Neil L. Armatti, age 78, of Gwinn, died peacefully in the evening of November 9, 2020 at his home.
Neil was born June 18th 1942 in Marquette, MI to Battista "Bacco" and Edith (Storti) Armatti. He was a graduate of Gwinn High School, class of 1960.
He spent his life providing service for others and took great joy in helping other people. He was a local businessman who owned and operated several businesses' including a fuel oil business, grocery store, but his favorite business which he excelled at for years was excavating.
Neil enjoyed spending time with his family and hunting. He previously served on the Forsyth Township Board for over 30 years. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and a beloved member of the Gwinn Community.
He is survived by his children, Neil Joe (Kim) Armatti, Becky (David) Syrja, and Cory Armatti; his sisters, Tisha (Georg) Keefer, Vicki (George) Sibley; his brother, James (Tara) Armatti; sister-in-law, Jean Armatti; grandchildren, Aaron Armatti Jr., Neil T. (Jamie) Armatti, Kaitlyn Armatti, Brandon Syrja, Travis Syrja, Elijah Armatti, Ava Armatti; great grandchildren, Evan Armatti, Neil P. Armatti, Hunter Johnson; also many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Battista and Edith (Storti) Armatti; brothers, Jerome (Louise) Armatti, Patrick Armatti and Daniel Armatti; a son, Aaron Armatti, Sr. and niece, Terri Armatti.
The Armatti family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday, November 17th beginning at 10 a.m. in the Religious Education Wing of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Gwinn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the church at 12 Noon Tuesday with the Rev. Allen Mott officiating. Burial will take place in the Gwinn Cemetery. Neil's Funeral Mass will also be live streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/neil-armatti
The Canale Gwinn Funeral Home is assisting the Armatti family where memories of Neil may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
Tributes
Kim Van Osdol wrote on Oct 13, 2022:
"Condolences to the Armatti family! Neil became a friend in my 4 years running the Gwinn Bank in the early 80's. Have not seen him for years but think of him every Fall when using the hunting knife he gave me with his name on it. Praying he is smiling at Jesus now!
Kim Van Osdol"
Jim & Pam Krausman wrote on Nov 17, 2020:
"Jim and I met Neil when we moved here 23 years ago. Whenever we needed something we could always call Neil. It seemed he did everything and did it well. He was such an important part of our community here in Gwinn and now a huge void will be felt. He was like a banty rooster that no-one can find a bad thing to say about him. He was the hardest working guy and always would figure out how to meet your needs. He tried his best to be a good dad and granddad always stepping up to be there for his family in the best way he could. And he was a good friend to all who were blessed to meet him and have him in their lives. He loved going to camp and hunting and he should be there now. We will miss him a lot and are better people for having known him. He is going to shake up heaven driving around his machines and getting people moving. Rest well Neil. Jim & Pam Krausman"
Tom & Alex Ketola wrote on Nov 17, 2020:
"Our condolences go out to the family. "
Joe Boogren Family wrote on Nov 17, 2020:
"Our condolences to the entire Armatti Family... Neil\'s passing leaves a tremendous void in our Community. We were all blessed to know him. "
Michael Zinis wrote on Nov 17, 2020:
"I first met Neil and his family when they owned a grocery store. They greeted me like we knew each other all our lives! What a beautiful , loving and friendly family. Neil would always have a friendly smile when he greeted you. I felt a part of the family. God Bless you and your family. You will be missed!
Mike & Valerie Zinis"
Michelle Dillinger wrote on Nov 17, 2020:
"Such a wonderful man. Such a wonderful family. My heart goes out for your loss. I know my mother will greet him in heaven with a big hug. xo"
Janice (Kroncich) Barker wrote on Nov 16, 2020:
"I grew up knowing Neil as one of the \"Austin Rats\" or friends. We all had so many fun times together & he was/is a very best friend of my brother, Nick. I am wishing all of Neil\'s family my prayers & know there is a new shining star in heaven. He will be missed!"
Justin Yelle wrote on Nov 16, 2020:
"Nnnnnneeeeeiiiiiiillllllll!!! What more can I say about a generous,lovable,hilarious,common sense problem -solver and joker of a man who I owe my everlasting utmost love and respect."
Coach Bill Hill wrote on Nov 16, 2020:
"May God grant you comfort. Such a friendly engaging man. Happy to know him and never see him without a smile!"
Jerry and JoAnn Hiscox wrote on Nov 15, 2020:
"Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Neil. He was a true, kind, caring person that helped us in ways too numerous to mention. His trustworthy character made him one of a kind. Working with Neil over the years, he became more than a contractor, he became a friend, our ?go to? guy in Gwinn. He always made time for us and we will miss his sense of humor and gentle smile.
Jerry and JoAnn Hiscox, Burton, Ohio"
Curt Johnson wrote on Nov 15, 2020:
"Neil was a very special man. He was always willing to come to our camp on Little Shag Lake to repair a road, move some snow, use his front and loader to move a building, dig a trench for an electric line, clean a patch of woods for a building or just about anything. We worked together, laughed together and shared a glass of wine or a beer together. We were age mates and I will truly miss him.
Curt Johnson, Burton Ohio "
Judy Reynard wrote on Nov 15, 2020:
"I worked for Neil when he opened his fuel oil business. A finer man and friend. Never walked this earth. He would do anything for anyone. Now he can go with God and Rest In Peace.. You will be missed Neil. May God take you In his arms as you ascend Into heaven. Your family friends & community loved you. Judy Reynard"
Chris St Aubin wrote on Nov 14, 2020:
"I have a lot of memories of Neil while growing up in Austin, sad to see another \"Austin Rat\" leave us. So long, old friend, Christine and Don St Aubin"
Sharon and Tony wrote on Nov 13, 2020:
"Neil touched many lives. He will be greatly missed. He helped us develop our property on Old Michigan 35 South. As I look over my property I will always remember Neil. Neil and his family are in our prays.
Tony and Sharon Kovach"
Terry Ayotte wrote on Nov 13, 2020:
"Our sincere condolences to all the family for your huge loss.
Jeffrey & Terry Ayotte"
Paul Vecellio wrote on Nov 13, 2020:
"To the Armatti family, our hearts go out to you. Neil was a wonderful guy, always smiling and ready to yak. He will surely be missed. You have our deepest sympathy. Paul Vecellio and Cathy Forchini"
Judy Krejcar wrote on Nov 13, 2020:
"Rest In Peace my dear friend. Judy Krejcar"
Jim & Linda Walimaki wrote on Nov 12, 2020:
"It is great grief in our hearts too have lost such a wonderful friend. Neil, was special, kind, considerate, very giving to others, & one of the hardest workers we\'ve known. Jim, has known Neil, all his life & I met him when I was 14 years old. He always made me laugh...I am going to miss him calling here for Jim & yelling out my name & I would yell back NNNNNNEEEEEEIIIILLLL! Then we would laugh & get down to the reason he had called. We personally know what a shock this was for the Armatti family. You are in our prayers & thoughts are with all of you. Jim, is really going to miss Neil, as he, has worked for him & with him for the last several years. Rest in peace of the Lord. Our Love & Support to all, Jim & Linda Walimaki"
James Larsen II wrote on Nov 12, 2020:
"Very sorry to hear of the loss of Neil. I\'ve always enjoyed every interaction whether working with him or seeing him around town. My deepest condolences. -James Larsen."
Chris martell wrote on Nov 12, 2020:
"Having the opportunity to get to know Neil through working at auto value. He will always be one of my favorite customers. And I will surely will miss the friendly banter with him. My condolences to his family , rest easy Neil from all of us here at autovalue "
LouAnn & Jim Jaklin wrote on Nov 12, 2020:
"When we relocated to the UP, Neil was a friend who helped us clear the land and build our home. He will be greatly missed by all of us who considered him a friend."
Gerry Stille wrote on Nov 12, 2020:
"Dear Armatti family, there will never be another Neil Armatti Sr. You can all be so very proud of this amazing man. I got to know Neil years ago when we rode the woods roads looking for partridge and spent countless hours talking about anything and everything. A personable, generous man who was everyone?s friend and never nothing bad to say about anyone.
RIP Neil.
"
Terry and Rosemarie Sayen wrote on Nov 11, 2020:
"Neil was friend and classmate. He wii be missed by many. My wife and I offer our condolences to his family."
Peggy King Brassard wrote on Nov 11, 2020:
"Dear Armatti family, Neil was a nice guy. Always giving me a hard time ,but it was all in fun. He will be dearly missed. God bless !!"
MAX AND CAROL FRALICK wrote on Nov 11, 2020:
"Dear family. We are so sorry to hear of Neil\'s passing. We were not part of his social life but always enjoyed our chance meeting(s). Catching up on our lives happenings and neighborhood news was such a great treat. He\'ll surely be missed but is such a great memory to us.
Affectionately, Max and Carol Fralick"