Michael C. Filippelli, 89, of Lewiston, NY passed away Tuesday February 18th, 2014 at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence in Lewiston, NY. He was the son of the late Vincenzo "James" and Concettina (Petito) Filippelli.

Born in Reynoldsville, PA, Michael moved to Niagara Falls, NY with his family as a child, and attended local schools. During World War II he served in the United States Army from June 7, 1943 as a cook, and later he was transferred to Asia, India, and Burma to serve as a guard at the airports and landing strips. He was honorably discharged on February 17, 1946.

Upon his return from the service, he joined his family in the operation of their grocery store, the former American Way Market, located on Main and Pierce Avenue in Niagara Falls, until it ceased operations when the City of Niagara Falls acquired the land for the Niagara Falls Library. On April 26, 1949 he married Virginia (Gugino) Filippelli at St. Mary of the Cataract Church in Niagara Falls, NY. Michael later worked as plant manager for PT Chemical Company in Youngstown, NY. Following retirement, he kept active by completing many private wallpaper jobs in the Niagara Falls area. Michael was an avid golfer and was a frequent visitor to the Hyde Park Golf Course. He also enjoyed working on his remote control airplane, and was a member of the Niagara Sunday Fliers.

In addition to his wife of sixty-four years, he is survived by a daughter, Tina Certo of Clarence, NY and a son, James Anthony (Jean) Filippelli of Aspers, PA; three grandchildren, Christina Alyse (Nicholas) Yeates, Peter Michael Certo, and Nicholas Joseph Certo; three great-grandchildren, Lilyana Victoria Yeates, Nicolas "Nico" Michael Yeates, and Cameron Candelor Certo; his brother Joseph (late Laurie) Filippelli of San Francisco, CA, and he is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Anthony R. (late Rose Marie) Filippelli, and three sisters, Carmella (late Angelo) Cammarata, Letitia (late Louis) Kralick, and Betty (late Teddy) Krupa.

Visitation will be Thursday from 4 – 6:30 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD. NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will immediately follow the visitation at 6:30 PM, concluding with military honors. Private entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr. Lockport, NY 14094.