Michael J. Buonomo was born on January 7, 1927, the sixth child to Italian immigrants in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Mike’s father was a successful tailor and the Buonomos lived comfortably during a period of global uneasiness. Mike’s personality traits began to form at an early age. Always a sleepy person, whenever missing, Mike could be found in the pile of clean laundry at his father’s shop taking a nap. This characteristic would always help define Mike’s character. One evening at a stomping Louis Prima concert, one audience member gently nodded off throughout the show’s entirety. It was also Mike who would be the first to doze off at family events after each course. He was also the best to nap with.
Mike’s jobs varied throughout the 1940s, beginning at Orbach’s in the shoe department (one of his personal favorite roles), until landing at his brother’s pet store. It was here that Mike would find his calling, eventually owning the shop and caring for animals – something he would continue to do until his final days. It was at this time Mike also picked up his love for card games!
His family moved to Maspeth in 1947 and it was at this time, on the subway, he met his beloved Fay. Always shy, it was his future wife who had to make the first move, asking Mike to dance…and for a ride home that evening. The two courted for several years, mostly because “(Mike) was too afraid to get married!” It was his mother-in-law that gave him an ultimatum. The two wed on June 7, 1953 and honeymooned in the Poconos. In 1956, they welcomed their only “Dolly Bella,” Linda.
Fay always acted as the family leader, but Mike instilled love and work ethic into his daughter. The two of them shared special fishing trips and a love for nature. As a unit, one thing always came first: family. It is this lesson that has been passed along to Mikes’ grandchildren and all those in his life.
Mike passed away peacefully at the age of 94, calling for his true love, Fay. He leaves his loving daughter Linda; his granddaughter Nicole, her husband Patrick, and great-grandchildren Anthony and Isabella (two of the joys of his life); his grandson Justin; and his family pets Tobi and Teddy. Mike will live in our hearts always and his lessons of calm, strong love will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Michael can be made to the charity of your choice.
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