Michael A. DiCola

1953 - 2022

Michael A. DiCola

Hadley, MA — It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce Michael Arthur DiCola (68) passed away in the early hours on April 4th, 2022 surrounded by his two children. We are comforted knowing that Michael was warmly welcomed into the sky by his late wife Bonnie Lou DiCola, whom he's been navigating life without for 359 days.

Michael was born on August 29, 1953 in Bangor Maine to his biological mother Beverly (Bickford) Mick of Brewer ME, and biological father Durward A Rogers also of Brewer, ME. A few years into his childhood, Michael was adopted by his mother Verna M (Boyea) DiCola and George DiCola, who graciously, respectfully, and devotedly raised Michael to become the selfless, humble, courageous, and noble man we all love. After Verna's passing in 1988 from Huntington's Disease, George remarried to Eileen Goff in 1990.

In 1971, Michael was introduced to Bonnie Lou DiCola, and in the years to come would fall into a love that ultimately left them inseparable. This led them to navigate the next 50 years together. The only time the two spent apart were when Michael would go to races, and Bonnie would wait by the door patiently (sometimes impatiently) for his return. The love these two shared is the kind you read of in books, and so powerful that Michael's heart couldn't withstand a full year without his wife by his side again.

In 1985, they happily welcomed their first-born son, Michael Dustin DiCola. 6 years later, in 1991, they welcomed their daughter Angela Rose DiCola. Some may say they waited a very long time to begin to start their family, but Michael's thought's on beginning a family weighed heavily on him coming from having been put up for adoption and then adopted. Michael knew he wanted to be financially stable, on the same page as his wife, and in a comfortable position so that he would be able to provide love and security for his children and never face the possibility of having to give them up.

Professionally Mike was a world-class mechanic and a restorer of vintage cars. He was also a dedicated racing mechanic, preparing vintage racing cars that competed successfully all over North America. A wizard at engine tuning and chassis set up, Mike made sure his drivers could get the best out of their mounts and run them as successfully as the cars' original designs would allow. He was an expert on any number of racing and sports cars but, possibly best known, for his expertise in getting the best performance from the British Allard racing cars. This aspect of Mike's life was well known and he was profiled a few years ago in "Hemmings Sports and Exotic Cars" Magazine, a world wide publication. The writers of that article allowed how Mike likely knew more about setting up and running these cars than anyone else in the Northeast. Mike was an active member of the Vintage Sports Car Club of America, where he served on the car classification committee as well as acting as a technical inspector from time to time at racing events. His advice at the race track was often sought by other mechanics. Mike not only gained all of this knowledge regarding cars, but something worth so much more- friendships with several close confidants, and a bond that held strong for 40+ years with his best friend Jim Donick. If you were ever curious what true, unconditional, supportive, humble and effortless friendship looked like- this was it.

Michael was first diagnosed with renal cell cancer on February 4th 2017, the same day he watched his greatest joy, his grandson Karter Michael Robert Gotay come into this world. Initially, Michael was given 2 years for a prognosis- which absolutely devastated his family. In search of second opinions, he reached out to Dana Farber Cancer Center. Their involvement proved a life changing decision for him, his family, and his dear friends. The staff at Dana Farber managed his illness, supported his family, and worked diligently to give him a full 5 years, three more than he had anticipated. His family and friends can not find enough words, or signs of gratitude to offer his team of doctors and nurses for giving them the additional years and quality of life with Mike.

Michael DiCola was predeceased by his wife Bonnie Lou DiCola who greeted him in the stars with a cold beer, Santana music, and a kiss straight from the movies. He is also predeceased by his parents Verna M (Boyea) DiCola and George DiCola, his biological mother and father, Beverly (Bickford) Mick, and Durward A. Rogers, and his dearest brother Dana DiCola.

He leaves behind his son Michael Dustin DiCola, wife Bonnie and grandson Jayden, his daughter Angela R. Gotay-Cheverez, husband Kevin Gotay-Cheverez and grandson Karter Michael Robert Gotay. He also leaves behind his niece Christine (DiCola) Collamore and husband Ken Collamore, nephew Jason DiCola and fiancé Kim Nelson Harrington. Michael additionally leaves behind his half siblings Victoria Reynolds, Mark Rousseau, Todd MacEachern, Kelly Rogers, Cindy Amenta, Candy Woodward, their significant others and children. Michael also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and countless friends.

"He never looked for praise; he was never one to boast; he just went on quietly working for the ones he loved the most. His dreams were seldom spoken; his wants were very few; and most of the time his worries went unspoken too.

He was there, a firm foundation through all of our storms of life. A sturdy hand to hold on to in times of stress and strife. A true friend we could turn to when times were bad or good, one of our greatest blessings, he was the man that always would."

In lieu of services & flowers, we ask that you hug your family, friends and confidants a little bit longer and tighter today. We will host a celebration of life in August 2022.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com