Michael was born in Brooklyn, New York to Antonina and Michele Rietta. He was such a good child that his parents decided to have another, and thus his sister Grace was born.
After attending Baruch College in Manhattan, he married and had his two daughters Chrissy and Becky, who he loved dearly.
Michael learned how to build from his father who was a contractor, a skill that followed him throughout his life. He exercised this skill helping to build the sets for his high school plays, building things for the house, helping to design and build vans for the handicapped, and ultimately building a life surrounded by many who loved him. His friends and family knew him as an open hearted man who you could depend on. His friend Diana even recalled how Michael was the one she called after she dropped her new engagement ring down the sink. Michael immediately came over and took apart the sink, and found the ring because that was the type of guy that he was. This is just one of countless stories of Michael’s selflessness from throughout his life.
He experienced a sort of “rebirth” in his later years after meeting his wife Sandra. He found joy in trying new foods, traveling around the world, and even realized the beach can be an amazing place, especially when the water is blue and you have a drink in hand.
He was so strong and fought so hard in his fight against colorectal cancer. He was a kind man, who touched the lives of everyone he met. He will be remembered as an amazing, loving, smart, stubborn, generous, creative soul who’s skills ranged from impeccable driving to carrying upwards of 6 pina colada’s at once.
He is survived by a loving wife, a sister, two beautiful daughters, two step children, a large Italian family including michael’s #1,3,4, & 5, a cat he didn’t want, and a hell of a lot of stuff he refused to throw away.
If you are able, we encourage a donation to https://paltown.org/donate/ in memory of Michael Rietta. Also, having a drink of Bourbon and screaming “Fuck Cancer” at the top of your lungs in his memory is acceptable.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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