Harry Carl “Sonny” Marceau
September 21st, 1932 - December 26th, 2022
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Sonny's Obituary
Harry “Sonny” Carl Marceau, Jr. passed away peacefully on Monday, December 26, 2022. He was born on September 21, 1932 to Harry Christopher and Frieda Louise Marceau (nee Ost), in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Harry graduated from Benton Harbor High School. After high school, he worked as plumber apprentice before being drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. He served in the 83rd Engineer Battalion and was awarded The National Defense Service Medal. After the service he returned to Benton Harbor, continued working in the plumbing trade, and later joined UA Local 190 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters as a life-long proud union member. Harry and family moved to Saint Joseph, Michigan, where he raised his children and resided for nearly 50 years.
Harry was a life-long resident of the Twin Cities. As a boy, he enjoyed many summers at Silver Beach where his mother’s family were some of the first settlers and proudly known as the “sand rabbits”. He also spent time behind his grandfather’s farrier shop where he learned to box. As a young man, he played football for Benton Harbor and was a Golden Gloves boxer at the Benton Harbor Naval Armory. He enjoyed fishing on Lake Michigan, whether it was for perch off the pier or trolling the big lake for salmon and steelhead. Harry also loved hunting. His fondest memories were of spending time at deer camp in the Upper Peninsula with his father, friends, and family. Other hobbies included gunsmithing, wood working, and in later years cooking and baking. He will always be remembered for his famous “The Great H.C.” spaghetti sauce.
Harry is survived by his two children, Brian Marceau (Katherine) Rochester Hills, Michigan, and Brooke Anne Marceau Griffin (John) Coloma, Michigan; his grandson Jackson Marceau; his three stepchildren, Kim Foster (Don) Springfield, Ohio, Craig Whitlow (Denise) Cary, North Carolina, Chris Whitlow (Sharon) Coloma, Michigan; and his five step-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Sweet, his eight nephews, and his two nieces. Harry was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his dear sister Annette Bird, and his former spouse Patricia Marceau.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 13, 2022, beginning at 11:00 a.m. (Visitation at 10:00 a.m.), at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware Ave., Benton Harbor, Michigan. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Harry was a life-long resident of the Twin Cities. As a boy, he enjoyed many summers at Silver Beach where his mother’s family were some of the first settlers and proudly known as the “sand rabbits”. He also spent time behind his grandfather’s farrier shop where he learned to box. As a young man, he played football for Benton Harbor and was a Golden Gloves boxer at the Benton Harbor Naval Armory. He enjoyed fishing on Lake Michigan, whether it was for perch off the pier or trolling the big lake for salmon and steelhead. Harry also loved hunting. His fondest memories were of spending time at deer camp in the Upper Peninsula with his father, friends, and family. Other hobbies included gunsmithing, wood working, and in later years cooking and baking. He will always be remembered for his famous “The Great H.C.” spaghetti sauce.
Harry is survived by his two children, Brian Marceau (Katherine) Rochester Hills, Michigan, and Brooke Anne Marceau Griffin (John) Coloma, Michigan; his grandson Jackson Marceau; his three stepchildren, Kim Foster (Don) Springfield, Ohio, Craig Whitlow (Denise) Cary, North Carolina, Chris Whitlow (Sharon) Coloma, Michigan; and his five step-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Sweet, his eight nephews, and his two nieces. Harry was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his dear sister Annette Bird, and his former spouse Patricia Marceau.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 13, 2022, beginning at 11:00 a.m. (Visitation at 10:00 a.m.), at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware Ave., Benton Harbor, Michigan. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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