Michael C. Araneo

Michael is predeceased by his mother Mary, his father Charles, his wife Ann, and his son Charles Raymond.

He is survived by his loving companion of 35 years Marilyn Klubenspies of New City, NY, her daughter Lisa and son-in-law Brian of Croton-On-Hudson, NY, and their three children, Christopher, Matthew, and Jessica.

Michael is lovingly remembered by his daughter Mary of Congers, NY, his son Michael, daughter-in-law Maryann, and granddaughter Alexandra, of New City, NY.

Michael was born in Englewood, NJ on September 4th, 1931 and grew up working on the back of his father’s garbage truck in Teaneck, NJ. He graduated from Teaneck High School in 1949 and was a standout four-sport letterman during his time there. He was voted All NNJIL 1st team football and wrestling. In wrestling he finished the 1948 – 1949 season ranked #2 in the State in the 165lb weight class, and as captain of the football team he helped the ’48 squad win the League and New Jersey Group 3 State Championship. Michael was inducted into the Teaneck Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. In 1950 Michael graduated from The Trinity School, New York, NY, where he was captain of both wrestling and football teams, leading Trinity football to an undefeated season in the Ivy Preparatory School League, and he was unbeaten throughout 1949 – 1950 on the wrestling mat. Michael was awarded a football scholarship to attend Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA in 1951.

Following college, Michael moved his family from New Jersey to Rockland County, NY and founded Michael Araneo, Inc. Excavating, working on many construction projects throughout the New York, New Jersey area including clearing the land for the development of Germonds Park in West Nyack and Congers Lake Memorial Park in Congers, NY. Michael was hired in 1968 by the Town of Clarkstown and was appointed Supervisor of what became the Rockland County Sanitary Landfill and Solid Waste facility in 1969, a position he held for nearly 37 years. During his time as Supervisor he received commendations from the State of New York and Rockland County Health Department for improving site conditions and was awarded a Civilian Commendation for bravery by the Clarkstown Police Department for locating and disposing of a live hand-grenade. He served with honor as president of the Valley Cottage, NY Lions Club service organization, and cofounded the Independent Contractors Association of Rockland County.

Michael was an avid golfer who won several longest-drive competitions and course tournaments throughout the 1980s and ’90s, and was recognized by the Metropolitan Golf Association for hitting a Hole-In-One at Rockland Lake Golf Course, May 27th 2000. Michael coached little league in Congers, NY for many years and youth hockey at Low Tor Ice Center in Garnerville, NY. Michael could always be counted on in times of need; he had an easygoing and generous nature, and was well loved by his many friends and family members. He will be sorely missed.

Visitation services will be held at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home, 321 S. Main Street, New City, NY on Friday, January 5th from 2-4PM and 7-9PM with prayers at 8PM – burial ceremonies to be held privately.

Those who so desire may make memorial donations in Michael’s memory to the High Tor Animal Care Shelter, 65 Firemen’s Memorial Dr., Pomona, NY 10970 (website: www.hitor.org)