Mr. Maurizio "Nick" Barbatano

MR. MAURIZIO "NICK" BARBATANO Memorial Services. Our dear husband and father, who entered into his spiritual journey of peace on May 12, 2013, will be laid to rest. We will honor a life well lived, and a man well loved. Family visitation will be on Monday, Aug. 19 from 2-4pm at Arsulowicz Brothers. Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd. NW, Walker, MI. And later in the evening, from 7-9pm, the family will give their eulogies and share memories. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 10am., at Sacred Heart Of Jesus parish, 156 Valley Ave. SW, GR 49504 followed by a funeral luncheon. The family will greet visitors, in the back of the church, one hour prior. Afterwards, family and friends are respectfully invited to gather at Holy Cross Cemetery, 2000 Walker Ave NW, GR 49504, for final committal and interment. Memorials are encouraged to his heartfelt charity Gilda's Club GR. Maurizio (Nick) Barbatano, age 54, was quietly called to his heavenly home, on Sunday , May 12, 2013. He battled heroically, but sadly succumbed to his cancer disease. Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 22 years, Bernadette (nee Durka), son Johncarlo, and daughter Maria. He was preceded in death, by his mother Giovanna, Aunt Ada, cousin Marika and brother-in- law Phillip Durka. Also surviving are his brother-in- law, Dr. David Durka (Deborah) and nephews Ryan (Annicia), Michael and cousins Cory and Carissa. He was employed at Broadway Systems downtown, as lead software engineer and “mentor on the mountain”. Maurizio and his mother fled from Asmara, Ethiopia in 1967 during the civil unrest. They became US citizens, settled in Garden City, Kansas and eventually moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1986. He also lived in Chicago and served as an intern at the Pentagon in Virginia. He was a proud graduate of Grinnell College ’81, in Iowa, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in both Mathematics and Computer Science. He was a prince of a man, loving and loyal husband, dedicated and devoted father, and valiant warrior. He lived for his family, loved his country and believed in God. A Memorial Mass celebrating his inspirational life and amazing gifts of virtue, will be held in late August. Please consider Gilda’s Club GR, for any donations in his remembrance.

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Mr. Maurizio "Nick" Barbatano

January 20, 1959 - May 12, 2013