OBITUARY Michael F. Velotta Jr. June 15, 1932 – December 10, 2018 Michael F. Velotta, Jr., 86, passed away peacefully at Hospice of the Western Reserve in Medina, OH on December 10, 2018. Mike was married to his loving and supportive wife, Sue Velotta for 41 years. Mike was a caring and encouraging patriarch, father to Michael F. (Jacquie) Velotta, III, Linda (Randy) Donaldson, Thomas (Chris) Velotta, Timothy Velotta, and Dominic Velotta and step-father to Robbin (Philip) Northrup and Thomas (Kathy) Russ.
Mike is survived by his brother and business partner, Robert (Buz) Velotta and the mother of his 5 children, Joanne Farinacci. Mike was a proud Grandpa to his grandchildren Shannon Velotta, Timothy Velotta, Katie Velotta, Maria (Jeff) Misener, Nicholas (Michelle) Velotta, Jennifer Velotta, Michael F. Velotta, IV, Christopher and Noah Spegal and Thomas, Joseph and Elizabeth Russ. He was blessed with six great-grandchildren, Timothy Velotta, Tyler and Cameron Gamiere, Alyssa Donaldson, Luke Misener and Luke Velotta.
He was preceded in death by his parents Rose and Michael F. Velotta, Sr., his sister-in-law Connie (Buz) Velotta, and his lifelong friend Bill Flesher. Mike Jr. lived a very full and active life. He was in the first graduating class from Gilmour Academy in 1950 where he received the award of Top Senior Basketball Player in the District.
He also liked to golf and bowl. He attended the University of Notre Dame, John Carroll University and Case Western Reserve University. In 1954, Mike and Buz started River Construction Company; they merged companies with their Dad (Michael F. Velotta, Sr.) to create M.F. Velotta & Sons.
They quickly grew from a local concrete paving company to one of the major concrete pavers in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. In 1983, Mike Sr. retired at the age of 82. Mike Jr. and Buz continued the family business as The Velotta Company which became one of the first and most respected concrete overlay contractors in Ohio and West Virginia.
Mike Jr. was completely dedicated to his work. He loved managing the projects and was very adamant about daily communication with his superintendents. He was also known in the industry as having the cleanest and best maintained equipment in construction.
Mike was rarely without a cigar and his red book. He never missed his 11:30 am lunches with Buz, unless he was visiting one of their projects. In addition to their construction company, Mike and Buz built Solon Freeway Lanes in the early 1960’s which they owned for over 25 years.
He carried on his family legacy of hard work, loyalty and love of concrete construction. He mentored his sons and taught them the meaning of dedication. All four of his sons worked for The Velotta Company, starting as laborers, then taking on more reposibilities in the company.
Mike III and Dominic branched off and started Velotta Paving Company. Tom remained with Mike Jr. and Buz and eventually took over his Dad’s role as Operations and Equipment Manager (although Mike never retired). Mike and Sue were married December 24, 1977 and spent many years traveling and playing a lot of tennis.
They often travelled to the Caribbean Islands; they loved tropical weather and playing tennis anywhere they went. They were members of Walden Tennis Club for over 30 years. Mike loved watching professional sports and he was very athletic.
He was an avid and outstanding tennis player; he played into his early 80’s and won senior amateur awards for his exceptional talent. Mike loved to dance – he spent a lot of time on the dance floor at weddings. If he had been famous, his eloquence, confidence and beautiful smile could have landed him a spot on “Dancing with the Stars”.
Mike was a hard worker and great athlete, but number 1 in his “book” was his family. He adored Sue and she was always there for him. An endearing and emphatic “Susan” was one of his most used words!
His family was the center of his world. He and Sue hosted many family holiday dinners and although he was always the first one in the buffet line at family birthdays, first communions, graduations and weddings, he never missed a chance to be with his family. Mike Jr. touched many lives throughout his long, happy, sometimes difficult and productive life.
He was energetic, animated, courageous and unique. He will forever be in our hearts. His family wishes to express their gratitude to the Hospice of the Western Reserve for their care over the past several weeks.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, December 16, 2018 from 2 PM – 6 PM at the DiCicco Funeral Home, 5975 Mayfield Rd. , Mayfield Hts. , OH 44124.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, December 17, 2018 at 10:30 AM at St. Rita’s Church, 32820 Baldwin Rd. , Solon, OH 44139. Inurnment All Souls Cemetery, Chardon, OH.
Please share your memories and condolences on this website or diciccoandsonsfh.com In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve Medina (hospicewr.org) or 5075 Windfall Drive, Medina, OH 44256 or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.
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