Michael Gene Correale

Dr. Michael Gene Correale ("Mike") was born on June 15, 1951 to Alice and Herman ("Cory") Correale in Keokuk, Iowa and passed away on January 31, 2025 in Gilbert, Arizona. He grew up in East Saint Louis, IL and attended elementary school at Bluff View in Prospect Park, IL. He graduated from East Saint Louis High School in East St. Louis, IL in 1969, then attended the University of Illinois to study engineering. After three years in undergraduate school, he decided to change course to pursue a career in dentistry as he wanted to "use his hands". He received his DDS from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in 1976, while serving in the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army upon graduating.

While he was a dentist with young kids, he earned his law degree (J.D.) from St. Louis University in 1985- to "have the knowledge" not intending to practice law. He built a sizable desk at home for his basement study sessions!

Mike then opened his dental practice in Fairview Heights, IL in 1977- 1996. During that time, he also practiced medical and dental malpractice law part-time. In 1997, he then relocated to Leadington, MO to practice dentistry at St. Francois Dental Center. He retired in 2019 to the Phoenix, Arizona area near family, beloved warm weather and ample golfing venues.

He loved playing (and watching golf), Jeopardy, joking around, spring and fall time, leaves changing colors, walks in nature, the beach- especially Southern California and Florida, Cardinals baseball, traveling, almost anything and everything with a fondness of world history, attempting to perfect Martha Stewart recipes (sometimes not so gloriously), making lists of probable winning lottery numbers, and enjoying a meal with family or friends.

Michael was proceded in death by two sisters- Susan Elizabeth Correale (1955) and Pamela Lynn Correale (1952-1960), and his father Herman J. Correale (1928-2006). He is survived by his mother, Alice J. Correale of Gilbert, AZ, four children: Blair C. Maslowski (formerly Natalyne) of Katy, TX, Michael L. Correale of Jonesborough, TN, Robert Correale of St. Louis, MO and Christian Correale of Belleville, IL, two grandchildren: Eli J. Maslowski and Leah C. Maslowski, four siblings: Karen Correale (Rich MacDonald), Thomas (Sandi) Correale, Chris (Donna) Correale, Paul (Kathi) Correale, Great Aunt Doris (David) Schneider of Houston, TX, former wife, Pamela S. (Mehring) Jenkins of Belleville, IL, cousins, nieces, nephews, lifelong friend William Fortenbury from SLU Law and many patients he cared for over his career- some blossomed into friends and golf buddies.

Condolences and messages can be sent to Michael's family. We're welcome to hear from his past patients, classmates and friends too.

In the 1980's, Mike opted to fetch a whole Christmas tree- roots, bulb and all- then plant them each year after the holidays on the lot at his dental office in Fairview Heights, IL. A tree may be donated in his honor at: www.alivingtribute.org

Services will be held in the Gilbert, AZ area. Please refer to Legacy.com for updates.