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Michael Formisano Obituary
Michael J. Formisano, "Michael Jay", entered into rest just before sunrise on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at home with his wife by his side. He fought a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer.
"I would like to stay longer but when the time comes I'll go. I'm not afraid."
The son of Mary Sardella Formisano and the late Michael Formisano he was born November 16, 1946 in Middletown. Michael was a 1964 graduate of M.H.S.
After receiving his BA from SUNY at Buffalo, Michael taught briefly at Mount Carmel Elementary School and St. Albert's Seminary. Most will remember Michael from his family's business, "Michael's Appliance Center", where he spent his working life alongside his brother, Gary.
Michael's ability to learn new crafts from framing to scroll sawing was a gift that became a passion. He loved music and learning to play new instruments. Accordion, piano, guitar and his favorite, ukulele made him eager to see what each day brought in spite of the challenges he faced medically throughout his lifetime.
"He was an inspiration to those closest to him. He always will be."
In addition to his mother, Mary, of Middletown, survivors include his wife and best friend of 19 years, Patricia Neely-Formisano; his children, stepson, Justin Neely and his wife, Hiroko of Brooklyn; son, Michael Ira Formisano and grandson, Eli; his beloved brother, Gary and his wife, Colleen of Middletown, and his niece, Blair and husband, Errol Dolan of Middletown. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Mary Ann La-Fera and husband, Lenny of Marietta, GA; his aunts, Estella Schulman and Frances Catizone; many cousins, friends, family and neighbors, who will hold him in their hearts forever.
Special thanks to his cousins: Louis Schumaci, Bill Burretto, Jill Schulman, dear friend, Don Tripp, Hospice nurse, Colette Beairsto and to Dr. Sandeep Singh, for being present when it really mattered.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Sunday, December 27, at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Ave., Middletown.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Monday, December 28, at St. Joseph's Church, Cottage St., Middletown. Cremation will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions in Michael's name may be made to either the Middletown Humane Society, Bloomingburg Rd., Middletown, NY 10940 or to DVD's for Dialysis, 56 Chaucer Ct., Middletown, NY 10940; www.dvdsfordialysis.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Formisano
MaryAnn Neely-LaFera
January 7, 2010
This is to pay tribute to the kindest, gentlest and sweetest brother-in-law anyone could ever ask for. Although knowing Michael as a HS student w/my sister, it wasn't until I had the opportunity to have him join out family that I came to fully appreciate what a wonderful addition he was in our lives.Although we who loved him feel his absence deeply, I believe not only his life but his valiant fight and courageous spirit touched the hearts of many. I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to have known and loved such a quiet giant of a man. We will always carry you in our hearts Michael...Your loving sister MaryAnn
Ginni Fay
January 6, 2010
Pat,
So very sorry to hear of Michael's passing. You know my thoughts and prayers are with you now as always.
He is with other family members now and together they will watch over you and your family.
December 29, 2009
Dear Formisano Family and Friends, We are so sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort. Our loving thoughts and prayers are with you during the days ahead. Tom and Marcell Thompson, Cincinnati, OH
Dwight Smith
December 29, 2009
To Mikes family
Just a note to let you know how important Mike was to me Mike will always be remembered as one person who gave alot to his friends, who he will be with again such as Vinney M, Bob P,
Dick T. He is with good company.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family always.
Your friend always Dwight
d
Maureen Hunt
December 28, 2009
Dear Formisano Family,
Mr. Formisano was my fifth grade teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School. He was the first male teacher I ever had and had I had the vocabulary to voice "handsome," "good looking," and "attractive" in a smitten kind of way as a young girl, those terms would have definitely applied. I wasn't one for running and playing at recess; instead, I was the quiet one who would walk the playground area with Mr. Formisano; he often wore a navy blue trench coat. Mr. Formisano was the first person to introduce fine art to my class via postcards of paintings by artists, such as Monet and Renoir. If he allowed us to keep those cards, I probably still have them in the attic with my elementary notebooks. If not, then his sharing of fine art and artists has been forever etched in my mind. Decades have passed and apartments have changed over time, but I once had an apartment on Bedford Avenue and one year just before Thanksgiving, the oven stopped working. My landlady ordered an oven from Michael's Appliance Center and the holiday was saved. Shortly after, I baked a batch of cookies and brought them to Michael's Appliance Center to give to Mr. Formisano. When I asked for "Mr. Formisano," the salesperson asked, "Which one?" I said, "The one who was my teacher at Mt. Carmel." Then out came Mr. Formisano; he seemed to look the same and, indeed, handsome as ever a young school girl could think. I gave him the plate of cookies and said that they were baked in an oven from Michael's.
2009 has been year pierced with illness and death of family members and lifelong friends. I am sad that the year is closing with the death of a dear man who touched so many hearts and minds. He will always be "Mr. Formisano," the teacher who touched my heart and mind with art.
My deepest sympathy to the Formisano family.
Sincerely,
Maureen A. Hunt
Maureen Houston
December 28, 2009
Patti, I am so sorry to hear about Michael Jay. Although I only met him a few times, it was apparent you two were so right for each other. You are one of the sweetest people I know, and I hope many fond memories will help to bring you some comfort.
Love,
Your cousin, Maureen
December 26, 2009
Mr. Formisano was one of my teachers at Mt. Carmel. I have thought of him many times in the (almost) 40 years since I saw him last.
He had an enormously beneficial impact on my life.
Sincere sympathy to his family.
Ann
Andrea Lafera_Bianco
December 26, 2009
Auntie Pat,We are so sorry for your loss but thankful Uncle Michael is at peace.You are very special and hopefully the magic you created together will continue forever.We love you!!Andrea,Salvatore,and Fausto
Andrea Lafera-Bianco
December 26, 2009
Our Uncle Michael was a great and kind man who was graceous to all.we will miss him and send love to his family and friends.Andrea,Salvatore,and Fausto
Vinnie, Bridget, Vince and Mary Janiak
December 26, 2009
Dear Pat, Gary and Mary,
My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow. I was fortunate enough to have worked for the Formisano family at Michael's Appliance Center for 19 years. Michael J was a very kind and thoughtful man - as were Gary and "Big" Mike. The only time you did not see a smile on Michael J's face is when Judy or Laura would page: "PARTS - LINE 2".
Michael J will live forever in our hearts. God bless him and his Family.
chrissie & Lloyd Smith
December 25, 2009
our prayers were not in vain and we may never know the fullness of reason to the long battle but this we know to God be the glory for all the things that he had done in Uncle Michaels behalf. We love you Auntie Pat and see what an example you are. Our prayers continue for you to be refreshed and renewed day by day.
Chrissie and Lloyd Smith
Barry Grecu
December 25, 2009
Dear Pat, again may "the God of all comfort" continue to show Himself present today and in the days ahead. You and Michael are an inspiration to me. God Bless You! Barry Grecu
Greg Marquis
December 25, 2009
Pat,
Michael's long fight is over. And what a Warrior he was indeed. God Bless him and you. Think of it: Michael's first Christmas in Heaven. Some day we will see him again in that magnificent place. No pain, no fear, no sickness- nothing but beauty and the presence of God-for ETERNITY! May the peace of the risen Lord be with you now and forever.
With love and prayers,
Kathy & Greg Marquis.
Jan Bennett-Williamson
December 25, 2009
Am so very sorry to hear of Michael's passing. We went to Middletown High School together. He was liked immensely. Michael was quiet and very nice. He will be missed. Love and prayers go out to his family.
Charlotte(Charlee) Tipton-Dwyer
December 24, 2009
Dear Patty and family, So sorry to hear of your loss, I hadn't seen Michael J since HS but I have fond memories of him. He had such a gentle spirit. May God bless and comfort you and your family.
Nancy
December 24, 2009
I remember Mr. Formisano being my teacher at Mt. Carmel. I remember a very kind, patient, nice looking man and I was very young at that time so I know this would be true or I would not remember. God speed to his family, friends and all who were privledged enough to get to truly know him.
December 24, 2009
To the Formisano Family,
Our deepest condolences on your loss.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you in your time of sadness.
May God bless you all.
Richard and Grace Roth, Treasure Is.,FL/ Eldred, NY
chic Russo
December 24, 2009
Very sorry to here of the passing of Michael. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Chic Russo
John & Janice Borland
December 24, 2009
Thinking of you at this sad time. May your memories comfort you.
December 24, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
December 24, 2009
To Gary & family of Michael ,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Michael. We thought the world of Michael and were honored to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all .
Friends always Richie & Tina Sottolano
STeve Turi
December 24, 2009
My condolences to family and friends of Michael Jay. I grew up right down the street from him and knew him in our childhood. I lived next door to his cousin Bill Burreto, my best friend at the time. We had a lively neighborhood back there in the fifties. Again my condolences.
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