Giuseppe "Joe" Renda

Giuseppe "Joe" Renda was born on January 1, 1937, in Alcamo, Sicily, Italy. He was the son of Vincenzo Renda and Francesca Calandra and brother to Girolamo “Jerry” Renda. As a child he showed ambition and started his entrepreneurial pursuits by selling soda by the bottle and other goods. As he grew older, he learned different trades such as tailoring, barbering, and construction. At 20 years old, his experience in construction led to a work opportunity in Paris, France, where he worked and lived for five years and learned French. During a visit home to Alcamo, he met Carmela, they fell in love and were engaged. He returned to France and continued their relationship by writing love letters. When his father fell ill, he moved back to help him and be closer to his fiancé. Giuseppe and Carmela were married on September 3, 1962, and moved into a home he built himself. They welcomed daughters Francesca and Pierina in this very home. Giuseppe discovered he had an opportunity to immigrate to the United States as a citizen, due to his father’s service in the military in WWI prior to Giuseppe’s birth. Being adventurous and wanting better opportunities for his family, they left for the United States in 1965 on a ship, along with his brother, Girolamo “Jerry”, and his family. While learning the English language, he worked multiple jobs such as a in broom factory and in a steel mill. The craftsmanship skills and construction knowledge he learned in Italy and France led to job opportunities in Michigan. During this time, Giuseppe and Carmela happily welcomed their son, Vincenzo. Returning to his entrepreneurial spirit, in 1972, Giuseppe and Carmela, opened their own floor covering business, Renda Tile and Carpet, in Vicksburg. They worked on numerous homes in the Kalamazoo area and created many jobs for the community. Giuseppe and Carmela fortunately had opportunities to travel for work and pleasure, taking them all over the world. Even though Giuseppe was a busy professional, he always prioritized his family, who were his motivation for success. Giuseppe became a Nonno (grandfather) to his nine grandchildren, who were his pride and joy and later, a Bisnonno to four great-grandchildren. Giuseppe and Carmela built a beautiful home they enjoyed on Austin Lake and often hosted their family and friends. Giuseppe’s construction talents, flair for customer service, and business savvy led to the success of Renda Tile and Carpet for 33 years before their retirement together. Giuseppe was able to enjoy his retirement spending all of his time with his family and indulging in his favorite activities such as playing cards, watching soccer, taking boat rides, enjoying music and dancing with Carmela. With every challenge Giuseppe faced in his later years, he always did it with courage, positivity, and a love for life. Giuseppe passed away peacefully in his home on July 10th, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Giuseppe was proceeded in death by his parents, Vincenzo Renda and Francesca Calandra, and brother, Girolamo “Jerry” Renda. Giuseppe leaves behind the love of his life, Carmela (Matranga) Renda, with whom he was happily married to for nearly 62 years; his three children, Francesca (Franco) Impellizzeri, Pierina (Tim) Boyle, and Vincenzo (Amy) Renda; nine grandchildren: Giuseppina Impellizzeri, Carmelina (Patrick) Tierney, Sean (Aylannah) Boyle, Gabrielle (Joe) Fitzwater, Giovanna Impellizzeri, Accalia Boyle, Mariella (Gary) Micu, Olivia (John) Willenborg, and Madison Boyle; four great-grandchildren, Maverick, Calum, and Evangeline Tierney, and Nicolina Micu; many loved family members and friends.

The family will greet friends on Monday, July 15th, from 5-8:00 pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, July 16th at 11:00 AM at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 5855 East W Ave, Vicksburg, MI 49097, with visitation one hour prior to mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to ROI (Residential Opportunities Inc.), Centrica Care Navigators, or Saint Martin of Tours. To view his personalized webpage, please visit https://www.langelands.com