Joseph "Joe" Giacoletti Obituary

Joseph “Joe” Giacoletti, who selflessly and courageously answered the call to serve as a firefighter with Thomas Township Fire Department, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Brittany Manor in Midland, Michigan. He was 49 years old. Joe was a beloved father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend, and hero to many including his firefighter brothers and sisters. Joseph Matthew Giacoletti was born on September 24, 1976, in Saginaw, Michigan to Zita (Zalensas) and the late Clarence Bertrum Giacoletti. From an early age, Joe knew he wanted a career where he could serve, help, protect and educate others. He was a proud 1996 graduate of Swan Valley High School. In 1999, Joe joined the Thomas Township Fire Department as a paid on-call firefighter. He quicky ascended the ranks and in 2006, he became a full-time employee with the department. Joe was an excellent communicator and patient teacher, making him the perfect fit to be the fire inspector and prevention educator within the department. Of the 23 years he served with the department, teaching kids and students was the highlight of his career, along with serving with his two brothers, Dean and John. Joe also humbly and graciously embraced the affectionate nickname “firefighter Joe” given to him by all the kids and students over the years. He loved Thomas Township, the fire department, and civically serving the community as secretary on the Saginaw County Fire Fighters Association Board. An avid sports fan, Joe enjoyed cheering for his favorite teams: the University of Michigan, Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Lions. He also enjoyed listening to rock music and going to all his favorite bands concerts. Joe was an expert grill master, smoker, and barbeque buff, always willing to try new recipes, and successfully making all things taste amazing. Above all, Joe loved spending time with his family and dogs, Ember and Gia. He will forever be remembered for his innate ability to make others laugh and to have fun, for being a kind and selfless person to anyone in need, and for living a good life surrounded by the love of his family.

Surviving are a son, Zac Haremski of Bay City; mother, Zita Giacoletti of Thomas Township; a sister, Heidi (Chris) Markhart of Thomas Township; two brothers: Dean (Pari) Giacoletti of St. Charles; John Giacoletti of Thomas Township; three nephews and one niece: Andrew Markhart, Nicholas Markhart, Braelyn Giacoletti, Colton Giacoletti; and his dog, Gia. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, cousins, and his entire fire fighter family at Thomas Township, too numerous to mention, but held closely to his heart.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Giacoletti; grandparents: Julia and Joseph Zalensas and Joseph and Margaret Giacoletti; and his beloved dog, Ember.

A funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Director 201 N. Miller Rd. Rev. Ted McCulloch will officiate. Honoring the families wishes, cremation will follow the service. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A ceremonial firefighter walkthrough led by Thomas Townshp Fire Department will take place at 7:00 p.m. followed by a last call with Saginaw County 911. Visitation will resume on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the National Kidney Foundation or Thomas Township Firefighters Association. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.