Michael E. Tripodi

On January 24th, 2023, Michael Tripodi passed away from complications of cancer at 64 years
old. He is survived by his three siblings - Lisa LaGravinese of Mount Vernon, NY, Chris Tripodi of
Mount Vernon, NY, and Tina Beltrone (Robert) of Vienna, Virginia in addition to a host of
nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins. Michael was predeceased by his
parents, Gerri in 2020 and Carmine in 1984. He was married for 26 years to Heidi Cremelle, but
sadly divorced in 2017.
Anyone who met Michael knew him to be a wonderful human being. His kindness and charisma
moved everyone who knew Michael to love him. He was a good friend to all. He did not have a
mean bone in his body. He loved his family and enjoyed reminiscing about old times for hours.
He had great stories to tell about growing up in New Rochelle attending Holy Name, Iona
Grammar School, Iona Prep, and spending summers at the Colony Beach Club. Michael had an
incredible memory and could name everyone in his second-grade class at Holy Name. He made
countless childhood friends that he never forgot and who never forgot him.
Michael always kept his Catholic faith strong even if he didn’t attend mass regularly. He had
many stories about being an altar boy and being disciplined by the monsignor and strict
brothers at Iona.
Graduating from Syracuse University, Michael had a successful career as a retirement plan
consultant working in New York, San Francisco, and Portland. He took much pride in his career
becoming well respected in his industry by his peers and clients. Michael believed in dressing
for success, having an extensive collection of suits and well-chosen silk ties. Even his casual
attire was dapper wearing his signature herringbone blazer, khakis, and a scarf. He always
looked classy and stylish.
Moving to San Francisco in the early 1990s, Michael met and roomed with his future brother-in-
law Bob (Tina’s husband) in a tastefully decorated flat on Russian Hill, just two blocks from
Lombard Street. Bob laughs that Michael schemed that he should meet “my little sister”
knowing that it might lead to bigger things. Michael was involved in many activities during his
20’s in San Francisco including coaching little league, playing coed softball, pickup basketball at
Alice Marble Park, long runs to the Golden Gate bridge, Yankee games when they were in town,
attending 49ers games to root against them, and the famous annual Thanksgiving “tackle”
football game.
During his 20’s and 30’s Michael would very much look forward to an annual “boys” trip with
his friends ‘Rat’, ‘Raz’, ‘Lombo’, ‘Sparky’, & ‘Dave’. To this day there are some venues in the U.S.
where the “boys” are not allowed to return. Michael and Bob, with Bob’s brother Ralph, often
flew out on road trips to watch the NCAA tournament following Bob’s team the ‘Zags’ as the
glory days of ‘Cuse’ basketball had started to wane.

While Michael did not have children, he was a model uncle to his nieces and nephews. Living
close in Portland, he was an always present uncle to Lauren and Chris – frequently seen at their
soccer, baseball, and basketball games. Michael never missed a birthday party for the kids. He
always came bearing fun gifts and a huge smile.
Michael was the “grill master” on his Portland house deck and was backup griller at Bob &
Tina’s house on many occasions. He made a mean Bolognese sauce and had a chef specialty of
fresh gnocchi. In Portland, Michael & Heidi were known to host an annual Christmas party for
friends & family that had a Dickens theme as they wore rented 19 th century London costumes.
Michael would greet his party guests with the merriment of “Fezziwig,” the loveable character
in ‘A Christmas Carol.’
Michael was a diehard Yankee, Jets, and Syracuse fan, following his teams until he passed away.
(He only wished the Jets would have made it into the playoffs this season.) He was heartbroken
when his little sister left Syracuse after a year to attend its basketball rival, Georgetown. And he
would remind her every time Syracuse beat Georgetown for the next 40 years.
Michael was a lover of great music especially George Harrison, John Lennon, Steely Dan, and
Bob Dylan. His knowledge of all music was extensive as he had a large collection of rock history
books. Michael’s collection of albums and CDs would rival a small radio station. His love of good
music inspired him to learn the guitar as he was an accomplished player owning multiple
instruments including a 12-string guitar and a mandolin. If Michael walked into a room that had
a guitar, music would soon follow. Whether it be in San Francisco on a foggy Saturday night or
after Christmas dinner, you were sure to find Michael playing his guitar and teaching chords to
someone in the room.
Michael inherited his love of reading from his mother Gerri. He was very well read on current
events topics and entertained anyone interested with great discussions about politics and
music. Michael was truly a renaissance man.
Michael could always be found working on the New York Times crossword puzzle, another skill
inherited from his mother. In his last months at the nursing home, he and his sister Lisa would
work on the puzzle together while his brother Chris would bring him White Castle burgers,
Johnny’s pizza, and other treats.
This written celebration of Michael’s version of “It’s a Wonderful Life” is only a tip of the
iceberg testament to an amazing son, brother, husband, friend, and colleague that Michael
represented. Everyone who Michael met was touched by his character, kindness, and love of
life and that always made each of us strive to be better versions of ourselves.
In the last 10 years of his life, he went through a period of heartbreaking challenges. Alcoholism
took over his life and he struggled daily to get sober. He became trapped in a painful downward
spiral as he tried hard to get back to the “old Michael” we all knew and loved. Last February, he

was diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer and moved back to New York. By the grace of God,
he regained his sobriety for his final year of life.
Michael will be missed by many. Family and friends are welcome to attend a mass in his honor
on Friday, February 10 th at 10am at Saints Peter & Paul Church in Mount Vernon followed by a
luncheon at Patsy’s Pizzeria Restaurant in New Rochelle.
In lieu of flowers, you can honor Michael by donating to Taylor Made Retreat in Beaverton,
Oregon, a recovery retreat that he lived in for almost a year.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael E. Tripodi, please visit our floral store.