Michael Neal Taddonio

Michael Neal Taddonio, 93, affectionately known as Mr. T, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 in Vero Beach, Florida. He was surrounded by his devoted wife and cherished family. He bravely battled complications from diabetes and dementia, and departed this life with grace, love and beautiful music provided by a harpist at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach.

Born in the Bronx, New York, on November 27 1931, Michael was the son of Michael and Antoinette Taddonio. He graduated from Gompers High School and soon after answered the call to serve his country.

A Proud Marine

Michael served honorably in the United States Marine Corps for four years (1950-1954), including a tour during the Korean War followed by a posting in Quantico, Virginia, where he held the rank of Staff Sergeant, training recruits on the rifle range and preparing for embassy duty.

A Life of Love and Family

After his military service, Michael married the love of his life, Dorothy Sablowsky. Together, they raised six children in Norwalk, Connecticut, and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past January—a testament to enduring love, partnership and Dorothy’s infinite patience.

A Career of Innovation and Passion

Michael began his career in the banking industry before transitioning to data management with the New York Stock Exchange. He was part of the pioneering team that automated stock and bond trading in the 1960s. After 25 years, he retired and pursued his passion for the sea by starting a small business crafting lobster traps for senior citizens - pots he designed smaller and less weighty so they could more be easily retrieved into a boat. He also served on the Norwalk Shellfish Commission and was a proud member of the South Norwalk Boat Club.

A Life Well-Lived

Michael had a great head for math and often boasted he could count up to four decks of cards - making blackjack his casino game of choice. He also loved to brag that his Bronx street baseball team, The Blue Jays, often played against ‘say hey Willie Mays” and his neighborhood team. According to Mike, and entirely unsubstantiated - local police officiated the games as well as monitored the lively betting by locals that accompanied the games.

Michael’s love for nature was evident in his flourishing summer garden, which he watered with a foul smelling substance he called “cow juice.”— The garden produced bountiful vegetables for family and friends. A spontaneous detour during a Florida vacation led him to Parris Island and ultimately to Fripp Island, South Carolina, where he and Dorothy built a home and embraced island life. He launched another small business, took up golf, and mastered shrimping aboard his beloved Grady White boat. Later, they moved to Kissimmee, Florida, and eventually settled in Vero Beach to be closer to family. Michael loved to dance and if given the opportunity would often clear the floor for a solo under the rolling eyes of his wife.

A Legacy of Love

Michael is predeceased by his parents, Michael and Antoinette (nee DeRosa), his sister Lucille Weekes, and his daughter Marianne Taddonio.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy Taddonio, and children: Lynn Platania (Joseph), Steven Taddonio (Monica) Michael A. Taddonio Jean Taddonio (Jack Leahy) and Sharon Taddonio

He also leaves behind three grandchildren—Todd Taddonio (Aline), Samantha Taddonio, and Shannon Taddonio—and two great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services

A viewing will be held at Aycock Funeral Home located at 6026 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, Florida on Tuesday August 12th from 4 to 6pm. A religious ceremony will be held Wednesday August 13th at Trinity Episcopal Church located at 2365 Pine Ave, Vero Beach, FL. Burial with military honors will immediately follow at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach. A private reception will be held afterward.

In Remembrance

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his memory to Semper Fi and Americas Fund (thefund.org) or H.A.L.O. No-Kill Rescue https://halorescuefl.org

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