Michael’s brother described him as a Renaissance man at his memorial, and I thought that was a great description.  He and Da Vinci both had scientific and artistic genius in equal measure.

But I’d be remiss if I neglected to mention his mastery of culinary arts.  I didn’t eat a vegetable for the first decade of my life, but even I could recognize the talent when I tasted his cooking.

He would routinely bring appetizers when we had family get-togethers, and I would always fill up on them before the main course.  One year at Christmas, he hosted a holiday dinner with prime rib that put my poor mother’s dinner to shame.

On my 21st birthday, he got me this big mason jar of moonshine.  Admittedly, that didn’t take much culinary ability, but the best chef always knows the best way to cater to his patrons.  

The culinary skill elevates Michael above Da Vinci in my book.  Da Vinci didn’t invent pizza, but my uncle was the King of Appetizers.

I was really moved when his children performed the Gin Blossoms song “Allison Road” at the memorial.  It’s one of my favorite songs ever.  If Michael was fond of it, we never talked about it.  

In the next life, we’ll take an afternoon and listen to that whole album together.  Until then, he’s missed in the stomachs of many and the hearts of all.

I met Mike almost 20 years ago and immediately I knew we would work well together – he was so intelligent, considerate and kind – always putting the team first.   He kept an amazing sense of humor as we discussed how to navigate our role as a subset of a large, complex organization.  

Our first order of business was to create a framework for our technology strategy as we joined together disparate business units that formed HD Supply.    Of course, the best plans are discovered over good Italian food and great red wine – so during dinner, Mike and I used cocktail napkins to write down the plan.   Mike said: “If you can’t write an idea down on a napkin, it probably needs more baking.”

Next day, we shared the ideas with the team and quickly added more brilliant minds to begin our historical journey.  Over the following ten years, we transformed our team and technology into world-class services.  I will be forever grateful for his contributions to our success and the extraordinary team and friendships he helped build.  

Mike’s impact on my life has been a blessing.  A life well-lived inspires others to be their best.  Michael made our lives better through his values, leadership, his quick wit, sense of humor and kindness. We are forever grateful for his impact on our lives and so lucky to have known such an amazing man.

Mike’s final bit of advice to me – “Do everything with passion, authenticity, excellence and a margarita or two.”  The most wasted of all days is the one during which you did not laugh.

We miss you.

My deepest condolences to Mikes family and friends.  Mike was an amazing mentor and leader.  He inspired me in my career to tackle challenges, think differently, and to enjoy music.  He would often ask me if I had any new music suggestions.  I will always think of Mike when I hear something I think he would enjoy.  Mike was a genuine and kind human and I am very grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him.

Mike was one of the best leaders I ever had the pleasure of working for. I spent a couple years on the road with Mike and others being a part of one of the biggest ERP's I had heard of and been a part of at White Cap. Mike, you led by example and expected nothing of anyone you would do for yourself.
Keep an eye on us all... fair winds. You did X4M...

I worked with Mike for several years at HD Supply and thought so highly of him. I’m so sorry to see this news. He was such a talented, kind leader who made tough situations easier to work through. I will be keeping all of Mike’s family in my thoughts. I’m sorry for your loss.

From 1974 or so at Interlochen.   Michael was the one with the clarinet.  🙂

Looking back on my own life, so many events that stands out for me involved my brother. 

As he was learning computers,  he taught me about computers.   The first car I had I bought from him for the cost of a transmission repair. 

When I got married,  he rented a big car and drove Colleen and I from the Church to the various places we had pictures taken 

Our mutual appreciation for music our wives didn't like worked out well for us to go to concerts together when I also lived in Georgia. 

My sense of humor was greatly influenced by him including an appreciation for The Three Stooges.

When he was dating and first got married he welcomed me along to see movies at the discount show. 

Our birthdays were 3 days apart, formany years we would have a call on his birthday and 3 days later another call on my birthday and we still found something new to talk about.

In the time that he was fighting cancer and I would ask how he was doing,  the answer wasn't always upbeat, but he would follow that with asking how Colleen and I were doing. 

My brother was kind, appreciative and caring. I will miss him dearly,  but I am grateful he is no longer in pain

Our last selfie. We were at MD Anderson in Houston and we had found a spot in the sun as we waited for hopeful news. That was 3 months ago.😞

While I didn’t ever meet Michael, I know his daughter McKinley. As a dear friend of mine, I know how much her relationship with her father meant to her, how much she loved him, and how much she values the many interests they shared. 

Without having known him, I know him- through the bright, intelligent, optimistic,and lively spirit of his daughter, McKinley. It is easy to see, sense and experience his beloved influence on her, and how that has impacted who she has become and expresses herself in this world. She is intelligent, loves all the birds and squirrels (and animals in general), is a talented musician with many instruments, including her voice. She is kind, an excellent listener and friend. I know they loved one another deeply, and that he was and is so proud of her and who she has become. McKinley, I do understand how hard it is to lose a father that was also a lifelong friend.  Today, I celebrate his life, and the way he continues to shape the world through those he loved, and that includes his children. I mourn alongside your family, and I am grateful for him brightening my world with a lovely soul and friend. ♥️

In this picture, we're about to go up the stairs of a spooky B&B. He called it "Scooby Doo House."

We shared some great times with Michael. 

I am saddened that he is no longer with us.

Stacy and the Vitale Family,

I was so incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Michael. I'm still in shock and finding it hard to put into words how much he meant to me, both as a friend and a colleague.

Michael was such a wonderful person. I always admired his calm demeanor under pressure and endless talks of music and history. I have so many fond memories of working with him while on the HD Whitecap project, as well as, the Art Van project in Warren Michigan.  The Art Van project was crazy drama, but Michael was able to navigate those treacherous waters with real professionalism, unlike anything I’d ever seen before.  He made such a positive impact on my life, and I know he did on so many others.  We had several other consulting engagements together in industrial manufacturing and private equity diligence along the way forging memories I will never forget.

I can only imagine what you and your family are going through right now. Please know that I'm thinking of you all and sending my deepest condolences. There are no words that can truly ease the pain, but I hope you can find solace in knowing that I felt he was the measure of a good man who made a dent upon those he met.

Micheal's absence will leave a huge void, but I hope you can find comfort in the memories you shared. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

With heartfelt sympathy,

-John Gillespie

I worked with Mike for several years at HD Supply and he was such a great partner and leader. I always looked forward to our conversations because you never knew where they were headed. :)

He really made my family’s move to Atlanta an easy one, by recommending local events he knew we’d enjoy checking out - specifically music related ones, like Tunes from the Tombs.

I’m so saddened to hear of his passing, and am sending my best to the Vitale family. The world lost a good one.

-Sarah McDaniel

Too many memories and pictures to count. Love and miss you forever. Thank you for all the magic and joy you brought into your loved ones lives.

You were a joy to listen to. You were so  talented.  God's peace and comfort to your family and friends.  Schafer HS 1979

Michael was a wonderful husband, father, friend, and brother-in-law to his family.  He will be greatly missed.  He truly is an example that the good die far too young.  His breadth of skills — computers and music immediately come to mind — was amazing.  I so wish he had been given many more years to enjoy them, and more importantly, his family.  His strength through his final challenges was an inspiration.  Rest in peace, Michael.

Ill never forget our reunion of the fab 4 and what fun we had. He even wrote a song about our little group. Besides being a musical genius he always had the greatest clarinet solos, plus many other instruments he mastered, a remarkable brilliant mathematician, student, and renaissance man. There will never be another like him and I hold his family in healing and loving spaces. 
The world has dimmed a bit
this is who Michael was.

My deepest condolences to the entire Vitale family. Mike was more than just a terrific thought leader and a guiding light to his colleagues—he was a truly remarkable human being. His kindness, warmth, and infectious humor left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.  

One of my favorite memories of Mike at HD Supply was the way he made each of us feel special on our birthdays, creating personalized memes that never failed to bring a smile. It was such a simple gesture, yet it spoke volumes about his thoughtfulness and the joy he brought into our lives.  

Mike’s humor, spirit, and generosity will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched.  

Sending strength and love to his family during this difficult time.

I worked with Mike for a few years….some of my best career memories with him the the team we built. He made us laugh, and made us all better. Rest easy Mike. Prayers to all.

My prayers go out to the family. He will be missed. Had such a blast in band at all our solo and ensemble festivals...go saxaphones.
Dianna Jones (Snyder)

Condolences to all of Mikes family and friends. Smart guy. great musician and gone too early.

Remember Mike growing up on Superior and him putting on a science experiment with expanding foam. Loved hanging out with him at our last class reunion. He will be missed..

Really enjoyed knowing Michael and his sense of humor was the best.  Rest pain free and in peace. Stacy you’re in my thoughts and prayers.

It’s hard to believe Michael is gone.   He was definitely one of the best parts of our family.   He will forever be missed.   Hugs and prayers.

I was so sorry to hear this news.  Such a talent back in high school and very kind. Appreciated conversations and kindness at class reunions the past few years and talks on fb. Sorry to hear of his struggle with cancer.  Prayers for the family in this time of loss.

I am so surprised by this news. Mike was literally the most intelligent and musically talented person I have ever met. He could literally play any instrument. At work he was so measured and passionate about the details. Playing music with Mike was a joy and honor. The world is a much more emptier place without him.

The love of my life…….he sure knew how to live life to the fullest. And I was lucky enough to be able to go along for the ride for a little while.

OBITUARY

Michael Joseph Vitale

18 September, 1960 – 29 January, 2025

Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery Winkenhofer Chapel

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