Michael Patrick Fazzari

Michael Patrick Fazzari Jr, 97, died at home on December 23, 2023, surrounded by his family. Michael was born May 18, 1926, in Walla Walla to Michael and Vera Leonetti Fazzari. He claimed he was so small when he was born that he slept in a shoebox!

Mike attended Braden and St. Patrick's school, graduating in 1944. He enlisted in the Navy, serving from 1944-1946 as a Storekeeper 3rd Class in Construction Battalion (Seabees). He shared many lively stories, including doing favors for General MacArthur, like obtaining whiskey and cigars.

Michael returned home and enrolled in a carpentry apprenticeship. He founded Michael Fazzari Construction in 1947, where he planned and built many quality homes and businesses in the Walla Walla Valley. He continued as a master builder into his 70s.

Michael married Doris Manual in 1949 at St. Francis Catholic Church and was happily married for 74 years. Mike and Doris made their home in Walla Walla where they raised four sons.

He was a member of St. Francis Church, Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, and Elks. He loved to dine and dance and traveling to the Oregon coast, Reno and Hawaii. Hobbies included making model cars, collecting die-cast vehicles, cigar boxes and stamps, puzzle making and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, brother Rudy (LaVelle) Fazzari and sister Joan (Bill) Pontarolo. He is surveyed by his wife Doris, sons Dennis of Walla Walla, Larry (Shirley) of Chehalis, Ed (Margaret) of Walla Walla and Richard of Richland, sister Carol (Ed) Stephan of Spokane, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass will be held Friday, January 5, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church. Graveside services to follow at Mountain View Cemetery, and reception at St. Francis Parish Hall. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Francis Catholic Church through Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home.