Giovanni Finateri

FINATERI, Giovanni - Age 79, of Flint Township, died Monday, May 4, 2020.  A private service will be held Monday, May 11, 2020.  Entombment will be in the Mausoleum at Flint Memorial Park, Mt. Morris.  Visitation will be held Sunday between 2-4 PM at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Those desiring may make contributions to New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, 719, Dolan Lane, Lexington, KY 40511.

Giovanni was born March 17, 1941 in Patrica, Italy, son of Luigi and Violina (Salvati) Finateri. He has resided in Flint Township for over 50 years. He married Heather (Rathburn) Cundiff July 7, 2005 in Toledo, OH. He grew up in the interior of war torn Italy at the end of WW2, where as a child he and family struggled to survive. Giovanni came to the US, in September of 1958. He learned to speak English and became a Naturalized citizen of the United States. He overcame most adversity becoming a trainer, driver and owner of Standardbred racehorses through the 1970s and 1980s. He owned multiple pizzerias and became a successful business owner. He learned how to weld and became a valued crew member at a major automotive supplier.

Giovanni loved animals. Throughout his life he kept many creatures, a hawk, a fox, a raven. In his retirement his focus became horses where he raced extensively in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Ontario. He was a member of the United States Trotting Association, the Michigan Harness Horsemen Association and other racing associations.

Surviving are his wife, Heather, daughters, Lisa (Rod) Dittrick of Houston TX, Michele (Steven) Schalow of Holt, step daughter Alaina Cundiff of Atlanta GA; grand children, Kayla (John) Kruszewski, London, Mica, & Ariana; sister Toni (Jim) Lott of Grand Blanc and several nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, sons, Milan Finateri, Giovanni Finateri Jr., and brother Lorenzo Finateri. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com .