Draft:Donald Pezzetti





Donald Pezzetti, (Donald B. Pezzetti, July 12, 1938 - March 14, 2021 ) is the Retired Sheriff of Gogebic County who served as Sheriff from 1979 through 2000, making him the longest serving Sheriff in Gogebic County History.

Pezzetti began his career as a deputy at the Gogebic County Sheriff's Department in 1970, becoming UnderSheriff in 1974 and Sheriff in 1979. He served as Sheriff for 21 years, retiring in 2000. Pezzetti (and family) was the last Sheriff to live in the apartments at the Gogebic County Sheriff's Department as was the tradition of former Sheriffs, before the apartment was converted to offices.

Pezzetti received the Michigan Association of Counties Excellence in Government Award in 1991 along with many other awards for his work and dedication to law enforcement in Gogebic County. He also received a Special Tribute in 1991 from State Senator Don Koivisto recognizing his exemplary public and community service.

He was the founder of the Gogebic County Search and Rescue Team and the original Victim's Advocate Service Program of Gogebic County.

After retiring as Sheriff in 2000, Pezzetti served as a member of the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners  for many years.

In his later years, he served on the Gogebic County Community Mental Health Board.

Pezzetti served his country in the Army in Korea from 1956 to 1958. He later became the commander of Wakefield VFW Post 9084.

He played the guitar and sang in bands, "Members of the Bar" and "Don's Trio," and was offered a recording contract with Motown Records in the 1960s. Pezzetti was married to Joellyn Pezzetti on May 31, 1968.