Giovanni A. Morreale

Giovanni Antonio Morreale, M.D., 89, of Grosse Pointe Park, passed away Sunday October 17, 2021 surrounded by his wife of 53 years, children and grandchildren. He was born in Modica, Sicily to Vincenzo and Maria Morreale on August 17, 1932. He was one of six accomplished siblings emerging from an agricultural family. Growing up amongst the olive and almond trees near the sea, he dreamt of being a doctor in the Navy. A child growing up during World War II, Sicily was a hub of military activity: his father had served in the Italian Army during World War 1 and received the honor of Purple Heart, and his older brother later became a 5-star General in the Air Force. During his childhood, he learned the value of frugality, resilience, curiosity and humanity. He had a classical education including 8 years of Latin, which served him well le arning all the anatomy nomenclature during Medical School. He specialized in Orthopedics and settled into patient care. His curiosity led him to trips abroad, spending time in Paris, including the fateful trip to the World Expo in Montreal in 1967. While returning to Italy via ocean liner he met the love of his life, Lisa. As the story goes a trave...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

ompanion had fallen and broken her arm during the bumpy passage, and Giovanni assisted in resetting the bone! It was fate; the couple were married in December 1968 in Modica, Sicily. One year later their twin daughters were born. Although Lisa had been living overseas working in the Foreign Service for the United States Information Service, she was eager to return to the United States to raise her family. Giovanni researched the process and accepted the opportunity to practice medicine in Detroit at Harper Hospital. He dedicated himself to passing the Foreign Medical Student Exam (ECFMG) and chose a new specialty in Anesthesiology. After passing his Boards, he began practice anew and became a partner in the Harper Hospital Anesthesia Group. His career was notable for decades of service in which he tended to thousands of patients. He was a dedicated physician of 50 years-adored and admired by both colleagues & patients alike. His old-world charm and grace under pressure were useful and notable characteristics which suited him well in his professional life. He was an active and trusted fellow in the Wayne County Medical Society. He and Lisa made their home in Grosse Pointe Park and raised their three children. Despite his demanding work schedule, the busy activities of three active children, and beloved chocolate Labrador Retriever, he spent as much time as possible sailing. His boat, Vital Signs, filled his heart with peace and joy. Lisa served as his steady first mate, along with kids and grandkids. Additionally, he enjoyed traveling the short distance to Lexington for weekends at the cottage, as well as continuing to circumnavigate the globe with Lisa to all sorts of far-flung places. Christmas was always reserved for returning home to Sicily. He was a man of science with a deep and abiding faith in God. He loved Opera and the sound of music was a constant companion. He was an ardent sports fan: enjoying attending Red Wing and Tiger games, and ever present for his grandchildren in their games, races and regattas, and schoolwork. He was the baby whisperer to his grandchildren, always soothing in his Italian accent with a Stella D'Ora cookie in hand (the "cookie maneuver" was legendary at work as well). He loved feeding his people with his famous traditional eggplant dish, minestrone soup and swordfish; eager to pass on his technique. While he was certainly proud of his heritage, he was even prouder to call himself an American. His story adds to the tale of so many others who came to this country with hope, vision and the desire to contribute to the betterment of others. He was elegant and charming, witty and smart; his was a rich life! Giovanni was preceded in death by his parents, Vincenzo and Maria Morreale, siblings Vincenzo, Angelo, and Angela. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; daughters, Victoria Strickler (David) and Stephanie Morreale (Brent Wiersema). His son John Morreale (Mary); siblings Vincenza Cacciatore and Lila Morreale; 7 beloved grandchildren Isabella, William and Henry Strickler, Nathalie and Luke Wiersema, Olivia and Gabriel Morreale. Nieces and Nephews, Federica, Christiana and Luigi Cacciatore, Vincenzo and Maria Laura Morreale. A memorial celebration Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 4 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 15020 Hampton Road, Grosse Pointe Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wayne County Medical Society.