Michael Irene Jr.

Michael Irene Jr. obituary, Lawrenceville, NJ

Michael Irene Jr.

Michael Irene Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors - Lawrenceville on May 19, 2024.

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Obituary of Michael Irene, Jr.
Michael Irene Jr., more affectionately known as "Big Mike" by his loved ones, passed away after a long battle with cancer on May 17, 2024. Michael was born in Newark, New Jersey to Michael Irene Sr. and Josephine Lamberti Irene on December 28, 1956. Michael was the youngest of four siblings and is survived by his older brother, Lawrence, and older sisters, Sandra and Michelle.
Michael grew up in Bloomfield, New Jersey and attended Trenton State College, where he met his college sweetheart and love of his life, Maria Radice. Mike and Maria were the perfect pair and did everything together. They spent a wonderful life together raising their two boys, Michael Peter and Matthew James, in Mercer County. Michael worked from the time he was in high school, delivering furniture, until his retirement from Merrill Lynch in 2021. He always supported and provided for his family.
Michael was the best dad that anyone could ask for. He loved spending time with his boys and coaching them in baseball and football any opportunity he could get. He was always so proud of his sons. The ultimate "boy" dad became the world's greatest "girl" grandpa to two little girls and one on the way. Michael devoted his later years to babysitting Sophie and Lucy, who absolutely adored him. He also had a special relationship with both of his daughters-in-law, Lexie and Alexandra, with whom he often shared dad jokes.
Michael was a very family-oriented man. He loved getting together with family for Pizza Fridays, vacations, and holiday celebrations. He was also a fan of making eggs Benedict, watching Jeopardy, grilling various meats, and relaxing on the couch with a cold beer. He loved to go out to dinner with his family and would help to make sure that everyone left the table with an empty plate.
Big Mike was a very avid sports fan, and could always be found rooting for the Mets, Jets, and Devils. One of his favorite sports was baseball, and he enjoyed annual cross-country trips to visit different stadiums with his good friends, Tom and Neil. He was also a lover of rock'n'roll music, particularly the Beatles and Billy Joel. Michael was a big history buff and loved to combine the two interests by reading biographies of various musical artists.
Michael would be described by everyone as one of the kindest and most thoughtful people that they had ever met. Whether he was trimming his father-in-law's hair, helping his children with a house project, or simply going along with someone for a car ride so they didn't have to go alone, he was always thinking of others and putting their needs before his own.
His time was too short and Big Mike will forever be loved and missed by his family and friends.
Arrangements to celebrate the life of Michael Irene will be held at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Home at 650 Lawrence Road in Lawrenceville, New Jersey on Saturday, June 1. The visitation is from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. The ceremony is from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.
The burial will follow at Princeton Cemetery located at 29 Greenview Avenue in Princeton, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Tara Miller Melanoma Foundation Research Fund
at Penn Medicine. http://givingpages.upenn.edu/rememberingMikeIrene

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Michael Irene's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 13, 2025

Eleanor Freda posted to the memorial.

July 7, 2024

Tommie and Eleanor Freda planted trees.

June 7, 2024

David Jones posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

Eleanor Freda

May 13, 2025

Tommie and I are thinking about Michael today on the anniversary of his death. Michael was a sweet, kind funny guy and always very warm and welcoming to me when I married into the family. We hope he is at peace now and watching over his family. Love, Eleanor and Tommie Freda.

Single Memorial Tree

Tommie and Eleanor Freda

Planted Trees

David Jones

June 7, 2024

Mike and I were good friends in South Junior High School and Bloomfield
High School.

Mike had a contagious albeit dry sense of humor. He got me a job moving furniture at a store and Bloomfield and I lasted one day. It wasn´t for me!

Mike was smart, gentle, kind, clever and insightful. I regret that we did not keep in touch over the years. We shared a love of vintage cars.

Rev. Dr. David Lee Jones

Debbie Hendricksen

May 20, 2024

Debbie Hendricksen

May 20, 2024

Debbie Hendricksen

May 20, 2024

I worked with Mike since around 2008. The nicest man and best coworker I ever had. He loved his family immensely and I admired that above all else about him. We had so many laughs at work and he will be truly missed I learned so much from him and use his communications tips and tricks every day. He was always a listening ear and offered to help with anything. He went with the flow and helped with all the crazy employee engagement and volunteer events I planned. Sharing photos of the bike drive for Big Brother and Big Sisters bike exchange we´ve worked on together since 2012. My deepest condolences to his wife, sons, granddaughters and all his family and friends.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors - Lawrenceville

650 Lawrence Rd. Rt. 206, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

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Sign Michael Irene's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 13, 2025

Eleanor Freda posted to the memorial.

July 7, 2024

Tommie and Eleanor Freda planted trees.

June 7, 2024

David Jones posted to the memorial.