Michael Nicoletti

Michael Nicoletti, 100, a life-long resident of Valhalla, passed away at home on January 16, 2024. He was born on May 8, 1923 to Nicholas and Delia (Pacenza) Nicoletti at the family home on the property of the Kensico Cemetery, where his father worked after immigrating from Italy.

Michael was employed by the Town of Mount Pleasant in the Traffic and Safety Department for 20 years, retiring in 1992. Prior to that he was employed as a mechanic for Kensico Cemetery, owned the Twins Garage in Valhalla with his twin brother Joseph, and was an auto mechanic at Packard. He was also a longtime member of Valhalla Independent Fire Company, Valhalla American Legion Post 1038, and the Mount Pleasant Police Auxiliary. After his retirement, Michael drove a school bus for Charles Stotz, Inc. He was a man who always had a huge, genuine, "million dollar" smile for whomever he met-and everyone loved and admired him. When one little girl got on his bus on Halloween and noticed he didn't have a costume on, she thought for a minute and told him, "You could be God!". That kind, loving, personality was at the core of everything he did and is his legacy along with the values he instilled in his children.

Michael was a World War II veteran and served with his twin brother Joseph by his side from January 1943 through November 1945-both as Sergeants in the Army Air Corps, serving in the Pacific Theater. He met and married the love of his life, Dean (Tancredi) Nicoletti in 1948, a marriage that lasted 68 years and was truly made in heaven. Their love for each other was so apparent to everyone that knew them. No one can actually remember them ever fighting about anything. Dean sadly passed away in March 2016.

Michael built a home for his family in Valhalla, using self-taught skills that would last him a lifetime. He loved using his hands and big equipment to make things and he was very good at it. He never accepted "good enough" for any job he worked on. It always had to be done right. He has lived in that house for over 67 years.

Michael is survived by his loving and devoted children, Donna Guiffreda and husband Anthony, Steven Nicoletti and wife Rachele, and James Nicoletti; Four cherished grandchildren: Andrea Guiffreda, Dana Guiffreda (Mike Kelly), Michael Nicoletti, and Amanda Nicoletti. He is also survived by his sister, Gladys Ciocca and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Ralph, Joseph and Nicholas. Our deepest gratitude to his caring personal aides, Justice and Obu for being with him day and night.

Reposing Hawthorne Funeral Home on Friday, 4-8 PM with a service on Saturday at 9:45am followed by internment at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Michael's name to the Rosary Hill Home, 600 Linda Avenue, Hawthorne, NY 10532.