, fabrication and pipefitting trade, working for several companies in the area before moving to Michigan. Most recently he was a project supervisor for M.W. Mielke Co.
Throughout his youth Michael played on Little League teams at Cederquist Park and spent a lot of time fishing with friends in the Ashtabula Gulf near his home. As an adult he played on community softball teams and the Ashtabula Dart League. He loved baseball, football and was an avid golfer. His favorite football team was the Pittsburgh Steelers. He collected Steelers memorabilia and also had an extensive Coca-Cola collection. Michael had a talent for art and drawing, playing the guitar and singing.
Survivors include his wife, Nicole (Nahra); two beloved daughters, Mikayla and her husband Michael McCall of Saybrook and Gianna Elizabeth at home; his mother of Ashtabula; a brother, James and his wife Carrie of Warren, Mich.; sister, Angela of Ashtabula; and many more extended family.
He was preceded in death by his father in 2001; his grandparents, Philip Petruzzi, Vaughn and Dorothy Platt, John and Clara Wilpula; and his aunt, Sandra Wilpula.
Family and friends will gather for a service 11 a.m. today, June 12th, at Greenlawn Memory Gardens Chapel, North Kingsville, with Bishop Dana Harju of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officiating. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.
CHILDS & WILLIAMS FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1440 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula, is handling arrangements. Obituary and condolences at starbeacon.com.
