Alfred Angeli

Alfred Angeli Jr., Co-Founder of Angeli Foods Company, Dies at 83 Alfred (Bay) Angeli, 83, died January 19, 2010, at Northstar Hospital, where he had been admitted the previous day. Bay Angeli was born on February 6, 1926, in Iron River, Michigan, to Alfred and Elvira Angeli. He graduated from Iron River High School, and in 1953 married his sweetheart, Audrey Tromblay, who preceded him in death in 1992. Bay and Audrey were the parents of Burt (Regina) Angeli ofKingsford, Michigan, Chris Angeli of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Penny Angeli of San Jose, California, Rex (Allison) Angeli of Iron River, Michigan, and Jamie (Christy) Angeli of Seattle, Washington. In addition to his five children and their spouses, Bay is survived by his grandchildren, Josh A., Chad, Stephanie, Andriana, Alyssa, Hilary, Megan, Riley, Steven, Josh T., Jordan, and Jake. Mr. Angeli was preceded in death by his brothers, Libero,Thomas, Leonard, and Richard and sisters Sara and Alba. He is survived by his brother Mark, his sisters Maria and Catherine, special friend Cindy Schmidt, and many nieces and nephews. From an early age, Bay worked in the family grocery business which included raising livestock on the family farm located at Iron Lake. The farm was truly Bay’s preferred workplace. He loved the animals and would have spent all of his working hours there had he not been needed at the store. Bay was an enthusiastic supporter of the local 4-H clubs and an annual bidder at the Iron County Fair 4-H livestock auction. In 1972, Bay joined his brother Libero to form the Angeli Foods Company, with stores in Iron River and Menominee, Michigan, and Marinette, Wisconsin. Bay was a tireless worker in the business and a familiar figure at the old family supermarket on Adams Street and the new Angeli Foods at the Riverside Plaza in Iron River. Bay retired from the family business in 1996. In his later years, Bay enjoyed his property and cabin on the Brule River. Deer from the woods surrounding his cabin would come running when they heard his truck approach. They knew not to fear him, and would gather around as he talked to them and fed them that day's meal of left overbaked goods and produce. Bay was often seen trekking for miles along M-73, near his cabin, just enjoying the peace and solitude of the area. During the past several years, Bay spent part of each winter in the community of Surprise, Arizona, and his friends there say that they will miss the "big guy." Bay was a huge supporter of local community events and projects and was a lifetime member of the Elks Club. However, his greatest enthusiasm and joy came from his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments. His family has said that “Dad was so very proud of his children and grandchildren and their successes in the West Iron County School system – he would have wanted any memorials to go to the West Iron County Foundation for Education Opportunity, PO Box 71, Stambaugh MI 49964.” A private gathering of family and close friends is scheduled for Friday, January 22, 2010 at Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.