Michael DeCristofaro was born on October 27, 1923 in his home on E. 2nd st. Scotch Plains, N.J. Michael was born to parents Luigi and Marianina DeCristofaro, the seventh of nine children welcomed into their home.
Today there are four surviving Michael, namely two older brothers, Bernard DeCristofaro of Dover, N.J., Marshall DeCristofaro of Berkeley Heights, N.J.; younger than Michael are sister, Lena Ponturo of Berkely Heights, N.J., and brother, Dominick DeCristofaro of Scotch Plains, N.J.
Michael grew up in Scotch Plains attending Scotch Plains High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy at the beginning of World War II, 1941. He served as a first class seamen in the Atlantic aboard the U.S.S. Savannah, a light cruiser. He was later transferred to the Pacific to battle in the Marianna Islands. In 1945 at the end of the war he received his honorable discharge and returned to his family home in Scotch Plains where he worked as a tailor in his father's tailor shop. Upon marrying and starting a family, Michael opened his own shop, Popular Hardware store in Plainfield, N.J. In the 60's he moved the store to Stirling, N.J. Michael is survived by 3 sons, Patrick DeCristofaro, of Dunellin, N.J., Michael Jr. of Annapolis, Md., and Philip of Peapack, N.J. and a daughter Elizabeth Klinger of Denver, Co.
Michael and his long time companion, Vickie, resided in Redington Beach, Florida where Michael died in his home under hospice care on October 24, 2018, 3 days prior to his 95th birthday.
Michael loved life enjoying gardening, cooking, skiing, watching sports, travel and buying and selling houses. His slogan "never give up" and "you have to live with it" enabled him to remain calm and positive until the end. Although "letting go" was difficult he passed away peacefully surrounded by love.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11am Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at Church of the Little Flower (Little Church), 310 Plainfield Ave., Berkley Heights, New Jersey 07922.
His final resting place and committal service with military honors will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10,000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, Florida 33708.
Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street, Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121.
