Mr. Michael A. Bello, age 85, of Boca Raton, FL for the last twenty years, and formerly of Utica, passed away on Friday, May 11, 2018, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital with his family at his side.
He was born in Utica, NY, on June 7, 1932, a son of the late Patsy and Josephine (Buono) Bello. Michael was raised and educated in local schools and attended T. R. Proctor High School. Mr. Bello was a proud U.S. Army Veteran and served during the Korean War. On June 9, 1956, in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church in Utica, he was wed to the former Geraldine Lofaro. The couple shared a union of over sixty-one years, filled with love and a strong devotion for each other and their family. A Master Plumber and Pipefitter by trade, he worked for over twenty years with Giruzzi Heating and Plumbing, Inc. on Bleecker Street in Utica. He was a member of the UA Local 112, Plumbers and Pipefitters for over fifty years; other memberships include the Knights of Columbus, Council # 11241 in Boca Raton; the Sons of Italy – Sgt. Frederick M. Bonanno Lodge # 2549 in Boca Raton; the Whitestown American Legion, Post # 1113; the 40 & 8 Voiture # 92, in Whitestown, where he served as past, Chef de Gare; the VFW Post # 7393, of Whitestown; and at one time the Sons of Italy Lodge # 2054 in Utica.
Mike had a great passion for baseball; he loved the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins, and attended many Marlins Games and spring training games while living in Florida.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Geraldine, of Boca Raton; two daughters and sons-in-law, Michele and Roberto Fonzi, of Las Vegas, NV, and Laurie and Roger Klein, Jr., of Herkimer. Roger’s dedication to Mike and Gerry allowed him to stay in his home during the last years of his life; three grandchildren, Nico Fonzi, of Las Vegas, Roger Klein, III and Ross Michael Klein, both of Herkimer; and a sister and brother-in-law, Maryann and Ralph Froio, of Whitesboro. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Theresa Suppa, Lucille LaVine, and Joann Trotta, all of Utica. He was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Cosmo and Julie Bello; and two brothers-in-law, Salvatore Suppa and Tony Trotta.
In keeping with Mike’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated on Tuesday morning, May 22, 2018, at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish in Utica with Military Honors. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Adrean Funeral Service, Inc., 700 Rutger Street, Utica, NY 13501 (at the Matt Funeral Home).