Rev. Robert Consani

Father Bob was a loving person, a faithful priest, and a wonderful mentor to many. Incredibly selfless, he leaves behind a rich legacy of accepting all people with compassion. His warm memories and loving ways will be deeply cherished by all who knew and loved him.

In the small town of Hubbell, Michigan, on May 15, 1931, Robert Emil Consani was born into a family of humble beginnings. Bob was the middle member of three siblings. He joined his older sister, Madonna, and was later followed by his younger brother, Joe. Bob's early years were marked by the simple joys of small-town life, playing and exploring with his brother Joe. With only thirteen months between them, most thought they were twins, especially because their mother dressed them alike!

The Consani children looked out for each other as they navigated the challenges of growing up after the Great Depression in a small town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Their parents instilled in them a strong sense of family and tradition. Despite the hardships of the times, the family's home would be filled with the savory aroma of homemade ravioli with a special sauce and cheese mix passed down through the generations from their descendants in Lucca, Italy.

Growing up in the rugged beauty of the Michigan north country, surrounded by dense forests, shimmering lakes, and long, hard winters that blanketed everything with snow and ice, they grew fond of the outdoors. Due to the failed economy, the mining and industry in the area were significantly depleted. Jobs were impossible to find and Joe, the father of the Consani family, was out of work. He tried to sell seeds from door to door to earn a little money. His wife, Louise, although a nurse, worked for low wages as a hospital cleaning assistant. The three children had only meager clothing and a bleak future. Joe learned of some job possibilities in the city of Marquette located 100 miles away on the shores of Lake Superior. The family packed up and moved to Marquette in 1935.

Marquette was the largest city in the Upper Peninsula and even though the city was feeling the impact of the strained economy, it had four sustaining businesses. It had among others, the Northern Michigan University, the largest state-supported prison, the largest and best medical hospital and staff, and also became the major shipping port for iron ore which was produced in several nearby cities. Joe found good work in a machine shop and Louise did housekeeping work for some of the better-funded families. They finally had a home, the kids had decent clothes, and enrolled in the well-supported University grade school.

The children learned to love Marquette. They enjoyed the local movie houses, parks for recreation, city-owned ski hills, and ice rinks during the long winter months. Not to be forgotten was the discovery of the talented Skating Consanis. In 1942, Bob, Joe, and their sister, Donna, were out skating at a local city outdoor ice rink. From a young age, they would strap on their second-hand skates and enjoy the many frozen ponds and lakes near their home. One crisp winter morning, Bob was trying some self-taught spins and jumps in his old hockey skates but with some graceful movements. A couple of adults were standing near the edge and were watching him skate. After a bit, they called him over for a chat and asked his name and where he lived. After taking measurements of his feet, they told him to come back to this very rink the following Saturday at the same time and they would meet him there. Violet and Gordon Heughen were both retired professional figure skaters from New York. They had recently returned to Marquette for their retirement.

The following week, the couple returned with a brand-new pair of figure skates for Bob. As they began to show Bob some new movements they also noticed that Donna and Joe followed along and also had some nice talent and potential. It was at that moment, they suggested that they would train all three children and prepare them to skate in ice reviews and winter carnivals. With their parent's agreement, the coaches helped the Consani children practice their moves and provided them with costumes for their performances. The Consani kids honed their skills every day after their school work was done and on weekends after completing their home chores. Their dedication fueled a deep passion for skating and a newfound sense of purpose. Bob's talent was especially outstanding. He skated in his first ice show in Marquette when he was only eleven years old! By the time he was 14, he was the Upper Peninsula Men's Figure Skating Champion! Although Bob skated as a solo, he joined Donna and Joe in a triple act as well. Due to being in school, Bob had to turn down an offer to skate in the popular skating show, Ice Capades.

The Skating Consanis went to skate in synchronized routines and performances throughout the U.P. Word spread beyond Michigan's borders to Wisconsin and Minnesota and the Consanis were invited to showcase their talents in many larger arenas and prestigious ice shows in many cities. Over the years, the Skating Consanis blossomed into elegant figure skaters with spins that mesmerized audiences. They surprised everyone with daring jumps and lifts and had a charismatic presence on the ice. Their bond as skating partners strengthened each show they performed.

Coincidently at about the same time, it was discovered that Bob had a wonderful singing voice. He was a soprano and sang in school concerts and the choir at St. Michael's Church. Once people heard him sing in church, he began to receive many invitations to sing at weddings and other church functions. He was frequently asked to sing "Ava Maria" in Latin which was always lovingly done. This special gift was just the precursor of his later presentations in life which led him to be called "The Singing Priest" even throughout his ministry at St. Monica's Parish. During these times he presented programs of singing, guitar playing, and humorous stories throughout southern Michigan. A highlight was his presentation at the Knights of Columbus convention on Mackinac Island. He became quite a famous entertainer but held dearly his dedication to his faith and represented it with such great respect that people could feel his depth of devotion whenever they were in his presence.

On June 27, 1950, the United States officially entered the Korean War. The U.S. supported the South Koreans in resisting an invasion of North Korea. Consani men were no strangers to responsibility to the call of duty. Their father, Joseph Julius Consani had served in the U. S. Navy during WWI. In the fall of 1950, Bob enlisted in the Navy and was trained at the Great Lakes Naval Station in Illinois. At the training station, Bob and the rest of his company were taught discipline, heritage, core values, and teamwork. They were trained in physical fitness, seamanship, firearms, firefighting, and shipboard damage control. Bootcamp was difficult, yet rewarding. Little did Bob know at the time the extent to which these skills would be called on in the weeks and months to come. He was eventually out to sea on his way to Japan and Korea on the U.S.S. Ajax AR26 for a tour of duty over the next three and a half years. He advanced in rank up to Petty Officer 1st Class. At the end of his tour, he returned to the Naval Station in San Diego where he received an honorable discharge.

While away in the service, his parents had moved to Flint, Michigan and he returned there to rejoin his family. He then spent a year at Flint Junior College and helped out at the Holy Redeemer Parish. As Bob spent more time at the parish he realized his devotion and love of the Lord's work. He spoke to his pastor about the possibility of joining the priesthood and later entered the seminary in Detroit. He was ordained at the Holy Redeemer Church on June 1st of 1963. Bob was assigned to several different parishes (including Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Philip, St. John Bosco, St. Rose of Lima, and Holy Angels) for a short period due to the shortage of priests in southern Michigan. In 1990, he was assigned to be the pastor at St. Monica Parish in Kalamazoo where he completed his ministry years later. Bob was appointed Vicar General on November 1, 1995, and in 1996 assumed governance of the Diocese in Bishop Markiewicz’s absence. He touched on the lives of countless church members and their families over the years. Father Bob’s presence will be missed but his memories will be cherished.

Reverend Robert Consani, age 93, retired Priest in Resident, of St. Monica Parish in Kalamazoo, entered into eternal life on August 10, 2024. Rite of Reception of the Body will be Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 3 PM at St. Monica Parish (4408 S. Westnedge). Fr. Consani will lie in state until 7 PM where a Prayer Service and Rosary will be held. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 11 AM at St. Augustine Cathedral (542 W. Michigan Ave.), where a reception will follow in Cathedral Center. Burial at Mt. EverRest Cemetery. Share your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 (269) 375-2900. Memorials may be made to St. Monica School.