Michael leaves his true love, Michelina “Mickey” (Cestone), after sixty years of marriage and their children: Michael Jr. and his wife Kathy, Tony and his wife Cindy, Paul and his wife Regina, Steven and his wife Liz, and Julie. He was the loving Grandpa of AJ, Allison, Daniel, Sarah, Matthew, Joseph, Jessica, Rebecca, Joshua, Andrew, Ryan and Timothy. He is also survived by his beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother Albert Benedict and sister Lillian Lentine.
After graduating from Tufts University with a B.S. in Organic Chemistry, Michael enjoyed a career and life in upstate New York. He first moved to Canajoharie to work for the Beech-Nut Life Savers Corp. as an analytical food chemist. Favorite memories from his bachelor years include a regular gig playing piano at a local hotel and traveling by ship to Europe. During this time he proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserve. He later moved to Fulton to become Manager of Quality Control for The Nestle Company.
While on a business visit to Cape Cod in 1969, Michael learned of a candy store up for sale in Hyannis. Deciding it was time to do their own thing, he and Mickey purchased Cape Cod Candies and relocated their young family. Their business expanded to four locations and, with it, grew a tight-knit community of staff, customers and fellow Main Street business owners.
After closing their stores, Michael joined the IRS as a Tax Resolution Representative - a role he held for over ten years that fulfilled his desire to be of service to people. Throughout his life, Michael was active in various civic organizations; charities which provided food and shelter were most dear to him.
In retirement, Michael served as Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Victory parish. He was happiest in the company of his family and walking the beaches with his sweetheart, Mickey. He will be remembered for his big laugh, love of family and friends, adventurous spirit and generous heart.
Visiting hours from 2 - 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 12 at Doane, Beal & Ames funeral home, 160 West Main Street, Hyannis. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11a.m. on Monday, February 13 at Our Lady of Victory Church, Centerville. Services will conclude with burial at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Centerville. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
Please remember Michael through any act of generosity to those in need.
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