Plan for the Future
*Click here to watch the Funeral Mass on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 10:45am*
Michelangelo (Michael) Murdolo, affectionately known as Angelo, Daddy, Grandpa, Pop Pop, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2022 surrounded by friends and family. He was 87 years old.
He leaves behind his devoted wife, Frances (Franca), formerly Frances Trombetta. He was the cherished and beloved father & father-in-law of son, John with wife Jessica, and daughter, Loriann with husband Tim. He and Frances were residents of Warren, New Jersey, but raised their children in Chatham Township, New Jersey in Saint Patrick and Corpus Christi Parishes. Michael was the devoted and proud grandfather of Ryan, Julia, Emma, Zoey, Madeline & Tessa.
His gentle soul is in heaven now with our Lord Jesus where he reunites with his younger and only brother, Ilario, whom he tragically lost in 1972, grieved always and loved deeply, his loving parents Giovambattista & Angela Albanese Murdolo, his beloved brother-in-law Cesare Marino, his grand-daughter Zoey, and other precious aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who went before him.
Michael is survived in Italy by his older sister, Maria Marino and her three children, his sister-in-law Carmella (Lina) and her three boys, and his youngest sister Rita. In the states, he is survived by his sister and Summit resident, Anna Maria (Nina) Caruso and husband Anthony (Tony) with children Salvatore and John.
Michael was born and raised in the small town of Caulonia, in the southern Italian Province of Reggio Calabria on November 21, 1934. As a child he had a clear, God-given talent for art. He began by helping restore the artwork, murals, and statues in the homes and churches throughout his hometown, a town which has its origin in Late Antiquity.
As a teenager, he honed his love and detailed skill for beauty and design by creating the Christmas Nativity presentations (I Presepi), a time-honored tradition whereby the numerous churches in town would highlight their parish by presenting elaborate Nativity Scenes that would be visited and admired throughout the Advent season leading up to Christmas Day. Michael further apprenticed under skilled local artisans who recognized his potential and encouraged him to go where his talents would be better utilized and appreciated.
He emigrated to the United States in 1956, at the age of 22, alone and not speaking any English, on the last successful traverse of the famed ship, the Andrea Doria. He settled in Summit, New Jersey with his Uncle Joseph and Rose Murdolo.
Although Michael began as a house painter, he quickly demonstrated his abilities to ultimately become one of the most successful fine artists and interior designers within the metropolitan area, culling an impressive list of clientele, many with famous names and addresses.
Michael attended the Traphagen School of Fashion and Design in New York City as well as studying the decorative art of hand painted furniture with Isabelle O’Neill, a well-known American teacher. He learned muralist design and became particularly known for the art style, Trompe l’oeil. His successful career was documented throughout many publications, most notably, “House Beautiful,” House & Garden,” “McCall’s,” and “The New York Times.”
The family will receive visitors from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, October 19th, at the Bradley Brough & Dangler Funeral Home, 299 Morris Ave. Summit, NJ. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 10:45 am at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 306 Morris Avenue in Summit, NJ. The Mass will be live-streamed for friends and families in Italy. Internment will be at St. Teresa’s Cemetery at 136 Passaic Avenue, in Summit, NJ immediately following the service.
We thank you in advance for wishing to send floral donations, but please note that arrangements can not be saved or brought to St Theresa’s Church. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in Michael’s honor. To send the family a condolence, please visit, www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com
