John Joseph Divozzo of Cadillac passed away suddenly, August 13, 2024,at Munson Medical Center. He was 55. John was born March 15, 1969 in Detroit, Michigan and graduated from De La Salle Collegiate High School, before earning his Bachelor of Science in Plastics and Polymer Engineering at the University of Detroit.
John worked in Public Works for the past 24 years, the past 10 of which were spent as the Grand Traverse County Director of Public Works. John was a brilliant man, with a complex mind that was always at work, yet he lived his life in the moment and found great joy in simple things.He was always the funniest man in the room with a captivating wit and humor.
When it mattered the most, John was always a gentleman. He was loving and sweet, and loved music of all types. He knew every song lyric, title and artist.
He loved a good debate and to tell stories of his childhood near Detroit and of spending time in Tennessee with his Nana and siblings. John always thought of others and rarely put himself first. He was thoughtful and considerate when he gave a gift, often devoting hours of research to ensure he found the perfect gift.
He had an "I'm in" mentality and giving heart and was always up for taking part in the latest adventure, newest project, or idea. Above all else, John was family focused. He loved his beautiful daughters above all else and was proud of them and their unique talents and accomplishments.
He loved his home and property, taking care of it, and spending time there with his wife and family. John loved his dogs, cat, chickens, turkey and ducks and spent hours caring for and interacting with them. One of the things at which John was particularly skilled was debating the ideas of spirituality, religion, and God.
A few years prior to his passing, and after a lifetime of debate with himself and with God, in a world that wanted him to forget and reject, God, John became an active Christian and believer. He became a member of the Cherry Grove Church of the Nazarene. In 2022 John's relationship with God was made final and complete when he was baptized in Lake Superior on a men's hike by his friend and the equally brilliant, Pastor Jeremy Gomez, assisted by his brother-in-law, Jack Speelman.
On October 19, 1996 in Mount Clemens, Michigan John married Wendy A. Speelman and she survives him along with their daughters, Abigale "Abby" Divozzo of Vermillion, South Dakota, and Rachel Divozzo (and long term partner, Jay Dickerson) of Cadillac; his father, John P. Divozzo of Clinton Township; his aunt, Martha Dean Mitchell of Ben Wheeler, Texas; twin sister, Marie Thomas of Sparta, Tennessee; brothers: Derek (Renee) Divozzo of Shelby Township, Jason (Julie) Divozzo of Oakland Township; mother-in-law, Gale Speelman of Cadillac; in-laws: Becky (Eric) Gustafson, Beth Gottschall, Jack (Julie) Speelman all of Cadillac; step mother-in-law, Peg Speelman; step sister-in-law, Desiree (Mike) Lumbert and many nieces and nephews whom he cherished, Brandon Angel, Jarred Smith, Jakob Smith.
Megan Gottschall, Allie Gottschall, Elijah Speelman, Noah Speelman, Drake Divozzo, Alyssa Divozzo, Sydney Divozzo, Mallory Divozzo and Helena Thomas. John was preceded in death by his mother, Susan K. Divozzo; grandparents, Comer and Monie Petty; father-in-law, Jack Speelman, and best friend and brother-in-law, Joshua Gottschall.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Cherry Grove Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Jeremy Gomez officiating. Friends and family may meet the family before the service at 10 a.m.
at the church. Friends and family may also meet the family on Friday, August 16 (today) from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Peterson Funeral and Cremation Services in Cadillac. In lieu of flowersmemorialcontributions may be made to Cherry Grove Church of the Nazarene.
An online guestbook is available at ..
