Michael Angelo Cipriano

Michael Angelo Cipriano, loving family man, teacher, sports coach and wide-ranging handyman, died at home in Fernandina Beach, Florida, on November 30, 2024. Mike was 81 years old.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joan, his daughter, Annie, and his sister, Rosanne Gmuer.
Mike taught high school math in both New York and Florida. While teaching he coached baseball, gymnastics, wrestling, and football. When he retired to Florida, he solved the ultimate math problem by building his own house. All his life he had enjoyed fixing things and building things, first with his father and then on his own. Whenever he went to visit relatives or friends, he would be sure to pack tools to help with any repairs or projects his hosts would have. His house in Florida had an extra large garage for his workshop with any tool a neighbor or friend could need. He loved to talk about a special Christmas project he volunteered for one year. Mike and a few other people worked with America's Youth to assemble dozens of bicycles for children on Amelia Island.
He absolutely loved the seven collies the family had over the years and felt very lucky to meet his new puppy, Enzo, this spring. Mike was an active member of and volunteer for the Democratic Club of Amelia Island for many years. In 2018 he was invited to drive in the motorcade for President Obama when he came to Jacksonville during his campaign. After the election, he and Joan were invited to a Christmas party at the White House. Mike also loved visiting all parts of Italy and would have gelato every day on every trip. Mike met Joan in 1957 at Sunny Hill Resort and Golf Club in New York State, and he continued to enjoy trips there with the family for many years.
Mike requested that there be no memorial event for him, but his family welcomes visits from our friends and relatives at any time. In lieu of flowers, please know that his favorite charity was the Coalition for the Homeless Nassau County (https://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org).