Michael Luke Abbaticchio

Visitation will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM at Woodlawn Funeral Home followed by an entombment at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Michael was born on November 17, 1968 in Queens, New York to Mike and Janice (Herring) Abbaticchio. Michael was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, a severe, no-progressive neuromuscular disease similar to muscle dystrophy. Michael’s parents were told he would never talk, feed himself, go to school or be independent. Michael graduated high school from Henry Viscardi High School in Albertson, New York where he played wheelchair hockey and other sports. He loved sports, especially the NY Yankees, NY Islander Hockey and the Dallas Cowboys. He loved all kinds of music, except rap, airplanes, flying, cruising, animals, dogs, Disney, Snoopy, and especially drawing. He was a great artist.

Michael proved doctors wrong. He fed himself and was fully independent and learned to drive his van using hand controls. He volunteered at Orlando Health Hospital in Orlando, Seton Williamson Hospital in Round Rock, Texas and Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine in Orlando, Florida.

To quote his cousin, Brittany Costa, “Michael was the strongest, funniest, most talented and sweetest soul, if you knew Michael, you get it, if you didn’t, I’m sorry you missed out on someone who made this world better.”

He will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, concern and love for others. He rarely complained no matter how sick or how much suffering he endured. When asked, he was “Always Fine.”

Michael was preceded in death by his beloved canine companion service dog, Leila, grandparents Roy and Marie Herring of Mexia, Texas and Luke and Louise Abbaticchio of Valley Stream, New York.

Michael is survived by his parents, Mike and Janice Abbaticchio of Orlando, Florida, Aunt and Uncle, Karl and Irene Wolf, special friends, Annette Catapano of Deland, Florida and Erica Walsh of Manchester, England, Cousins Phil, Bonnie, Cari and Brittany Costa, and Beth and Matt Hewitt, Kendall, Jolene and Lakota Martin and friends. He also leaves behind numerous loving cousins and friends.

He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Orlando, Florida and Knights of Columbus.

In Lieu of Flowers, Please donate to Canine Companions of Independence or your favorite charity