Michael Mondelli, known by his friends as Mondo, age 69 of Manahawkin, NJ passed away at home surrounded by his loving family and friends. Michael was raised in Cherry Hill, NJ and spent many summers with his family at his Aunt Pauline and Uncle John’s house located in North Beach, Long Beach Island. Upon retiring he, his wife Patty and their son, Ryan became permanent residents of Beach Haven West in Manahawkin.
Mike was predeceased by his loving parents, Jean and Arthur Mondelli. Michael is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 35 years, Patty, his beloved son, Ryan, his special furbaby, Parker and his cherished siblings: brother Rob and his wife, Marcia, sister Mary and her husband, Steve and brother Joe and his wife, Linda and many loving and caring nieces and nephews. Mike is also survived by the Rodriguez family who were his special and dear-to-his-heart second family; they referred to Mike as ‘a son from another mother’ by his second mother, Alice Rodriguez, his ‘brother’ Gerard and his wife, Cheri and his ‘sister’ Ceci and her husband, Jim.
Mike is a veteran of the US Air Force, serving his country proudly during the Vietnam War as a jet mechanic. Upon returning to New Jersey after his military service, Mike opened a gas station/auto repair shop in Hammonton for a couple of years before being asked to be a driver for a Mobile TV production company. He never looked back and worked his way up from being a driver to learning the skills needed to become a video engineer and ultimately he became the Engineer in Charge meaning he was responsible for the mobile unit, staff and equipment. Mike travelled throughout the US broadcasting many Super Bowls, World Series, Golf and Tennis Tournaments and the Olympics in Salt Lake City just to name a few. Mike loved his work and continued to freelance until his illness.
Mike loved boating and fishing and participated in deep sea fishing tournaments with his cousin, John, on the Marine Max fishing boat. His other love was his yellow 1966 Mustang convertible which he would display at many area car shows or he could be seen just driving around town or going to Long Beach Island with the top down and music blaring. Mike also enjoyed spending quality time bartending and hanging out with his friends at his favorite drinking spot, Chapo’s.
Michael will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be sent to Down Syndrome Association of Delaware, PO Box 747, Middletown, DE 19709 or to Sheltered Saviors and Rescued Friends (SSARF), PO Box 1076, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.
A memorial service and mass will be held on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, NJ. The family will receive friends and family at the church from 10 to 11 after which mass will begin. Following the mass, Mike will be honored for his military service and will receive Military Funeral Honors.
To leave online condolences, please visit: www.shinnfuneralhome.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.3