Michael Joseph Lalumia

In his early years, Michael attended St. Bernard Church as a young boy. His father owned Urso’s Grocery Store in South Dallas, behind Fair Park, where Michael was quite literally raised in the store—spending much of his time in a playpen behind the counter while his mother, Josephine, cared for him. From an early age, Michael absorbed the values and lessons of the family business, working alongside his father and learning what it truly meant to serve a community.

Mike grew up in an old East Dallas neighborhood, surrounded by his extended family. Sundays were sacred—everyone gathered at his grandmother’s house, which was always filled with the sound of laughter, the aroma of Italian cooking, and the warmth of love. These gatherings were never complete without lively poker and dice games, creating treasured memories that shaped his love for family, tradition, and storytelling.

As a child, he stood on a milk carton to help wait on customers, many of whom became lifelong friends. After his father sold the store, the family moved to Kaufman, Texas, where they opened the first of many restaurants. As a teenager, Michael played an active role in these ventures, spending time with his aunts and uncles and enjoying days filled with hunting and fishing.

When his father Frank passed away in 1980, the family returned to Dallas. Michael and his brother Sam bought back their father’s original grocery store, marking the beginning of many business ventures together. After selling the store, Michael went to work at Prego Pasta House, where he met and fell in love with Nancy. They married shortly after and, two years later, were blessed with their daughter Angela. The young family settled in Heath, Texas.

In the late 1980s, Michael and Sam, along with their Uncle Henry, opened L & L Liquor in Kaufman. After selling the liquor store, the brothers returned to their roots in fine Italian dining with Tatiano’s. There, Michael “held court” at the front of the house, bringing joy to countless guests who quickly became like family.

Their final venture together was a beloved spot called Wings, where their eldest brother Joe joined them. The business thrived for 25 years, filled with laughter, stories, and camaraderie. Perhaps their greatest legacy is that many of these businesses are still operating today—still employing some of their original people.

Michael and his brothers valued their people deeply, often taking the team on fishing trips and always closing on Sundays to honor family and faith.

Even in illness, Michael remained focused on helping others in need with St Jude's Children’s Hospital being dear to his heart—a true testament to the character he carried throughout his life.

A very special thanks to Dr Hans Hammers and the teams at UTSW Medical as well as T Boone Pickens Hospice Center, and Father James Dorman of Saint Jude's parish.