Obituary of Michael A. Russoniello

Michael A. Russoniello, Jr., of Freehold Township passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, 4 August 2018. Born on 17 December 1946 and raised in Jersey City. He spent his summers in Avon. Michael attended St. Aloysius Grammar School in Jersey City and graduated from Essex Catholic High School in Newark. Michael attended and played college football at Saint Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kansas, and later graduated from St. Peter's College in Jersey City Mike was the Captain of the Holiday and Miss Belmar fishing boats. He spent many years refereeing and coaching ice hockey, basketball, as well as baseball at the high school and collegiate levels. He owned and operated Michael A. Russoniello and Sons Landscaping for over 20 years. Michael enjoyed restoring cars and growing garlic at the “Farm.” He was a longtime fan of The Moody Blues and Pink Floyd, and was an exceptional drummer. Mike was later a salesman at Bill Wagner and Sons Plumbing in Freehold. Michael was outgoing and loved to tell jokes to his friends and family and touched many lives along the way. Michael was predeceased by his parents, Joan Kinkead Russoniello and Michael Amato Russoniello. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Patricia Ragusa Russoniello, sons, Michael III, Matthew, Patrick and Stephen; and seven brothers and sisters. He was blessed with four grandchildren whom he loved so very much, with a fifth grandchild due in October. The viewing will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the American Stroke Association would be appreciated.