Tony Micheli

Anthony "Tony" Micheli passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at home, surrounded by love, in the arms of his family that adored him. A week prior Tony suffered a completely unexpected massive stroke and heart attack.

Tony was born in Ceccano, Italy and came to America when he was 16 years old on the Andrea Doria. He suffered from starvation while a small child in war torn Italy. When the American Troops came through Italy, he vowed he would become an American Soldier when he grew up. He joined the Army after his high school education in Rensselaer, NY. In the Army he spent most of his time in Germany. He couldn't believe his fate that only three years in America would find him back in Europe. However, he proudly gained his U.S. Citizenship while honorably serving our country.

Tony joined the Ironworkers Union and erected steel in commercial buildings all across America. Later in life he formed his own company, Capital Erectors, in Albany, NY. Always thinking of sunshine, he set a personal goal to retire at 55 and move to Florida which he accomplished moving to Ormond Beach, FL in 1996. However, after a year of retirement he formed another construction company, Anthony Micheli, LLC and continued construction work for Macy's Department Stores throughout the country. In his semi-retirement he and his wife traveled around the world and he also enjoyed playing golf with all of his buddies at Tomoka Oaks Golf Course.

While on vacation in St. Maarten he met the love of his life, from across the room of a restaurant in a very nice resort, he noticed a women taking muffins and putting them in her purse. After previously vowing to never get married again, he told those around him that he just saw the woman he was going to marry. "Because anyone coming to a resort like this that would steal muffins, I know that I will never go hungry again." They continued a beautiful love story with her receiving a flower every day, never missing one day, for another 21 years.

Tony was a very kind and generous man to many people. He made an impression on everyone he met and will be remembered for his larger than life personality, his big heart, sparkling eyes and huge smile. He was the foundation for his two loving daughters. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Marianna and Luigi Micheli. He is survived by his wife Vicki, his daughters Nicole Micheli of Orlando, FL and Elizabeth Micheli of St. Louis, MO; step-sons Leland (Angie) and Laramie (Kristen) Hughes of New Oxford, PA and Dr. Lance (Amy) Hughes of Hobson, MT. Seven grandchildren, Colton, River, Devyn, Cheyenne, Dalton, Maggie and Ella. Taking care of his family was his mission and greatest accomplishment in life.

In lieu of flowers sent to him, it would be his wish for you to give your loved one a flower and tell them how much they mean to you. He would want you to always remember him with a smile.

A Visitation will take place Sunday, March 15, 2015 from 12:00- 1:00 p.m. at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Ormond Beach, FL. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with entombment to follow at Volusia Memorial Park, Ormond Beach. Rev. Raphael Camilo will officiate. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.volusiamemorialfunerals.com