Donald Joseph Pricco

Donald Joseph Pricco passed peacefully into Heaven to be with God and the love of his life, Mary Lee. Don was born and lived in the Lansing area his whole life. He attended Resurrection High School where he played the bass drum in the marching band and met his soulmate, Mary Lee Green, who played the French horn. He & Mary Lee were married in 1962 and shared 37 joyful years together while raising their family. In 1964 Don joined the Lansing Fire Department and in 1970 they started Pricco’s Carpet Cleaning as a part time job. In 1969, they bought a home in East Lansing and the Pricco Compound was created. Don and Mary Lee also had a lake home in Ludington where many amazing memories have been and continue to be made. Countless family members and friends have enjoyed summers on Lake Hamlin. Don and Mary Lee’s motto was “the more the merrier!”

In 1999, Mary Lee passed into Heaven leaving Don to navigate life without her. He continued her tradition of making birthdays special, buying thoughtful gifts and always finding the perfect card with a special note written inside. Don expressed the importance of family often and hosted countless family dinners.

Don was always up for a party, a sunny day at the beach and a good martini. He enjoyed water skiing and as he got older, made a point to get out at least once a year until he was 70. He loved watching sports, particularly MSU and the Detroit Lions.

Don had strong faith and was a parishioner at St. Thomas Aquinas in East Lansing, and St. Simon in Ludington.

Don was one of a kind with a big personality and his absence will be greatly felt. We lost a true legend here on earth but are so thankful he is reunited with Mary Lee.

Don & Mary Lee’s legacy lives on through their 5 children: Peggy Spitzley, Amee (Dan) O’Leary, Pat Pricco, Annie (John) Campbell and Kevin (Becky) Pricco. His 17 grandchildren: Michael (Jillian) Spitzley, Marnie (Suzie) Spitzley, Meggie (Dan) O’Hara, Mac Spitzley; Kevin Kilsdonk, Jack, Jesse and Jamie O’Leary; Mary, Abbey & Joey Pricco; Charley (Keegan) Golder, Lilly & Emma Campbell; Gia, Kate & Vinnie Pricco. His 5 great grandchildren: Miles Spitzley (plus 1 on the way), Reid Reichard; Charlie, Quinn & Sully O’Hara.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters in law: Patricia Pricco, Mary Green, Terry & Anne Green, Nancy Green, Kathy Williams, Marnie Montgomery, Julie & Kirk Dafoe, Jack & Denise Green, Maureen & Rick Fellows; many Godchildren, nieces and nephews. In the Green family count, Don was #12 and it is currently at 170 people with 3 babies on the way.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lee; his parents, John and Margaret (Gigi) Pricco; his in-laws, Margaret (Mimi) and Leo Green; his brother, Dick and sister-in-law, Joan Pricco; his brother, Jack Pricco, and brothers-in-law, Bob Green, Kip Green, Lary Williams and Bill Montgomery.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 24 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm with a Rosary being prayed at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 25 at 11:00 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, will the family receiving friends one hour prior to Mass. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

**Don was known for his one-liners, so please feel free to add your favorite to the comments