Michael Frederick Bologna died peacefully at home in New Orleans, on February 18, 2020, with his spouse, Patrick Toole, at his side. He was the son of the late Frederick Anthony Bologna of New Orleans, and the late Donna Hudson Bologna, of Baton Rouge. Michael was born on April 18, 1958 in Louisville, KY. He attended Methacton High School in Fairview Village, PA., then went on to graduate from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
He is survived by 2 siblings, Carla Bologna Hellmers (Keith J. Hellmers, Sr.), Leslyn Bologna Lorelli (Marc F. Lorelli) and numerous nieces, Elizabeth Anne Lorelli, Carrie Hellmers Mayfield (Jerry), Catherine Lorelli Bonifay (Cory), Kristen Hellmers MacShane (Ryan), Caryn Crossland, Claire Hudson, Grace Hudson, Vicky Brock (Mike), Georgia Arnold (Howard), Tina Butkus (Scott) and Tammy Mattingly (David). He is also survived by his nephew, Keith James Hellmers, Jr., and his great-nephew, Jasper Maxwell Bonifay (affectionately known by Michael as “Red”).
Michael’s passions in life included theatre, dance, and performing arts. He had vision and thrived on designing and directing every aspect of life (especially family portraits, gatherings, holidays, and major life events). He performed in “Smile” (the musical production by Marvin Hamlisch) in the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway, “The Catlins” (a prime-time soap opera based in Atlanta), and several productions at the Bucks County Playhouse in PA, including “Pippin”. He was dancer and assistant choreographer in numerous Miss America Pageants, as well as numerous years with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He also acted in several commercials (Ryan’s Steakhouse) and posed for print advertisement (Volkswagen of America). In the New Orleans restaurant industry, he shared his talents with the opening of Spunto. He also worked with management and staff at Andrea’s, Arnaud’s, Bombay Club, and Hotel Intercontinental.
Michael was devoted to his family. He was a spouse, son, brother, uncle, cousin, godfather and friend. He was an original, creative, focused, innovative, opinionated, driven, and loving gentleman. He will be sorely missed.
Please join family and friends to celebrate Michael on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veteran's Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA, 70006. Visitation will be at 11:30AM, followed by a memorial service at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to NO/AIDS Task Force at www.crescentcarehealth.org/donate. If you do not wish to make a donation, our suggested florist is Golden Touch Florist, 3945 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002, Phone: (504) 888-6300.
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