Michael R. Contarino, of Medford, passed away on Wednesday, October 27th. He was 73. Born and raised in Medford, he was the cherished son of the late Antonino and the Carolyn (Ciccoria) Contarino.
When Michael was younger his father passed away suddenly leaving him to fill the role of the caretaker to his mother and his two brothers. This life lesson is what gave him his strong work ethic. His main priority was taking care of his family and children. Michael had fond memories of spending the summers with his family on Long Beach in Gloucester.
A quick witted man, with a sharp sense of humor; Michael was known to tell you how things were. He often spared using a filter. Michael was a huge Elvis fan and frequently visited Las Vegas. He later married his late wife Lenore in a Las Vegas chapel.
Danielle shared that she remembers her father as her first best friend; they were unbelievably close even when they drove each other crazy. They loved to argue, it was their love language, and you probably could have sold tickets to watch them. Every single one of her friends has a memory of him. She quoted that “He was like a little Guido character out of a movie.” Patricia shared that she is going to miss gathering around the kitchen table during holidays eating her fathers stuffed artichokes.
Michael was the beloved husband of the late Lenore (Amico) Contarino. He was the devoted father of Patricia Murphy and her husband Brendan of Wakefield, Danielle Contarino and her husband Joshua Haskin of Clermont, FL, and Anthony Contarino of Medford. He was the loving Papa of Brooke and Michael Contarino. He was the caring uncle of Marisa Nazareno of Medford, and Anthony Contarino of Wilmington. He was the dear brother of the late Anthony Jr., and Joseph Contarino. He was the former husband and friend of Laney Rimini.
A funeral service will be celebrated in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Monday, November 8th, at 11:30 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with the family from 10 to 11:30 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.