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We’ve just learned that Peninsula Township Supervisor Pete Correia has passed away. No details at this point, but we’ll post as soon as we have more info. Many condolences to the Correia family on their loss.
We also have unconfirmed reports that Director of Planning and Zoning Michelle Reardon has resigned. Again, no details, but will post as soon as we know more.
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This follows the resignation of Township Clerk Monica Hoffman, who officially resigns September 8, with incoming clerk Joanne Westphal taking over that position on September 9.
UPDATE Sept. 6, 2016 – Surrounded by family, Correia, 70, died late Sunday after a long battle with cancer. Prior to his role as Peninsula Township Supervisor, he helped to establish Centre ICE Arena and Traverse City State Bank.
Born in Connecticut, Correia settled near Detroit with his parents. He played hockey for Michigan State University and moved to Traverse City in 1975. He worked in banking and served on Grand Traverse County’s Parks and Recreation Board.
In a Record-Eagle story, Connie Deneweth, chief executive officer for Traverse City State Bank, recalled when she got to know Correia during the construction of Centre ICE Arena. She worked as his commercial loan officer during the time that Correia and others helped establish the arena.
Building a hockey arena seemed far-fetched to many, said Deneweth, but not Correia. “He never took no for an answer.”
Centre ICE now hosts the Detroit Red Wings’ training camp – which Correia spearheaded – as well as the NHL Prospects Tournament.
His next project was reviving Traverse City State Bank, a financial institution originally founded in 1892. The bank, which currently holds $310 million in deposits, is now the only independent community bank in Traverse City, Deneweth said.
When I interviewed Correia for the Business News in 2000 when the bank opened, he said that the bank’s philosophy was rooted in community banking where customers are encouraged to talk to the bankers and build relationships.
“Our bankers will make customers feel comfortable because we listen, we offer personalized service, and we have a thorough understanding of our products and services,” Correia told me. “We describe this mission as ‘a new tradition’ because excellent service is an age-old tradition customers still value today.”
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Do you mind posting on Nextdoor? Or can I link to your article?
Sure – link over to the story. Not a lot of detail yet, but I’ll call the township offices in the morning for more info, and also get more info about Michelle Reardon’s resignation and what’s ahead.
[…] of our Old Mission Peninsula community – Township Supervisor Pete Correia, who passed after a long battle with cancer, and NMC instructor Sonja Olshove. Both deaths sparked a ripple of grief throughout the […]