Fred Anthony Ciampa

Fred A. Ciampa March 6, 1936 – December 31, 2025 Fred A. Ciampa—affectionately known as Fred, Sonny, or simply Papa—passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, in Northville, Michigan, at the age of 89. Fred was born in Dearborn on March 6, 1936, to Anthony (Tony) and Zelinda (Zada) Ciampa, and from an early age embodied the values of dedication, curiosity, and joyful mischief that would define his remarkable life. Fred’s early years were at his family’s garage, where he first learned to work with his hands as an auto mechanic under his father’s guidance at Tony’s Garage. A graduate of Fordson High School (Class of 1954), Fred continued to pursue his passion for engineering, earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University in 1964. Never one to rest, he went on to earn an MBA from Michigan State University in 1980—all while raising a family and building a distinguished career. He began his professional journey at Vickers in the Engineering Division and later joined Ford Motor Company, specializing in Powertrain engineering and rising to the role of Assistant Plant Manager at the Livonia Plant. Among his many career highlights, Fred was awarded a patent for a “Compact positive displacement pump” (in collaboration with Sergio Mazzola), and was selected to travel to China to lead a major contract negotiation on behalf of Ford. Fred married Marilyn, on May 26, 1956, in Southfield, Michigan. Together, they built a family and a legacy, living for over 40 years in a historic home that Fred lovingly restored—sometimes with creative solutions that didn’t always make it back up the basement stairs. A man of infectious energy and generosity, Fred was a proud member and leader in numerous organizations, including serving as President of the Pigeon Club and overseeing the Poultry Barn at the Michigan State Fair. He was also a dedicated member of the Democratic Club, Ducks Unlimited, the Classic Car Club, and the Novi Economic Development Corporation, and was a lifelong supporter of education and philanthropy. His contributions to several universities, particularly Lawrence Tech—whose Fabrication Lab now bears his name—speak to his enduring belief in hard work and innovation. He also made a significant gift to Angels’ Place to support educational enrichment for developmentally disabled adults. Fred was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church. He relished the role of “Papa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, delighting in worldwide family vacations, surprise dinners out and cooking his famous ‘Egg McMuffins’ for his grandkids. He had a flair for mischief and wit, known for sayings like, “Kid’s vacation!”, “Who wants more ice cream?!”, and “Guess what I paid for this Christmas tree?!” …were not talking about a sale. He enjoyed raising chickens and pigeons, fishing, hunting, collecting stamps, working crossword puzzles, restoring antique boat motors, and watching old Westerns—and, memorably, Jerry Springer with his beloved mother. Fred is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 70 years, Marilyn; his children Linda Ciampa Holody (Jim), Fred A. Ciampa, Jr. (Kim), and Penni L. Muldoon; grandchildren Eddie “Ed the Head” Ciampa Davis, Lauren “Lournie” Ciampa Davis, Dr. James “Doonie” Ross Muldoon, and Tristan “Guggenheimer” Oliver Muldoon Kelley; and great-grandchildren Morgen Meehan, Chloe, Cullen, and Noel Muldoon. He also leaves behind his cherished sisters JoAnn Ciampa and June Ciampa Lauer; spouses of grandchildren Kate Anderson Davis, Lon C. Meehan, and Christy L. Muldoon; nephew Lane Lauer; and many loving cousins from the Ciampa, Battistella, and Schellini families. Fred’s life was filled with passion, purpose, and a generous helping of humor. He leaves behind not only a legacy of achievement, but a trail of memories full of laughter, love, and “hot, hot, hot” dinner plans. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

Fred Anthony Ciampa

March 6, 1936 - December 31, 2025