He knew everybody, everywhere. A quick trip to Wawa would take an hour with Mike sharing stories of his kids and grandkids achievements. Same thing would happen at Acme when he popped in for some lottery tickets. Mike was a loving father. He was a hockey dad and a dance dad, piling his family in their RV to go from event to event. Mike was always by the sidelines cheering them on. He was the neighborhood dad and the life of the party especially at his yearly Christmastime Open House. If his T.V was on he’d be yelling at the Phillies, Flyers and the Eagles; don’t be around him on Monday if they lost. He loved gangster movies and saw the Godfather hundreds of times. Mike loved to tinker with cars: he swapped his corvette in favor of his Granada. Mike loved to cook, especially his chicken marsala. On vacation when everyone else was looking for fine dining, he’d be out tracking down the best dive deli looking for the perfect hoagie. He spent his retirement years being a stay at home dad and working at Logan Liquors. Mike served our nation in the Army and was a member of the VFW Post 10886.
His job as a Port Authority Police Officer earned him more than just a paycheck. One day he pulled over a pretty girl named Carleen. Then he pulled her over every day until she agreed to go out with him. They’d share a 36 year marriage blessed by two children, Dr. Amanda Smith (Tom) and Matt (Jacqueline Mattson); and later by grandchildren, Rory, Makayla, Savannah, Mallory and Amelia. He is survived by his siblings, Betty Sgrignoli, Joe (Carol), Eileen Weiser, Marie English (Rick) and Anthony (Tricia).
Come celebrate 75 great years Sunday, October 15, noon to 2 p.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro where there will be a 2 p.m. service. Interment at Gloucester County Veterans Cemetery will be private. Donations in lieu of flowers to VFW Post 10886, 118 Gentry Drive, Swedesboro NJ 080875 will be appreciated.
4 Comments
Carleen, Amanda and Matt.. our heartfelt condolences on your loss of Mike husband/dad/grandfather. Fond memories of your family with ours on Hamilton Street.
Carleen, I am so sorry to hear about Mike. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. sending hugs with love❤️
A few things I remember: Michael was 5 years older than me. Every morning before school he and his twin Bernie would have a dressing war. Michael “That’s my shirt”, Bernie, You’re are wearing my pants”. They were our alarm clock.
Phillies game with most of the family on one of my trips home. Anthony,s wedding.
Rest in Peace, Michael
Carleen, Matt, Amanda,
Our heart felt condolences for the loss of your beloved husband and father. Mike is at peace now and in heaven and know that you have a special angel in heaven looking down on you each day ❤️.
Sincerely,
Mary Mattson Deojay
Kevin Deojay