Michael A. Carioti

Michael A. Carioti

April 3, 1974 to April 13, 2021

Age 47 of St. Petersburg, Fla., passed away unexpectedly on April 13, 2021 at Northside Hospital in Pinellas County, Fla. Michael was born in Canton, Ohio on April 3, 1974 to elated parents Albert and Barbara Carioti. He graduated from North Canton Hoover High School and West Liberty University in West Virginia. He was a member of the wrestling team in both High School and College. In 1992, he qualified for the Ohio state tournament. Michael loved wrestling and the relationships he formed with his coaches and teammates. Later in life, he assisted as a wrestling coach from time to time and enjoyed helping kids pursue their goals.

He started a successful career in the insurance industry in 2000, and most recently worked as an account executive at Hull & Company. He enjoyed his job and cherished the relationships he had with his manager and colleagues. Michael was very health-conscious and enjoyed working out. Fitness was his passion. He secured his personal training certification to help other people pursue a healthy lifestyle and enjoyed spending time at the gym. He was an avid sports fan who loved the Cleveland Browns, Indians and Cavaliers and The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Michael has been described as kind, loyal, honest, energetic and hard-working. He loved living in St. Petersburg and enjoyed walking every evening downtown and watching the dolphins in the bay. On his daily walk, he took time to stop and greet every dog. He had a soft spot for retired greyhounds. He spent his free time paddle boarding, riding his bike and playing at the beach. He dreamed of retiring to a tropical location and having a variety of rescue animals. Michael was an amazing chef and he took great pride in making the Carioti traditional family recipes. We are all going to miss his wedding soup, rice patties, meatballs and chocolate pie.

He is survived by his long-time girlfriend, Adriana Puk, of St. Petersburg, Fla., who he loved dearly. His best friend since age 12, Eli Eacho Stepanovich III, of Canton, Ohio, who was like a brother to Michael. Special cousin Christopher Carioti of Columbus, Ohio; sisters, Stephanie (Richard) Mohar of Shaker Heights, Ohio and Kelly Carioti of Corona del Mar, Calif; His nephew Andrew Mohar currently a student at Tufts University in Boston, Mass; godparents, Carmela Lioi and Gerald Carioti of Canton, Ohio; Uncle Joseph Carioti of Canton, Ohio; Aunts Jacqueline Wichern of North Canton, Ohio and Joanne Maple of Trenton, Mich; Numerous cousins that he loved dearly. Many special friends from North Canton, West Liberty and Florida including, Shawn Croxton, Brandon Hinkle, Dave Rupp, Chris DiCola, Mike Petro, Dominic Monfred, Tim Robbins, Kevin Knapp, Kathy Sofarelli, Robert Massarsky, Mackenzie and Teak Harrington and the Meadows family – Dan, Martha, David, Dan, Aaron and Anna. He is preceded in death by parents, Albert and Barbara Carioti; maternal grandparents, Jack and Twila (Hoover) Wichern; paternal grandparents, Francesco and Vincenzina (Lioi) Carioti and his beloved greyhound rescue, Fonzie.

Michael was a wonderful son, boyfriend, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many. A combined memorial service to honor Michael's life as well as his father, Albert, will be held at a later date when friends and family can gather safely. Michael overcame many challenges in life and always persevered. He always cheered for the underdog in any race. He enjoyed seeing people strive to pursue their dreams. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Michael Carioti Scholarship Award in Perseverance c/o North Canton City Schools Treasurer's Office – 525 7th Street NE North Canton, Ohio 44720. The scholarship has been established in Michael's honor for athletes who have overcome the odds and demonstrated the ability to succeed in spite of adversity. Another charity option is G.R.E.A.T. Inc. - the Greyhound and Rescue & Adoption of Tampa Bay, Inc – donations are taken on line at www.great-greyhound.org.

COVID-19 is a horrible virus that has shattered millions of people's lives worldwide. Michael overcame many challenges in life, but could not beat COVID-19. He was in perfect health and had no idea how he contracted the virus. His family asks and pleads for everyone to take the virus seriously, practice social distancing and be safe as they do not want this to happen to any other person or family. The family would like to thank Kathy Sofarelli, Mackenzie Harrington and the team at Hull & Company for all their support during such a difficult time. Arrangements entrusted to the Mark R. Vrabel Funeral Home. North

Canton, OH 330-452-4041.