WEST PITTSTON — Michael Leonard Insalaco, 91, formerly of West Pittston and Moosic, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2022, at Maple Shade Meadows, Nesquehoning.
He was born in Harding on March 10, 1931, and was the son of the late Concetta (Scalzo) and Leonardo Insalaco.
Michael attended West Pittston schools.
In 1947 at the age of 16, he opened his first market on Main Street in Pittston with the help of his mother Concetta.
Shortly after, he was joined by his brother Sandy Insalaco Sr. and together they opened their first supermarket on Kennedy Boulevard in Pittston.
As the business grew and flourished they were accompanied by their brothers, Leonard and Vince Insalaco and brother-in-law Leonard Dixon, and built a very successful chain of supermarkets known as Insalaco's.
At the stores he was known as the "Produce King." His passion was serving his customers and giving them the best product every day. His love for his business came through by his strong work ethic and was an example to all his employees.
After the business was sold, Michael and his brothers continued to work in commercial real estate known as Insalaco Development Group.
He devoted his time and energy not only to his family but also to his church and the community. Michael was a meek, humble, kind, and giving man. He always loved to give to others especially local based charities such as The Salvation Army, Little Sisters of the Poor and Marywood University.
Michael was an avid bowler, and he learned to golf after retirement. He enjoyed going out to dinner and appreciated a good meal and a glass of wine.
He was married to his beautiful wife, Dolores (Makusiewicz) Insalaco. They were married for 63 years. Dolores was always by Michael's side and supported him throughout his business career until his passing. He loved traveling with his wife and their family and friends.
He will be missed by many and loved by all.
He is survived by his wife Dolores (Makusiewicz) Insalaco, his children, Karen Insalaco, of Pittston, Diane Insalaco, of Philadelphia, and Leonard Insalaco, of Philadelphia, his grandchildren, Eric Klepadlo and fiancé Lucy, Dana Klepadlo and fiancé Michael, Meghan McAliney and fiancé Caleb, Conor McAliney and wife Ellen and two great-grandchildren, Sofia and Ian. He is also survived by sisters: Carmella Dixon and her husband the late Leonard, of Moosic; Theresa Burke and her husband the late John, of Jenkins Township; Grace Dvornicky and her husband Joseph, of Laflin; the late Providence Katarsky and her husband Norbert, of Harding; brothers, Sandy Insalaco Sr. and his wife the late Marlene, of Laflin; Vincent Insalaco and his wife Corinne, of Shavertown; the late Leonard Insalaco and his wife, Lita, of Jenkins Township; numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the medical staff and entire staff at Maple Shade Meadows Assisted Living for the tireless and loving care provided to Michael. Also Dr. Edward Rosenfeld and Dr. James McKenna.
A private viewing and Mass of Christian Burial was held with interment in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home LLC, 251 William St., Pittston. Memorial donations may be made to Care and Concern Ministries, 35 William St., Pittston, PA 18640, or to the Salvation Army, 17 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701. To leave an online condolence, visit Michael's obituary at adoniziofuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Frank and Ilene DeMola
July 29, 2022
Our deepest sympathy to Karen and the Insalaco family. May his memory bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Caroline
July 25, 2022
I will miss Michael. He was always smiling and making everyone´s day. Maple shade will not be the same without you.
Haley M.
July 23, 2022
I miss seeing that big toothy smile everyday right as you came into the dining room. You were the reason why I smiled at work even if it was a rough day. It´s not the same without you nor will it ever be. I only knew you for a year, but you greatly impacted my life more then you´ll ever know. I miss you always reaching to squeeze my hand and just hold it there for awhile. I believe you said your goodbyes to me the day before you passed, you wouldn´t let go of my hand or let the nurses take you up to your room until I squeezed back. Maple shades will forever miss you.
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Amy Stadtmueller
July 22, 2022
My dear friend Michael (Mike ) I truly love you and (D) Dolores . I definitely miss you , even if you couldn´t speak some how I knew what you wanted to say . The dietary staff at Mapleshades truly miss seeing you at the table (13) . I´m going to miss helping you stand and dancing with you during the special music and entertainment at Mapleshades, I know that it not only made you happy but it was my greatest honor to make you smile each and every day , to hold your hand as you would give that tight squeeze and smile at me . As Dolores would say " Amy the cook you are our friend til the end " don´t worry Mike dietary will keep an eye on Dolores for you and the family . I Will remember that look and big smile you would give each and every time you saw me . The special bond between us I will hold near and dear to my heart until we meet again my friend . I love you
Felicia Porambo
July 22, 2022
I only knew Michael for a few years, but right away you could tell he was a sweet man. His smile was contagious, his eyes sparkled when he smiled. He always took your hand to dance and truly loved it. Michael was loved at Mapleshade Meadows and will be missed by all of us.
John Brunetti
July 22, 2022
My deepest sympathy to all in the Insalaco family.
I have many many fond memories of Mike, things I will never forget, but the most special is, after I moved to Florida, Mike would call to wish me Merry Christmas and Happy Thanksgiving. I will often think of Mike till the day I join him.
May your hearts be filled with special memories.
Joseph & Deborah Sellitto, Riviera Beach Florida
July 21, 2022
Sandy & Family, please accept our deepest sympathy.
May Michael Rest In Peace.
Mary Ann Battista
July 20, 2022
My sincere condolences to Dee and family.

John P Sellani
July 20, 2022
It was with profound sadness that I read of the passing of Mike Insalaco. I started working part time for Mike at the Kennedy Blvd. store when I was a 16 yr. old kid delivering groceries and anything else he needed done. I knew nothing of what the business world was all about, let alone the grocery business but over time, Mike was not only the boss, but a teacher, a mentor and someone who saw value in taking time to show, share and explain all aspects of the business to me. At 20 years of age I became the youngest store manager of the former A&P store in West Pittston. Understand, not because of anything I had done, but because of Mike´s patience, caring and careful tutoring of me in the retail food business. The 15 plus years I spent with the Insalaco franchise set me up for the rest of my adult business career. When things were hard in my world, I remember how Mike and I would stay until after midnight to clean and wax the floors for the coming day, things didn´t seem that bad to me then. When deadlines had to be made, I remember the attention to detail Mike would show when examining his produce deliveries, and my work became easier. When reprimands to my staff had to made, I remember how Mike would chastise me for not watering the plants properly, but in a gentle and compassionate way, which helped me with my employees. I could share numerous stories from my career with Mike and his entire family, but suffice to say, Mike was a caring, compassionate savvy business man even outside the confines of the stores. In rare instances when I happen to be dining with friends and family, and it just so happened that Mike and Dee were in the same restaurant, I was always amazed that when I went to pay my bill I was always told, a gentleman has already taken care of it. That was Mike, a true gentleman. My grandfather once told me you have three names, your family name, the name your parents gave you and the name you make for yourself. Mike, his brothers, and his entire family have made a name for themselves that will endure the test of time. Rest in Peace Mike. May the Lord bring your family peace and comfort in this difficult time.
TJP
July 20, 2022
A wonderful man , always made me feel like family , enjoy a grappa in heaven , was blessed to sit at your table .....
Michael Waligorski
July 20, 2022
Sorry for your loss.
Karen K
July 19, 2022
My deepest sympathies to Dee and the family. Michael was a wonderful and sweet man. I will always remember watching the stock market on CNBC with Michael and shaking our fingers at the tv when the Dow would drop. Also will remember our chair dancing during the musical programs at Maple Shade Meadows. He loved to have fun and laugh, laugh, laugh. He had a great sense of humor and showed it many times. Miss you Michael!
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