Obituary for Michael J. Formisano
Michael J. Formisano (Michael Jay)entered into rest just before sunrise on Tuesday December 22, 2009 at home with his wife by his side. He fought a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. “I would like to stay longer but when the time comes I’ll go. I’m not afraid.”
The son of Mary Sardella Formisano and the late Michael Formisano he was born November 16, 1946 in Middletown, New York. Michael was a 1964 graduate of MHS.
After receiving his BA from SUNY at Buffalo, Michael taught briefly at Mount Carmel Elementary School and St. Albert’s Seminary. Most will remember Michael from his family’s business, “Michael’s Appliance Center”, where he spent his working life alongside his brother Gary.
Michael’s ability to learn new crafts from framing to scroll sawing was a gift that became a passion. He loved music and learning to play new instruments. Accordion, piano, guitar and his favorite, ukulele made him eager to see what each day brought in spite of the challenges he faced medically throughout his lifetime.
“He was an inspiration to those closest to him. He always will be.”
In addition to his mother Mary of Middletown, survivors include his wife and best friend of 19 years, Patricia Neely-Formisano, his children, step-son Justin Neely and his wife Hiroko of Brooklyn, N.Y. , son Michael Ira Formisano and grandson Eli; his beloved brother Gary and his wife Colleen of Middletown, N.Y., and his niece Blair and husband Errol Dolan of Middletown, N.Y. He is also survived by sister-in-law Mary Ann La-Fera and husband Lenny of Marietta, Georgia; his aunts Estella Schulman and Frances Catizone and many cousins, friends , family and neighbors who will hold him in their hearts forever.
Special thanks to his cousins Louis Schumaci, Bill Burretto, Jill Schulman, dear friend Don Tripp, Hospice nurse Colette Beairsto and to Dr. Sandeep Singh for being present when it really mattered.
Visitation hours are from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm on Sunday, December 27, 2009 at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Monday, December 28, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Church, Cottage Street, Middletown, NY 10940. Cremation will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions in Michael’s name may be made to either the Middletown Humane Society, Bloomingburg Road, Middletown, NY 10940 or to DVD s for Dialysis, 56 Chaucer Ct., Middletown, NY 10940 or www.dvdsfordialysis.org
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