John J. Piron, age 81, of 4500 12th Road, Escanaba, passed away Thursday afternoon, October 1, 2009, at the Marquette General Hospital following a brief illness.

John was born July 6, 1928, in Escanaba, the son of Joseph and Elsie (Mercier) Piron. He was raised in Escanaba and attended and graduated from the Escanaba Senior High School, class of 1946. Following school, John gained employment at Groos and Company as a mechanic and fabricator. In November of 1950, John enlisted in the United States Army, serving during the Korean War, until his honorable discharge in October of 1952. At which time, John returned to Escanaba and resumed his position at Groos and Company. On October 30, 1954, John was united in marriage to the former Theresa DeGrand at the St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba. Together, John and Theresa made their home and began their family and remained their entire lives in Escanaba. Throughout his life John worked for Groos and Company. For 52 years John owned “Santa’s Trees”, selling Christmas trees in Escanaba. In addition, he owned and operated Piron Truck Repair, a family business that he eventually passed on to his two sons. John enjoyed building houses, garages and camps. He loved fabricating, doing odd jobs for friends and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

John leave to survive, his loving wife Theresa

2 Sons: Joe (Laura) Piron of Escanaba, MI; Mark (Bonnie) Piron of Escanaba, MI

Daughter: Mary Rose Piron of Escanaba, MI

3 Grandchildren: Adrienne, Jason and Rebecca

Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, Joseph and Elsie, John was preceded in death by:
Brother: Reginald Piron

2 Sisters: Virginia Sucharda and Jane Kitts

The Piron family will receive friends on Monday from 10:00AM to 12:00PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial Services will follow visiting hours, at 12:30PM, at the St. Anne Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Fran DeGroot and Rev. Fr. Emmett Norden, officiating. Luncheon will follow in the St. Anne Parish Hall. Committal rites will take place, following luncheon, at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Escanaba. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are in care of arrangements.

Out of respect for John and the Piron family, Piron Truck Repair will be closed Monday October 5, 2009 and will resume business on Tuesday October 6, 2009.