Michael Henry Tonole

1964 - 2023

Michael Henry Tonole, age 59 of Memphis, TN, left this world peacefully to be with his all-loving Creator on December 28th, 2023. Born on June 30th, 1964, to Joseph John Tonole and Anne Louise Connor, Michael was a friend to all and a lover of life.

Michael made friends everywhere he went, and his genuine love for people followed him his entire life. In fact, up until the end of his life, Michael still had friends from elementary school. Many of Michael's friends gave him nicknames, but he called himself "Pretty Mike."

Early on, Mike relished making the sisters at Saint Dominic School for Boys "earn their wings." He loved to keep them on their toes by pulling fire alarms or starting food fights in the cafeteria. It was hard to resist his infectious laughter and ridiculous sense of humor, although the sisters may have disagreed. However, Mike's fire engine red hair, big brown eyes, and big toothy grin absolved him of many a "cardinal sin."

If a person were to describe Michael, they would mention his personality and ridiculously high intelligence. To say that Michael was an original was an understatement. He was full of love and good words for all who crossed his path. He never met a stranger. And if you were within a mile of Mike, you could hear his booming, infectious laughter. Michael's intelligence was evident in his self-appointed role as jeopardy champion and his surveying career, which spanned decades. He loved to tease his family and friends about all his wins. Michael possessed a luck that seemed to follow him his entire life. From the halls of St. Dominic to some hits from the "school of hard knocks," Michael seemed to always land on his feet.

Michael's greatest asset was his love of simple things. He was a lover of all animals and took in many strays. One of Michael's favorite things was enjoying his "meat and three" with his friends at Barksdale's Restaurant in Midtown. He made everything fun––there was not a pretentious bone in his body. Mike wore life like a loose garment and could make you laugh in the most impossible of times. How we wish he were here to do that now!

Mike made sure to extend his love in any way he could. Michael could be spotted several times a year delivering large Ziplock bags full of his meat sauce. His Irish bravado and Italian heritage made these deliveries a very special occasion. He made sure the recipients knew how many days the sauce had been on the stove simmering away. For him, food was love, and if you were lucky enough to have broken bread with him, you got to hear all about your good fortune to be eating his cooking. Mike's humble heart did not extend to his interpretation of his culinary skills.

Above all else, Michael's one true love was his daughter Isabel Louise. Michael's face lit up like a Christmas tree when she was nearby. He loved her fiercely, let her be as unique as he was, and always encouraged her to find her own path. They were two peas in a pod. Second to Isabel came his nieces and nephews. He was undoubtedly all the kids' favorite relative, as Mike was a big kid himself. Michael adored his family and loved his people unconditionally. He leaves behind his daughter Isabel Louise, brother Timothy Joseph Tonole, sister Mary Letitia Tonole, nephew Lewis Allen Jones, III, and nieces Mary Connor Jones, Mary Anna Elizabeth Tonole, and Madeline Phoebe Tonole. He was preceded in death by his Father, Joseph John Tonole, and his mother, Anne Louise Connor Tonole.

Services will be January 13 at Canale Funeral Home, 2700 Union Extended. Visitation - 11 am to 12 pm and a Celebration of a life well lived from 12 pm to 12:45.

Luncheon immediately following at No. 2 Vance, 325 Wagner Steet, Memphis, TN 38103. Please join us!