Joseph J. Zainea was born January 4, 1934 and passed on February 4, 2026 (92). He became a member of the MCGP May 13, 2022 (3).  

Joseph John Zainea (January 4, 1934-February 4, 2026) often asked what was going to be his legacy. The answer is simple love, love for his family, his work and community. Papa Joe’s (as he was affectionately called by the young patrons of the Garden Bowl) legacy is one of love. Love for his wife of 68 years, Mary, who he met as a young man and married on June 28, 1958. Shortly after marrying, Joe and Mary flew off to Paris, leaving behind his twin, John, brother George and sisters Maria, Lorraine and Yvonne. In Paris, Joe was stationed as a clerk with the army because his drill instructor quickly noted during boot camp that Papa Joe was a terrible marksman. After living in Paris, Papa Joe and Mary returned to their hometown of Detroit and started a family and that is where Papa Joe’s legacy continued. To Papa Joe, family wasn’t just a relationship—it was a responsibility and a bond. He believed in showing up for each other, standing by each other, and living with loyalty, love, and purpose.

Joe loved his children, Leane, David, Kathryn and Joe. He guided them and instilled in each of them a strong work ethic and compassion for others. All of Joe’s kids affectionately recall him telling them that when faced with a task to give it a 110% and that they did. He also took immense joy in his grandchildren, Simon and Amelia, who were part of the legacy he cherished most.

For years Joe’s sons, David and Joe, worked alongside him at the Garden Bowl on Woodward Avenue. The Zainea family owned and operated what is described as the longest continuous bowling alley in the country, and for decades, they made it more than a business—they made it a home for the community. Papa Joe learned his business philosophy from his father, Albert, who believed the key to success was simple: put people first.

Joe carried that forward with pride and devotion. He believed the Garden Bowl wasn’t just a place to bowl—it was a place where people were welcomed, remembered, and embraced.

When Joe was at the Garden Bowl you knew he was there because he was the kind of man whose presence filled a room—not because he demanded attention, but because he gave it. He noticed people. He remembered their names. He made them feel like they belonged. And that gift—his warmth, his humor, his hospitality—was not something he turned on for special occasions. It was simply who he was.

David and Joe followed in Papa Joe’s footsteps and worked tirelessly to expand the business to include The Gnome, the Majestic Theatre, the Magic Stick and Sgt. Pepperoni’s. He was so proud of what his sons had accomplished.

Joe loved people and he especially loved the people of his hometown, Detroit. As the years went on and Joe and Mary travelled the world near and far, he would ask others where they were from and in return he boasted that he was from Detroit.

Through decades of Detroit’s changes—through good times and hard times—Joe stayed committed to the city and to the people in it. He loved his hometown, Detroit.

During Detroit’s 1967 Rebellion, Joe and his family opened their doors to police, firemen, National Guard members, and others who needed relief—welcoming them with free bowling, food, and support.

His heart was always open, even when times were uncertain.

Joe helped shape the growth of the Majestic Theatre Complex and Midtown’s renewal, and he remained a proud supporter of Detroit’s cultural life—from music and performance to community organizations.

Papa Joe’s accomplishments weren’t just measured in business success—they were measured in community impact.

In 2008, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Preservation Wayne for his commitment to community involvement. He served on boards including the Children’s Center, supporting mental health care for Detroit’s children.

He believed deeply in giving back, in being present, and in helping build something better than what you inherited.

Papa Joe knew something important: Life is hard sometimes. The world can be heavy. But if you can keep your heart open, stay humble, and find humor along the way—you can endure. You can lead. You can love well. That is his legacy.



Funeral services will take place Wednesday, February 11; Instate 9 AM until the time of Mass 10 AM at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 6021 Whittier, Detroit. Interment Mt Olivet Cemetery, Detroit.

Kenneth A. Daher was born January 17, 1943 and passed on January 7, 2026 (82). He became a member of the MCGP February 14, 2012 (13).

Kenneth A. Daher, 82, passed away surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Detroit, MI, on January 17, 1943. Ken was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a cherished brother, uncle, cousin, mentor, and friend. Ken’s larger-than-life personality made him a special person to many. He loved boating, golfing, and spending quality time with his grandsons. An athlete, Ken loved playing hockey in his youth, and in his later years, he enjoyed playing golf with his fellow members of The Men’s Club of Grosse Pointe.

He also mentored many throughout his years as a Detroit Public Schools teacher. During his career as an educator, he received the Wayne County Golden Apple Teaching Award for Excellence while working at Fisher Magnet School.



Ken will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His big heart, dedication to family and education, and kindness will live on in the hearts he touched.

George Buono was born June 19,1930 and passed on December 30, 2025 (95). He became a member of the MCGP July 26, 1994 (31).

George Buono passed away peacefully in his Punta Gorda home on December 30th after 95 wonderful years on this earth. He was a devoted husband to Deanne for 51 years and loving father to their eight children – Frank (Denise) Buono, Mary (Tom) Raguso, Angela (Mark) Rickel, Tom (Monica) Buono, Deborah (Jack) Burton, Timothy (Margie) Saunders, Jeanne (John) Weaver, and Matthew Saunders. He was blessed with sixteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren whom he adored. George is also survived by his brother Emiddio C. (Mary Ann) Buono and by his beloved nieces and nephew. He was proceeded in death by his parents Francesco and Angelina Buono and by his sister Nancy (Malcolm) Perry. His parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and a love for Jesus. Although he spoke very little English when he began primary school (Italian was spoken in his home), George excelled in his studies. After high school graduation and before college he worked for Chrysler Corporation, pulling heat-treated bumpers from a very hot furnace. This tough and dirty job further inspired him to focus on his education. After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Detroit, he proudly served his country at the United States Army Ordinance Depot in Nancy, France. Upon his honorable release from active-duty George returned to Detroit and spent forty-three years working for Manufacturers Bank, retiring as VP of Operations. It was his honor to represent Manufacturers Bank as a member of the Mid-Atlantic Clearing House Association (MACHA).

Throughout his career with the bank, George led many important and interesting projects, including the selling of banking services to the United Auto Workers Union. He often recalled the story of one of his most difficult marketing efforts; convincing customers to take advantage of an entirely new process – the automatic deposit of their social security benefit checks. George took great satisfaction in coaching and developing young banking professionals and he spent many evenings teaching as a member of the American Institute of Banking faculty. He taught for decades and was a beloved and highly decorated instructor.

George learned to love boating years before his retirement; he and Dee spent countless joyful weekends boating in and around the Great Lakes and each held a 5-ton captain’s license. They were actively involved with the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, the GPW Boat Club, Power Squadron and loved their time spent on “Club” Island. George was also a long-time member of the GP War Memorial Men’s Club.

After his retirement, George and Dee spent more time in Florida and George quickly entrenched in his new community, joining three computer clubs, a woodworking club, and the Isles Yacht Club, in addition to leading various committees at his church. George genuinely loved his retirement life in Punta Gorda and he and his bride were blessed with a life of fun and a community filled with loving neighbors and friends.

Funeral services will be held at Charlotte Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home in Punta Gorda on Friday, January 9th at 11AM, with visitation starting at 10AM and a luncheon to follow the service. A private burial will be held the following week in Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lutheran Church of the Cross – with designation to the Stephen Ministry team. Stephen Ministries is a not for- profit organization that trains lay persons to provide one-to-one, Christ centered care to people experiencing grief, loneliness, divorce, hospitalization and other life difficulties.