James S. LoBretto
January 13, 1931 – April 17, 2021
In accordance with James’s wish cremation will take place and a memorial to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 90, went to be with his Lord and savior on April 17, 2021. He was born in Otsego, MI, on January 13, 1931, the son of the late Anthony and Frances (Mario) LoBretto. James was a wise, considerate, and loving man. He had a great passion for nature and being in God’s creation. “Meatball” as he was known by his friends, had a warm smile and firm handshake. He was a hard, dependable worker who retired as a supervisor from National Waterlift after 42 years. Upon retiring he fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving to Irons, MI, where he spent his days hunting, fishing, and birdwatching. James enjoyed the simple things in life and was most at peace watching nature through the window. He was a lifetime member of the NRA. He had a strong faith in the Lord. Above all James loved his family and friends and leaves them with the legacy of a life well lived. All who knew James will miss him! On September 26, 1974 he married Dolores (Ferguson) LoBretto, who survives. He is also survived by five children, Linda (Pierre) Cyr, James (Terri) LoBretto Jr., Frances (Ross) Brown, Tony (Priscilla) LoBretto, Timothy LoBretto; a stepson, Michael (Debbie) Riethmeier; many grandchildren, several great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and friends. He was also preceded in passing by a brother, six sisters, and a stepdaughter, Lisa Riethmeier.
Dad was the last of the first generation of LoBretto’s to be born in America. Love you Dad, rest in peace.
I had known Jim for many years , Starting as a young boy , I was asked by Jim to go hunting with him out back in the swamp where i soon found out that i was just a spectator in the sport of hunting , As Jim didn’t miss any game that appeared on the ground or in the air. I didn’t get a shot , ,But i started to learn a lot about hunting , Jim was a good teacher , We hunted many times through my younger years, , Several years ago i stopped in at his Irons home , To renew our friendship ,He did remember me just couldn’t get the name right away , That was ok , We talked some and he showed me his place, I was glad to have seen him again, I will miss you good friend ,R.I.P.
As kids , I remember when we were shooting clay pigeons at our house and Mr. LoBretto stopped by with his new lightweight 12 ga. He was so excited. He said,” put all three birds on the launcher and I will get them all…with one arm.” We loaded up the launcher as he requested and we let them fly and he got all three with one arm like he said he would. He was quite a hunter outdoorsman and I am happy he knew the Lord and he got to live out his days in the great north of Michigan.
It was a Pleasure to have gone down part of life’s past with Jim,He was a good friend and he and I used to lean on each other when we were having a bad day at work. He was fun to be around . Jim and Dory used to buy my Strawberries from my three acre patch. My sympathy to Dory and the family. RIP .
I was fortunate enough to have Meatball and Dory as my neighbors in Irons for over 20 years. I learned so much Meatball. His words of wisdom and life lessons are something that I will always carry with me. He was such a kind and generous man. He was always sharing his home cooked meals, fresh bread and of course, venison. I spent 100’s of hours with Meatball and Dory. We had such a good time visiting. You will be missed, Meatball.