Michael Cartolano passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the Massachusetts General Hospital on Saturday night. He was 95. Born and raised in Boston’s West End, Michael was the son of the late Rosario and Rose (LaPorta) Cartolano.
Michael was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. From an early age he possessed a strong work ethic and motivation for success. As a young boy he shined shoes in Scollay Square and also sold newspapers there during the war. He always brought his earnings home to his mother. He learned boxing at the West End House and boxed competitively for some years. He was eventually introduced to the ticket business which became his profession with a career spanning 60 years. During this period he met the love of his life, Margie. They eventually married, settled in Medford and raised their four sons. Michael’s ticket brokerage grew and he enjoyed great success. He was considered New England’s most prolific broker during the heyday of Boston Sports and Entertainment. It was often said that nobody could get a ticket without going through Mikey Cartolano. As the years passed, Michael retired but always kept active and engaged not only in business but with family and friends. As he reached his nineties, his health care team of his son Anthony and grandson Anthony kept Michael safe and healthy to the end.
The beloved Husband of the late Margaret “Margie” (McCormack) Cartolano, Michael was the devoted father of Rosario Cartolano, Joseph Cartolano and his wife Karen, Anthony Cartolano and his wife Nella and the late Michael F. Cartolano. He was a loving grandfather to Joseph Cartolano and his wife Amanda, Michael Cartolano and his wife Debra Lee, Kristen Cartolano, Anthony Cartolano and Abrielle Cartolano. He leaves four great-grandchildren, Christian, Luca, Caleb and Colby. Michael was the dear brother of Mela Matranga, and the late Joseph, Anthony, Angie DiStefano and Josephine Cartolano.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Friday, October 9th from 4 - 8PM and again on Saturday morning at 9 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 AM in St. Raphael Church, 512 High Street, Medford. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.