Michael A. Mirabelli

June 2, 1922 ~ October 15, 2016

On October 15, 2016, Michael A. Mirabelli, age 94, passed away peacefully at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, CA, with his loving wife by his side.

Mike was born June 2, 1922 in West Hoboken, New Jersey to Carmine and Filomena Silvagna Mirabelli. He attended Memorial High School in West New York where old time Hudson County sports fans will remember him as one of the greatest quarterbacks who ever played for Memorial High School. Mike was part of a team who held the record for consecutive wins at the time, and whose team beat the St. Cecelia Team that was coached by probably the greatest coach who ever lived, Vince Lombardi. He later transferred to La Salle Academy in Long Island, New York, prior to being drafted into the Army Corp. After completing his tour of duty in 1945 he moved to Las Vegas and worked in his father’s dry cleaning business for a short period prior to enrolling at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). During his years at UNR he played football as a quarterback and graduated in 1951. He made many life-long friends at UNR who he continued to stay in touch with up until his death.

Mike had a diverse career over his lifetime that included teaching grade school for one year in Las Vegas. He loved the kids, but felt teaching was not his forte. From 1953-1968 he was the owner/operator of Mirabelli’s Music City, at one point he owned three music stores in the Reno/Carson City area. During these years he hosted a local TV show that showcased new artists for the local teens to critique their music, and a local radio show called “The Rats Nest.” Street dances for teens were a huge part of both programs. Celebrities that attended some of these activities included Rosemary Clooney, Tony Bennett, and Trini Lopez, to name a few.

Mike served as Chairman for the Washoe County Commissioners from 1960-1962, Nevada State Treasurer from 1963-1978 and served on the National Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society. In 1978 he moved to San Francisco and began a ten-year career in local government sales with Bank of America. Mike worked for Bank of New York, San Francisco, in National and Local Government Sales and Public Relations from 1989-1998. Mike was extremely instrumental in gaining state treasury accounts for the Bank of New York. In 1993 Mike transferred to the Los Angeles office where he worked until his retirement in 1998.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Kaye Hyman Mirabelli; beloved step-daughters, Rose Echevarria (Rick), Lillian Pavich (Nick), Jamie Valencia (Jimmy); stepson, John Wright (Denise); grandchildren, Nick & Travis Echevarria, Dominique P. Duplantis (Matt), Drew & Taylor Wright, Dylan Riley, & Danica Valencia. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his seven siblings. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins in the Carson City, Las Vegas, and New Jersey areas.

Mike never met a stranger, he loved people and loved to chat with them. He loved to golf with his buddies up until about 3 years ago when he had to give it up. Some knew him as “Ugo”, and his family and close friends called him “Mikey”. He loved life and had a strong will to live because he was happy and content with his life. His wit and stories of his life experiences will always be cherished by his loved ones, and his friends.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.michaeljfox.org.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 19, 2016, 1:00 pm, at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com