Mr. Michele Maiello

Michele (Michael) Maiello, 80, of Old Bridge, New Jersey, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 5, 2026. Michael was born on June 8, 1945, in Rotondi, Italy, to Angelo and Vincenza Maiello. He spent his childhood in his hometown alongside his beloved brother until the age of 11, when his family made the courageous decision to travel across the sea to the United States in search of new opportunities. They settled in Brooklyn, New York, where Michael embraced his new life and worked diligently through high school to help support his family while building a future in a new country. Gifted with a natural talent for music, Michael earned a scholarship to Brooklyn College. Music was not only a passion but a calling for him. In his spare time, he proudly taught neighborhood children how to play, something that brought him great joy and fulfillment. In the 1980s, Michael furthered his education and earned a Master's degree in Mathematics. He went on to become a respected educator, teaching at Tilden High School, Curtis High School, and Tottenville High School, where he inspired countless students before retiring from the profession he loved. In 1976, Michael met the love of his life, Susanna. They soon married and began building their life together in Brooklyn before eventually moving to New Jersey to raise their family. Michael was a devoted father who was deeply involved in his children's lives - whether it was taking them to soccer games, sharing life lessons, or instilling in them the importance of family. Beyond the classroom, Michael was a talented and well-known musician. He was a Maestro, traveling throughout the country and sharing his love of music with audiences everywhere. He also mentored many musicians, something that was very close to his heart. One of his proudest musical moments was performing at Shea Stadium during Italian Night celebrations - an experience that reminded him of his roots and home back in Italy. In his later years, Michael cherished spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed visiting social clubs, making new friends, and playing cards at the Old Bridge Senior Center. He enjoyed his wine, gin martinis, and cigarettes, and was known as a knowledgeable, warm, and kind-hearted man. Michael would do anything for anyone without hesitation, which made him deeply admired and loved by all who knew him. Above all, his family was his pride and joy. He never missed a special occasion and was always there for the people he loved. His presence, wisdom, and generous spirit will be missed dearly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Susanna Maiello; his sons Amedeo and his wife Carissa, Filippo and his wife Erika, and Michael and his wife Regina; and his treasured daughter Cinzia and her husband Joseph. He also leaves behind his adored grandchildren: Joseph, James, Arianna, Aviana, Gabriella, Vienna, Michael, Lucas, Vanessa, and Emily, as well as his sister-in-law MariaFranca and his cherished nieces Michela and Angela, along with many family members and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael's memory may be made to the Old Bridge Senior Center, a place where he spent many happy hours among friends. Silver Linings at Old Bridge 1 Old Bridge Plaza Old Bridge NJ, 08857 A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Friday at Most Holy Redeemer Church located at 133 Amboy Road Matawan, New Jersey 07747. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Michael Hegarty & John Vincent Scalia Home For Funerals and Cremation Service, 3377 US Highway 9, Old Bridge, New Jersey. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.HegartyScaliaFuneralHome.com

Mr. Michele Maiello

June 8, 1945 - March 5, 2026