Obituary of Armando "Val" Sisto

Armando Val Sisto lived an energetic 95 years from April 19, 1922 to April 26, 2017, bringing joy to many with his infectious good humor, operatic tenor voice and many artistic talents. Growing up in abject poverty in Penne and Pescara, Italy, young Armando learned to be resourceful and creative, which served him well in later years. His family came to America when he was 15 years old. He soon adopted the nickname "Val" at Western High School in Detroit, and, with the help of mentors and scholarships, also attended Cass Tech and Cranbrook for special art sessions. Vals voice teacher, Cameron McClean, recommended that he audition for Julliard School of Music in NYC, and with the help of his family, attended for 1-1/2 years. Here, he met his wife "Vanda" (Helen Barbara Palmer). They married in St. Louis in 1943 where he sang in a civic opera company before returning to New York to debut on Broadway as an original cast member in Mexican Hayride. However, Vals musical career was cut short by WWII. He served in the US Marine Corps and survived the Battle of Iwo Jima. After the war, they started a family and settled in Taylor, Michigan where Val resided the rest of his life. Primarily a mechanical engineer for companies such as Flagler and Shatterproof Glass, Val held several patents for the roll-forming machines that produce the metal trim for windshields and oven doors. Val also held many other jobs, including a franchise for Service Master, a professional cleaning service. At 95, he was still employed, giving tours at the Ford Rouge Factory. Several Detroit area community theater groups gave Val an outlet to share his talents in singing, acting, directing, dancing and set design. He had major roles in many musicals, including The Most Happy Fella, Zorba, Finians Rainbow and Man of La Mancha. Val was preceded in death by his parents Concetto Sisto and Maria Onesta Sulli Sisto; by his siblings Irma Fornarola, Linda Rea, Josephine Claramunt and Antonio Sisto; and by his wife Helen Barbara "Vanda" Palmer Sisto. He will be deeply missed by his three children, Yolanda G. Mitts (Gary A. Mitts), Heather S. Sisto (John J. Mrozik), Wayne P. Sisto (Donna Meeks-Sisto) and seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and their families. To honor Val, donations can be made to help a needy college theater student: The Val (Armando Valentino) Sisto Memorial Scholarship c/o Henry Ford College Foundation 5101 Evergreen Rd., Dearborn, MI 48128