MICHELE "Mike" SAVINO

SAVINO MICHELE SAVINO "Mike" (Age 70) Passed away after a valiant battle with cancer on Friday, December 1, 2017, in Aldie, Virginia. Mike was a larger-than-life figure who was at his happiest when surrounded by his family members and many, many friends. So it should be no surprise to anyone that, in his final days, dozens of those he loved - and who loved him - were by his side. Mike was born on July 28, 1947, in Flumeri (Naples) Italy, to parents Rafael and Maria (née Cipriani). The family later emigrated to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where Mike lived until his early twenties. Mike then moved to the U.S. and settled in Glen Cove, New York, where he began a career in the construction and masonry industries. While in New York, Mike met several individuals that would become life-long friends. He made a great life for himself and his family in the U.S. and often remarked about how grateful he was for the many opportunities afforded him in this country. Mike would later marry Linda Armentrout and together in Northern Virginia they raised two children, developed a successful business, and made many friends. Mike and Linda spent many happy years together before her untimely passing in 2004. Mike was also preceded in death by his parents and his sister Filomena. Mike was steeped in the belief that the best things in life were, like him, Italian; from exquisite food and wine, to vibrant music and culture, to stylish suits and shoes, to fast sports cars, Mike thoroughly embraced his heritage. He was also a big fan of professional soccer, especially Italian Serie A Team Napoli, the Italian and Argentine National Teams, and Buenos Aires-based River Plate. Mike was also a Formula One aficionado, heartily cheering Ferrari racing teams and drivers. He also enjoyed good cigars, the occasional NFL bet, boating, throwing parties, and travels to places near and far (from weekend trips to the beach to longer trips to Italy, Argentina, and beyond). Mike had a big, generous heart, and was always ready and willing to help others. In addition, he was always up for a challenge. Whether he was presented with a complex business issue, a friend who was dealing with a personal problem, or the most elegant way to design and lay brick at a property, Mike used his knowledge, life experience, and street smarts to strategize, develop solutions, and find the best way forward. Survivors include: his sons Raphael and Michele; his grandsons Evan and Ethan; his loving and devoted partner of the past 12 years, Judy Damiani (as well as her children, grandchildren, and extended family); and numerous other relatives and friends in Italy, Argentina, and the U.S. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2017, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22032; telephone (703) 425-9702. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2017, at 1 p.m., at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 595 3rd Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001; telephone (202) 638-0165. An informal celebration of Mike's life will immediately follow the Mass at Casa Italiana, the gathering hall adjacent to the Church. lnurnment will follow at a later date at Fairfax Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers: the family requests that donations be made in memory of Michele Savino to Holy Rosary Catholic Church.Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2017, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22032; telephone (703) 425-9702. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2017, at 1 p.m., at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 595 3rd Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001; telephone (202) 638-0165. An informal celebration of Mike's life will immediately follow the Mass at Casa Italiana, the gathering hall adjacent to the Church. lnurnment will follow at a later date at Fairfax Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers: the family requests that donations be made in memory of Michele Savino to Holy Rosary Catholic Church.