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BORN
1945
DIED
2023
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Michael Plaia Obituary
5/18/1945 - 10/5/2023
Michael C. Plaia passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side, after a long battle with cancer. Michael was born in Queens, NY to Emma and Michael Plaia. He met the love of his life, Eileen Roddy, in college and they were married shortly thereafter. Michael served in the United States Army Special Forces ("Green Berets") and later worked as a corporate tax attorney for various corporations. Michael and Eileen enjoyed time with family, traveling the world with their children and went to many concerts together. Michael's passion was sport fishing and he spent endless hours on the Makomania, fishing for sharks and tuna.
Michael spent the end of his life living with his children and enjoying life to the fullest. He was able to take his cherished grandchildren, Ben and Natalie, fishing around the world, witness his son, Michael, marry his beloved wife, Stephanie, in Fiji, and spent incredible dinners watching the sunset with his daughter, Nikki, and husband, Michael, toasting to life and reminiscing over wonderful memories.
Michael is survived by his son, Michael A. Plaia and his wife Stephanie, as well as his daughter, Nicole Rosenberger and her husband Michael. He is also survived by his adored grandchildren, Natalie and Benjamin Rosenberger.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to a charity of your choice or a note with your favorite memories of Mike. The family greatly appreciates the endless love and support this past year and will raise a glass to this incredible man we all had the privilege of knowing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Plaia
Sponsored by Starks Funeral Parlor.
Lou Castellano
December 5, 2024
I was honored to even know him, let alone to have him reach out to me on so many occasions. It wasn't like losing a friend, it was more like losing a big brother. I greatly appreciated his writings for noreast.com magazine. A fisherman, a Captain, an Attorney, a Marine Biologist, an acclaimed marine ecology author, Mike occupied a very unique place. Sincerest condolences to the family but we all miss him.
Jimmy Z
January 1, 2024
May the tides always be in your favor, rest in peace eternally
Patrick Paquette
October 7, 2023
I served with Michael on multiple fishery advisory panels over the last 20 years. A good guy who cared about our impact on ocean health and was a dedicated steward of sustainable recreational fishing. He was truly one of the 5% that show up and do the work for all. He will be missed in the fisheries management world!
Lindalee Childs Shive
October 7, 2023
My condolences to Michael and Nicole and their families. I remember when Mike would come to my home in Bayside for a family gathering and he would play his accordion. When my parents Wesley and Marie , my sister Lesley and I would visit his parents and him in Elmont, we would watch him operate the train set in his bedroom. Another time when he had to be in uniform to march in a parade and he forgot his white gloves. My Mom gave him hers.
Monte Fitts
October 6, 2023
I was very fortunate to meet Mike just 2 months ago. It was such a blessing to witness firsthand the immense love and incredible comfort provided to him by his son Michael and Michael´s wife Stephanie at the end of his life. My deepest condolences and prayers of comfort to you in the days ahead.
Lucie and Bruno Vippolis
October 5, 2023
Bruno and I send our deepest condolences! We pray for Healing, Peace and comfort.
Manning-Cicciarelli Mary
October 5, 2023
Thoughts and prayers to all of Mike´s family. I´ve never had the pleasure of meeting Mike but have gotten to know his son Michael and daughter-in-law Stephanie for several years. I heard so much about Mike. So very happy they were together for much of his final days. Much love!
Mary Manning-Cicciarelli
Chris Atkins
October 5, 2023
Chris Atkins
October 5, 2023
Chris Atkins
October 5, 2023
Michael Sr made the best St Patrick day food for us. It was truly amazing.
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Memorial Events
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