Jasper Ciaravino

Jasper Ciaravino, Sr., 88, of Stevensville passed away on Friday, June 14, 2013 at The Willows in St. Joseph. Jasper was born on April 1, 1925 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He was the son of Carlo and Lena (DeMaria) Ciaravino. On September 8, 1951, he was married to Rose Tragna of Riverside. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1944. He was also a member of the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor B.P.O. Elks No. 541. Jasper retired after 42 years of service with LECO as an electronic technician. Prior to his career, Jasper served from 1944-1946 as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army receiving the following decorations and citations: EAME Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars; Good Conduct Medal; Victory Medal World War II, and Army of Occupation Medal Germany. He is survived by six children: Regina Ciaravino of Benton Harbor, Carl (Janet) Ciaravino of Richmond, Virginia, Diana (Richard) Birdsall of Northville, Michigan, Dominic (Margrit) Ciaravino of Portage, Jay Ciaravino, Jr. of St. Joseph, Mary Ciaravino of Baroda, 10 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Rose (Tragna) Ciaravino, a grandchild and four sisters: Mary Belski, Anne Heyn, Catherine Stover, and Frances Ciaravino. Visitation will be on Monday, June 17th from 5-7 p.m. with prayer service at 7 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18th followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. Jasper was an avid golfer. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers,donations be made to the First Tee at Harbor Shores of Benton Harbor, c/o Starks & Menchinger Chapel. Those wishing to sign Jasper’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.