Umberto Tanzini, 83, 104 W. South St., New Knoxville, died at 4:40 a.m. March 12, 2010, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.

He was born March 27, 1926, in Highland Park, Mich., to Umberto and Eliza Catton Tanzini. On Feb. 6, 1960, he married Roberta Fledderjohann, who survives.

Also surviving are two children: Nino (JoLynn) Tanzini and Julianna (William) Weimer, both of Shelby Twp., Mich.; two brothers, Nino and Mario Tanzini; two sisters, Lucy Sapienza and Patricia Todd; in-laws; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Albert Tanzini; two brothers; and three sisters.

He attended school in Detroit, and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. In 1988, he retired from General Dynamics in Michigan, and from homebuilding.

He was a member of First United Church of Christ, New Knoxville, served as a Sunday School teacher and was a life member of the New Knoxville Historical Society, where he volunteered and did restoration work. He was a longtime member of the Shelby Oaks Senior Swingers Golf Group, member of various New Knoxville organizations; and a member of the Auglaize County Humane Society.

In 2005, Tanzini and his wife were chosen as "Fans of the Year" of the New Knoxville Rangers.

Funeral rites will be 11 a.m. March 17, 2010, at the First United Church of Christ, New Knoxville, the Rev. David Williams officiating. Burial will be in Pilger Ruhe Cemetery.

Calling hours are 4-7 p.m. Tuesday and after 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Heritage Room of the church. Memorial donations may be directed to the New Knoxville Historical Society, Auglaize County Humane Society or the Radio Broadcast Fund of the church.

Condolences may be sent to the family via Millerfuneralhomes.net.