Drew Alan Altimari

With heavy hearts and a sprinkle of laughter, we bid farewell to Drew Alan Altimari, a delightful jokester and master chili chef, who left us on January 31, 2025, in Kalamazoo, MI. Born in the bustling city of Cincinnati, OH, on December 3, 1963, Drew filled his 61 years of life with humor, love, and just a couple touches of clumsiness that we all found endearing.

Drew was a proud Factory Worker in the Industrial Field, putting in his hours with the same dedication he put into making GREAT chili and perfecting the art of peanut butter sandwiches. Let's not forget about that Dodge Charger of his—a true reflection of his personality, with its bold exterior and a heart that revved at the thought of a sunset drive with his cherished wife, Michelle, to the beaches of South Haven, MI. Drew showed that he put the “fun” in dysfunctional. If laughter truly is the best medicine, Drew had a PhD in humor, turning every family gathering into a stand-up special and leaving everyone wondering if they should be laughing or cringing.

Drew leaves behind his loving wife, Michelle Altimari; his daughter, Hannah Altimari; and his sons, Tyler Six (Ashley) and Dylan Six (Lauren Polmanteer). He is also survived by his in-laws, Linda and Denny Shearer, who will have their work cut out for them managing the mischief that Drew always instigated. He is fondly remembered by his siblings, Amy (Rob) Miller, Chuck (Cathy) Altimari, and Deron (Karen) Altimari, who shared countless adventures and hilarious escapades with him over the years. 

Drew’s pride was palpable, especially when he donned the title of “Gampy” to his grandkids Serjio, Saija, Zaphina, Elvalyse, Layton, Selah, Avela, & Kaius. His greatest accomplishments invariably revolved around creating memorable moments that would leave them giggling for years to come, giving rise to the legend of the infamous Gampy tales, which will surely be retold at family gatherings for generations. Drew absolutely adored his nieces Jalynn, Makalynn, Delayne, and great-niece Raylynn. He showered them with love and countless funny stories that will be retold for generations.

As an unapologetic fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Boston Red Sox, Drew filled his weekends with spirited sports debates and friendly banter. And let's not forget his golf outings, where he probably hit more laughs than balls. Many will agree, his ability to make you chuckle even in the toughest times was a gift that will be sorely missed. He has reunited in spirit with his late father, Philip Charles Altimari, mother Claire Ann Wavra (Altimari), and granddaughter Ayla Bea, where we can only imagine the hilarious family reunion that took place upon his arrival.

As we gather to cherish Drew’s memory, let us remember the life of this wildly funny yet wonderfully clumsy soul, who could never resist a good laugh and always knew how to make a situation entertaining—no matter how serious it may have been. Here’s to Drew Altimari! May he rest in peace, armed with all the chili and peanut butter sandwiches he can handle!