John Thomas Pitlanish

Okemos, Michigan

John Pitlanish passed away surrounded by his family, after a valiant fight with colon cancer on January 29, 2015 at the age of 49.

He was the loving father of Brenna and Heather Pitlanish, and loving son of Lucille (Lynn) Pitlanish; loving brother of Kathy (Ray) Reno, Mary Lynn (Dennis) Arvanitis, Susan Tinney, and Nancy (Randy) Foutch and also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and honorary family.

John was preceded in death by his father Michael Pitlanish.

John was born on November 12, 1965 in Mt. Clemens MI.

He graduated from Okemos High School and Wayne State University where he was a member of the Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity. John was an engineering manager with General Motors. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #7545 in Williamston and also a 4th Degree Knight of Assembly #2050 and he also was a board member of the Potter Park Zoological Center.

John loved spending time with his family and friends and enjoyed golfing and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

John survived many challenges in life, including a severe car accident that broke both legs and his arm and being in a coma for a month after unfortunate surgical results. In addition, he caught on fire one day at LTV Steel, where he worked early in career. However, John didn’t let all of this get him down. His favorite quote was “Where there is life, there is hope”.

John will be missed by many. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and fun loving spirit. John faced cancer with optimism and great courage. He never let it get him in the way of cracking jokes and making people laugh.

He made a difference in the lives of those he met with his smile and kind heart. John will be remembered as a man who loved his daughters, as they were his pride and joy.

The family will be receiving friends from 2-4 & 6-8 on Monday, February 2, 2015 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Williamston Chapel, 205 E. Middle St. Williamston MI with Rosary at 7pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held February 3, 2015, at 11:00 am at St Mary Catholic Church, 157 High St. Williamston, MI with visitation one hour prior to service.

Interment will follow at Mt Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation, 8330 Boone Blvd., Suite 450 Vienna, VA 22182 or online at www.chris4life.org/give in memory of John.