Michael J. Risko

Michael J. Risko

Boston, MA - Michael J. Risko, 58, passed away unexpectedly on April 9, 2021 in Boston, MA. Mike was the son of the late John and Frances Risko of LaGrange. Born in Poughkeepsie, NY on January 20, 1963, he was a graduate of Arlington High School and attended Northeastern University. He was employed at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston since 1997. Mike is survived by his brothers, James (Eileen) of Poughkeepsie NY; David (Diane) of Cohasset, MA; Dick (Jayce) of Lincoln, RI; John (Wanessa) of Newton, MA; Joseph (Jana) of Bridgewater, MA and Chris (Wendy) of Falmouth, MA. Also surviving are his sisters Marilyn Zwieg, of Salisbury, MD; Janet Risko (Mike) of Lowell, MA; and Barbara Coonan (Rob) of Plymouth, NH. Mike was a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews and they were a huge part of his life. They are Jennifer, Nathan, Michele, Sarah, Rebecca, Hannah, Nico, Kayla, Joy, Kara, Owen, Mary, Melanie, Todd, Hilary, Ben, Elizabeth, Joseph, Anaia, Koan, Ezra and Brody. Mike was a devoted Mets fan (even though he could never name any players) and a dedicated cinephile often writing movie reviews for others to consider. He was also a music critic, partial to say, Lou Reed and the Ramones. The popularity of the Beatles always perplexed him. All of which leads us to the Hooker Street Bar. Mike, (aka Johnny Hooker) was the sole proprietor/bartender/host at the bar for some 25 years. An after hours establishment for revelers unwilling to abide the comparatively early bar closing times in MA., his clientele was a hodgepodge of college professors, miscreants, students, local musicians, parolees and wander-ins. All received the same special welcome at the door from Mike with a shot of Jack and, smoke 'em if you got 'em. At the Hooker Street Bar all drinks are on the house. The free-flowing alcohol aside, music was central to the atmosphere. Mike would catch the vibe of the night's crowd and provide the appropriate sound. Hooker Street in Allston will never be the same. He was a good friend, brother, uncle and cousin. A celebration of Mike's life will be held sometime this summer. RIP For guest book please visit www.lehmanreen.com.