Gilbert Joseph Pendolino

Gilbert J. Pendolino, 89 of Grosse Pointe Woods passed away on November 21, 2023, surrounded by his family. Born in Detroit to Lucy (Arena) Pendolino and Angelo Pendolino, Gil grew up with a deep passion for jazz and began playing the trumpet at an early age. He would go on to play in his high school and college marching bands where his talents won him many awards. He was most proud of his own band, Gil Pendol & His Orchestra. Gil attended St. Joseph’s High School, where his friendships lead him to meet his beloved wife of 65 years, Barbara (Stein) Pendolino. After high school, he continued his education at the University of Detroit, and the Detroit School of Business where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Management. After graduating, he began his career working at Ford Motor and Rouge Steel where he spent nearly fifty years before retiring. Gil enjoyed the many trips with Barbara, their four children, and family friends, traveling throughout Michigan the Cumberland Mountains in Tennessee and the coast of Florida. He was a remarkable husband, father, and grandfather and loved his friends and family dearly.

He is survived by the love of his life, Barbara and their four children, Anne (Rudy), Jim (Nadine), Lisa (Mark), Katy (Dan) and their 12 grandchildren respectively: Rudy (Lindsay), Donna, Katherine, and Grace; Gigi and Angelo; Eric, Lucia and Lucas; Jack, Stella and Sonny.

A funeral service will be held in Gil’s honor at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Grosse Pointe Woods, on December 5, 2023 at 10:30am and a visitation prior to the funeral mass at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph 1820 Mt. Elliot St, Detroit, MI 48207 www.thecapuchins.org or the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s - Detroit Harmony Youth Program, 3711 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 www.dso.org