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Michael Biagio Malarae Sr., 74, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away unexpectedly at his home on April 3rd, 2021, due to a chronic medical condition. His battle with serious medical conditions in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite his pain, Mike came out a hero and stayed strong until the end, keeping his smile in place.
Mike was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Sue and Philip Malarae on April 22nd, 1946. He was a proud Sicilian – prideful and charming. He valued family and togetherness. He enjoyed spreading good cheer and fun. He would make sure to turn every situation into a positive, with his joking, keeping it lighthearted. His fun-loving personality meant you were never a stranger. Mike loved to tell stories. And you can be sure 50% of every story was true. You just never knew which 50%. He was an avid fan of John Wayne and Elvis Presley. To pick him out of the crowd, he’d be the one wearing a cowboy hat, with a polo shirt and short, decked out with a little bit of bling.
Mike wanted to see the world, so instead of finishing school he joined the army and set off for Korea. He continued with his travel, with a road trip every summer throughout the US. Those trips will always be remembered fondly. Mike enjoyed cards (Pinochle), sports, and westerns. However, his greatest love and joy in his life was his children and his pets. He spoiled both. The dog food gets warmed up. He would do anything for them, and he did.
Mike is survived by his current wife Julie Malarae; his daughter, Suzanne Malarae; his son, Michael Malarae Jr. (Michael’s wife Lea, and their children Lelu and Leon); his sister, Tina Davis; and other family members. He is predeceased by Anthony Malarae. The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 7th, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. with a small gathering of family and friends at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.
His children will forever love and miss their Daddy. Condolences may be sent to the family at Central Florida Funeral Chapel.
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