Charles Vito Zichichi

Charles Vito Zichichi passed away on February 4, 2012 with his family by his side. He died from injuries sustained while doing what he loved most, flying his power glider. Chuck was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 5, 1933 the son of Vito and Josephine (Agosta) Zichichi. He attended Aero Mechanics School as well as Pershing High School in Detroit and worked at Big Bear Market before serving as a Private First Class in the Army during the Korean Conflict. On June 25, 1955 he married his sweetheart Rose Marie Stojanovich and later built their first house in Hazel Park, Michigan with his father’s help. Chuck was a fierce patriot and wholeheartedly believed in the American Dream, something he embodied throughout his lifetime. While supporting a young family and working full time, he attended college at night and in 1961 he received a Manufacturing Engineering and Management Certificate from the Detroit College of Applied Science. After graduation he went to work for General Electric, Carboloy, Metallurgical Products Department for the next twenty years rising to Manager of Automotive Market Development. In 1974 he and his business partners founded Ti-Coating, Inc. a light industrial carbide coatings company. Chuck and Rose ultimately became sole owners of Ti-Coating and later established CRZ Development Company, which developed the industrial subdivision on Corporate Drive in Shelby Township. Over the next 35 years, with continued support from Rose, Chuck partnered with others to help found two successful heat treating companies, Vac-Met, Inc. and Applied Theramal Technologies, Inc. Although you could occasionally find him on a golf course during his retirement, his first love was always flying and he spent most of his golden years at the airport or tinkering with airplanes. During the last 15 years he built three experimental aircraft, became a partial owner of the Ray Community Airport and recently obtained his FAA Gliders License. He was also a longstanding member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 13 and a proud member of the Tuskegee Airmen Glider Club. Over the course of their life together Chuck and Rose also resided in homes in Warren, Jackson, Shelby Township and Washington, Michigan, as well as at their beloved winter retreat in Bonita Springs, Florida. He is survived by Rose and their four children, Mary Jo Kage (Larry), Kimberly Barraco (Antonio), William Zichichi (Michelle) and Nick Zichichi (Kristin), as well as six grandchildren, Christen, Jocelyn, Samantha, Jacqueline, Carolyn and Charlie and his beloved sister Jackie DiPirro (Michael), stepsister Marge Castiglione. A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held on Saturday, February 11, from 3 to 7 pm at The Palazzo Grande Banquet & Event Center, 54660 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township, Michigan 48315. Hors d’oeuvres will be served between 3 and 5 pm. Dinner begins at 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Hospice organization of your choice. Condolences can be left at www.henrymmalburg.com. Visitation: on Saturday, February 11 3 - 7 PM with a 5 PM Dinner Palazzo Grande 54600 Van Dyke Ave. Shelby Township, MI 48315