WORCESTER: Michael Gemelli, 69, a resident of Rutland, died Thursday, June 11, 2015 at UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus, after a courageous battle with AML-Leukemia.
He leaves his best friend and love of his life, Emily Kurjan-Gemelli; seven children, Deanna Smith and her husband Raymond of Cape Coral, FL, Melissa Gemelli and her fiancé Johnny McGauley of Weymouth, Jamie Gemelli and her fiancé C.J. Farmer of Boston, Michael P. Gemelli and his wife Christina of Orange, Joshua Gemelli and Kimberly Gemelli, both of Monson, Krystal Gemelli and her fiancé Josh Hebert-Collins of Monson; six brothers and sisters, Thomas Gemelli, John Gemelli, Maria D'Angelis, Danita Gemelli, Richard Gemelli and James Gemelli; 12 grandchildren, Adrianna, Raenna, Julia, Mikey, Mattea, Pryce, Johnny, Jr., Amelia, Mackenzie, Nathaniel, Dominic and Sienna; three aunts, an uncle, and many nieces and nephews.
He was born in Winthrop, son of the late Giovanni and Flora (Poretta) Gemelli. He was raised in Waltham, graduated from Waltham High School and attended Bay State Community College. He lived in Holyoke for several years before moving to central Massachusetts where he resided for the last three years.
Mike was an independent freelance professional make-up artist for the motion picture industry for 40 years until he retired. He then worked as a barber for 10 years at Matt’s Barber Shop in Amherst and later at Paul’s Barber and Styling in Worcester. He was a member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish. He enjoyed calf-roping, raising farm animals, growing his own vegetables, ham radio, woodworking and target shooting. He will be remembered for his love of family and friends.
The family would like to express their most sincere thanks to Dr. Jon Trister, Dr. Brenner, Dr. Jan Cherny, Dr. Raffel, Dr. Nath and Michael’s three nurses, Mariane, Barbara and Deb, and his two CNA’s, Kim and Ashley, for all of their most compassionate care and concern for Michael.
CALLING HOURS will be from 5 to 8 P.M. on TUESDAY, JUNE 16 at KELLY FUNERAL HOME, 154 Lincoln Street. A FUNERAL MASS will be held at 12 Noon on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 at OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA CHURCH, 34 Ward St., followed by burial at Notre Dame Cemetery. The family suggests donations in memory of Mike be made to Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, 34 Ward St., Worcester, MA 01610.
For directions, or to share your thoughts and memories with the family on-line, please visit www.kellyfuneralhome.com