Michael Joseph Fiumarelli, Jr.

It is with a deep and profound sadness that the family of Michael Joseph Fiumarelli Jr. announce his passing Sunday morning, June 30, 2024. He died at home in the company of his loving wife Gail Johnson. Michael, often called Mike, was a great man. He was a big man, not only in stature at 6’4”, but also in voice, reason, intelligence, compassion, and love.

The son of the late Marie and Michael Fiumarelli, Sr., Michael was born in Bronx, NY on March 1, 1942. No one at that time knew what a profound and positive effect he would have on so many lives. Given his humility, it was apparent that not even Michael would have ever guessed. He was Catholic grade and high school (St. Helena's) educated and then attended Fordham University, Bronx campus where he graduated with a degree in liberal arts in 1963. Once he completed his degree, he needed money, so he took a job substitute teaching high school English which, according to Michael, was “not for me”. What interested him most was public relations. He loved a good, or a great discussion. Michael could be heard rooms away having an intelligent, animated discussion with just about anyone who would engage with him. This was truly one of his most endearing traits as he could command a room in a loving and respectful manner. Ultimately, he applied for and won the anchor spot on Middletown NY’s WALL radio broadcast Orange County Speaks. Thereafter, everyone in town and many neighboring towns knew his name. He was a celebrity du jour in the late 1960s to mid-1970s. Everyone who met him loved him. It was during this time that Michael met and fell in love with Regina, his first wife. Regina had two little girls aged 5 and 6. That did not stop Michael from marrying Regina and caring for his new daughters as his own. At this time, because of the man he was, Michael knew he had to begin earning more to care for his instant family. He interviewed for a new job and the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) in their public relations department and won them over. This began his career as a commuter from Middletown to Manhattan every workday. Michael worked for the MTA until he was transferred to a new position at the New York Power Authority where he worked until his early retirement at age 56. He spent his remaining years being a loving, supportive, and gentle - father, grandfather, and husband. He was a parishioner and dedicated lector at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

Michael’s first wife Regina passed suddenly in October of 2002. Michael and his daughters took this very hard, yet Michael always found ways to lovingly fill his time by visiting his daughters (Arizona & New Jersey), spending fun times with his grandchildren, watching the METS and the JETS (and, let’s face it, any sports he could tune into), and playing cards on the regular with some friends. Michael continued to fill his time this way until he was introduced to Gail Johnson in late January 2006 by some friends. Michael believed that to win a woman’s heart you must treat her like royalty and listen. His method proved true and by February 2006 they were an item. Michael and Gail became new grandparents together, in 2008, to their twin grandchildren Carly and Carson. Now they had 5 grandchildren to love together. Gail and Michael went on many excursions together introducing Michael to a whole new world of people and adventures. Not only did they venture off to many places to enjoy old and new friends, but Michael and Gail organized a trip with their new grandchildren each summer. The greatest and farthest adventure being Ireland in July 2019, a much-needed vacation after the sudden death of three of their grandchildren’s father. Michael supported Gail in all her endeavors and was her biggest cheerleader at all her musical presentations. He shared his lifetime love of opera with Gail.

Mike is survived by his beloved family, his wife Gail Johnson; his children Gabrielle Bruno of Arizona and Gena Clark of Pennsylvania; his 5 grandchildren, who meant the world to him – Selene and Alden Bruno, and Cameron, Carly and Carson Clark; his nephews Anthony Fiumarelli, Colin Morgan and Wayne Modelfino (Diane); niece Cara Walsh (Mark) and sisters in law, Arline Fiumarelli and Nicolette Bajan. He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife, Regina, brother Tony (Anthony) who Mike called ‘Ant’ and sons in law, Matthew Bruno and John Clark.He was known as husband, father, Dad, Grandpa and Poppy and he will be missed more than anyone can imagine. Jesus, please bring your faithful servant to Your mansion of many rooms until we meet again.

Visitation will be held on from 3 to 7 pm on Friday, July 5, 2024 at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc, 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940. A Mass of Chirstian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 90 Euclid Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940. Burial will follow in the Fiumarelli plot in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Newburgh, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Michael’s name may be made to his parish, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 90 Euclid Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940.