Michael R. Vannata

1942 - 2021

Michael Robert Vannata, Sr. peacefully passed away on January 25, 2021 after a long illness surrounded by his loving family. Michael was born in Paterson, New Jersey on October 30, 1942 to Peter Francis Vannata and Marie Lembo Vannata. He graduated from St. Bonaventure high school in 1960 and St. Bonaventure University in 1965 with a Bachelors in Sociology. Following college Mike attended Officers Candidate School for the United States Navy in Pensacola, Florida. He was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy in 1966. Mike earned his wings and was a flight navigator for the Navy. Mike received his Masters degree from Pepperdine University and his Doctor of Education from the University of Massachusetts. He also attended the Naval War College in Rhode Island from 1977-78. Mike married Jane Fitzpatrick on April 29, 1967 whom he knew since childhood. Together they raised 4 children and lived all over the east coast during his time in the Navy. In 1985, Michael retired as a Commander from the United States Navy on the USS Constitution after serving in the military for 20 years. He was last stationed as the Executive Officer at the South Weymouth Naval Air Station in Massachusetts. After his military service, Mike enjoyed a career as the Vice President of Orion Technology for 15 years. In his post retirement years Mike also was an adjunct professor at various local colleges. In 2010 Mike and Jane moved from Marshfield, Massachusetts to Naples, Florida where they resided until Janes death in April 2020. There Mike was active in the Cypress Woods Golf community where he was an avid golfer. Always the giver, Mike volunteered at SCORE helping others start new businesses. In his final years he also volunteered at St. Matthews House in Naples, Florida. Mike enjoyed traveling, sailing, golfing, and telling stories. He would often recount his many sailing and naval adventures to anyone who would lend an ear. He was especially proud of his year living on his Morgan sloop sailboat where he and Jane sailed from Massachusetts to the Bahamas in 2003. Ever the family man he was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. Mike is survived by his daughter Margaret Agnes Kenney and her husband Tom Kenney of Marshfield, Massachusetts; his son Michael Robert Vannata, Jr. and his wife Debra Vannata of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; his daughter Mary Kathleen Vannata of Plymouth, Massachusetts; and his sister, Rosemary LaConte of New Jersey. He was devoted to his grandsons, Sean Michael Vannata, Nolan Thomas Vannata, and John (Jack) Greggory Dumke. He is predeceased by his son Christopher Matthew Vannata and his wife Jane Fitzpatrick Vananta. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, services will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent in his honor to the McCarthy Care Center in Sandwich, Massachusetts. Words of comfort can be left at www.richardsongaffeyfuneralhome.com Richardson-Gaffey 781-545-0196