Michael J. DeBartolo

Michael has been a part of my life for years. He was kind, smart and had a wonderful sense of humor. I always looked forward to seeing him and his partner David when visiting Naples.
I am comforted with the knowledge that he was welcomed into heaven by my mother and his parents. May he rest in peace.

Rest in peace, Michael. Our heartfelt condolences to David for the loss of his partner and friend. May God be with you in your time of grief.

I knew Mike since we were in grade school together, and at one point had a grade school "crush" on him. He was a cutie then. My brother & I and Mike, his sister, and assorted kids would often hang out in the closed bowling alley at the Elks Club Friday night Fish Fries after dinner. (This was so our parents could all socialize.) Yes, Mike was a great guy.

Peace be with you, Mike. What fun we had growing up in Aurora. I´m so sorry that your last years in Naples were rough ones.

Michael,
I am going to miss your smile ,your stories , our workout together, dinners full of laughter , and walks to the beach.
You loved those walks so much , you never missed a day .

The conversations we had were never superficial , but always deep and meaningful.
You were always curious.
Good or bad ,you were always happy to help.
You lived your life beautifully ( how rare),and you treated people with endless kindness, a type of compassion that truly can´t be replaced.
Your open arms and open heart was such a unique character trait of yours. You made everyone feel special.

You made me feel that way . You embraced me whole heartedly when I came here alone from another country, and invited me into your life .
You introduced me to your Mom and let me be in your life for 26 years .
You and your Mom became my American family .

Today I want to thank you for letting me walk by your side.
It was an honor for me to know you .
Your love and care was a gift conferred upon me .
Thank you ,Michael for walking with me , but more so ,for allowing me to walk with YOU in this life .

Rest peacefully,Michael.
I will always love you and will never forget your love ,and will strive to pass it on in your memory.


W

Michael meant so much to me and my family. I met him through my mom-one of her closest friends and her non-biological brother-but he was always truly family to us. His humor, his smile, and his larger-than-life personality could light up any room. I´m grateful for all the years he and his beloved partner David were part of our lives, for the laughter at every gathering in Naples, and for the love they showed my girls as they grew up. I will miss him deeply, and I take comfort in believing that my mom was there to welcome him home, along with his wonderful parents and sister.

I've known Mike since we're kids in grade school. I always found him to be kind, affable, and quite bright. May he be at peace.

Dave Todd