Michael T. Biondo

Michael T. Biondo Naples, FL

Michael T. Biondo died peacefully on March 23, 2014 in Naples, FL sur rounded by his family. He was a community leader, retired Corporate Sen ior Vice President, founding Governor of The Club Pelican Bay, and U.S. Army veteran.

He was born in 1928 and was 85 years old. 'Mickey' was known for his passion for life and love of music and the arts. He was a loyal friend to many and gave his time and energy to numerous causes and communities.

Born and raised in New York, NY, he was a long time resident of Darien, CT before moving to Naples in 1985.

Mr. Biondo attended Colgate University and received a B.S., Science from Adelphi University in 1950. His initial career in public relations was interrupted when he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his discharge as a first lieutenant in 1953 he joined the St. Regis Paper Company in New York City. He retired as Senior Vice President, Packaging and Converted Products, after 31 years with St. Regis.

At St. Regis he rose through the ranks of sales and marketing including the position of Corporate Vice President of Marketing for all of the St. Regis global operations. Mr. Biondo worked actively to design and promote the development of pioneering uses of plastic and paper plastic laminations. His achievements led to recognition throughout the industry, including his appointment to the Marketing Advisory Board of the Graduate School of Business, Columbia University. He received numerous industry awards including a CLIO Award for his work and the Distinguished Service Award from the National Service Corporation. Since his retirement Mr. Biondo has served on a number of corporate boards in the U. S. and in other countries.

Active in community affairs, Mr. Biondo was a past President of the Darien Connecticut Historical Society, and was Co-Chairman of Darien's Bicentennial Celebration in 1975.

A resident of Pelican Bay since 1985, he served as an appointed member of Collier County's MSTBU Advisory Board for Pelican Bay from 1988 to 1992. He also served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors of The Bay Colony Community Association in Pelican Bay and as the President of The Biltmore Association in Bay Colony.

He was elected to a five person team by the members of The Club Pelican Bay to negotiate the acquisition of The Club from Westinghouse Inc., and then served as a Founding Governor and Vice Chairman of The Club Board from 1991-1994. Mr. Biondo authored The First Twenty Years - a history of the early years of Pelican Bay and the founding of The Club Pelican Bay, published in June 2000.

One of his most cherished roles was on the Board of AVOW Hospice of Naples where he served in a number of capacities, including Vice Chairman of the Board, and as Chairman of the Bay Colony Hospice Drive. He retired in 2012 and was elected Chairman Emeritus. As a result of his charitable activities, he was honored as Recipient of Gulfshore Life & The Community Foundation's Award of Philanthropist of the Year -Collier County 2011.

Michael was the beloved husband of Harriett Young Biondo, who predeceased him, and to whom he was married for 58 years. He was the son of Thomas and Susan (Battaglia) Biondo and the brother of Susan Preston of Scottsdale, AZ, Mary Ann Balbach of Hudson, OH, and the late Richard Biondo of Orange County, CA.

He is survived by his four children, Sally B. Hammer of Dallas, TX, Susan B. Long of New Canaan, CT, Amy L. Fulmer of Los Angeles, CA, Michael T. Biondo, Jr. of Wilton, CT; seven grandchildren; and seven nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at the United Church of Christ in Naples at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Avow Hospice, Inc.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.fullernaples.com.

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