Michael Chester Di Leo

Michael C. Di Leo of McKinney, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, after a courageous battle with dementia. He was 85 years old.

Michael was born on October 7, 1940, in Queens, New York, to Chester and Josephine Di Leo. Growing up, he spent many early mornings alongside his father and brother, Chet, selecting the day’s freshest produce for the family business, Chester’s Market. Those early experiences instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for hard work, serving others, and building meaningful relationships.

He began his career in the mailroom at Merrill Lynch in New York City and, through determination, integrity, and an unwavering work ethic, worked his way up to become a Vice President. Over a remarkable 40-year career, his work took him from New York to Texas, then to Princeton, New Jersey, back to Texas, and finally to Arizona. Along the way, Michael became a respected mentor and friend to many, taking pride in helping others succeed.

Even after retiring, Michael’s appreciation for Merrill Lynch never faded. Wanting to preserve the company’s history and give back to the organization that had given him so much, he created the Mother Merrill website. Though the site is no longer active, it reflected his deep gratitude for the career, friendships, and opportunities Merrill Lynch provided throughout his life.

For 61 years, Michael shared an extraordinary love story with his beloved wife, Florence. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and devotion, raising four children: Kim, Donna, Mike, and Jason. Florence was his constant companion through every season of life and remained by his side until his final moments.

Michael is survived by his devoted wife, Florence; his children, Kim Fullerton (Bruce), Donna Pellegrino (Nick), Mike (Leanne), and Jason (Amie); his eight cherished grandchildren, Nicolas, Anna Grace, Tyler, Matthew (Layne), Phillip (Caroline), Quentin, Arden, and Lila; his great-granddaughter, Lucy Lynn Di Leo, daughter of Phillip and Caroline; and his sister, Jacqueline (Deirdre). He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved brother, Chet.

Those who knew Michael will remember his warm smile, gentle kindness, and caring heart. He had a way of making people feel welcome and valued, and there was nothing he treasured more than time spent with family and friends. Michael’s greatest joy was his family, but his passions extended far beyond. He loved restoring his Jaguar, working on projects around the house, reading, music, art, and collecting antiques. He had a remarkable ability to find beauty in both extraordinary moments and everyday life.

One of his family’s favorite memories is of Michael sitting on the front porch of his home in McKinney, quietly taking in the beauty around him—the trees swaying in the breeze, the songs of the birds, and the simple gift of another day. It reflected the way he lived his life: with gratitude and appreciation for the world around him.

Not long before his passing, Michael shared that he had lived a life with no regrets. For those who knew and loved him, there is great comfort in knowing he truly meant it. His legacy of kindness, perseverance, humility, and unconditional love will live on in the family he treasured and the many lives he touched.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be private with his family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Princess Promise https://princesspromise.org/ , or simply take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you, just as Michael always did.