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Post a reply || Back to NFA Class Memorial Page.. Michael Felix Presutti - Class of 1943
Posted by Pauline Rute Hall 52 One year ago, March 25, 2016 Felix (Felice) Mike Presutti passed away peacefully after suffering a heart attack. In the years, prior, he endured a variety of ailments; an abdominal aneurysm, heart valve replacement, kidney and gall bladder failure, and reduced heart function to name a few. In spite of these challenges, he did his best to enjoy life and his family. A Golden Gloves Boxing Champion, Mike joined the Navy three weeks after graduating from Newburgh Free Academy and sailed off to World War II watching with hundreds of other men on the deck of his ship as the Statue of Liberty got smaller and smaller. He remembered at 18 years old wondering if he would ever see the Statue and his home again. He spent three years in the service from 1943 to 1946, (boxing there without a loss as well), most of it in the Persian Gulf aboard the USS Crawford, a ship that was hit twice and had to be towed to safe harbor. He was a gunner and gunner's mate responsible for firing large three inch 30s and five inch 50s and more than once had to be rescued from the crow's nest either during battle or bad weather. It was a struggle getting him to talk about his time at war (he very rarely would do so even when prodded) modestly believing that he was just doing his job like so many of his generation. When the war ended, he returned to Newburgh, joined the National Guard, and married Dorothy Valenti of Newburgh. He raised a family while working for the NYS Department of Corrections helping with inmates deemed not competent to stand trial due to diminished mental capacity by teaching them via occupational therapy. But along the way, his family was his focus, his pride, and his daily joy. And he would give his last dime to any of them who needed it. Though he could be critical at times, he was loving and supportive always. Despite the pain and difficulty of his last few years, he is remembered for his smile, his kindness, his love of family, and his support, proven by his deeds more than by his words. He left this world a better place, giving his children and grandchildren, and his extended family members and friends, emotional gifts that only he and someone of that generation could bestow.
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Michael
Felix Presutti, of the Town of Newburgh, a lifetime area resident and former Senior Occupational Therapist for the NYS Dept. of Corrections, entered into rest on Friday, March 25, 2016. He was 90. Son of the late Vincent and Rose (Mancuso) Presutti, he was born May 7, 1925 in Newburgh. He was married to the late Dorothy Ann Presutti, who predeceased him in 1990. Mike proudly served his country in the US Navy during World War II from 1943-46, earning the Asiatic Pacific Medal, European Theatre Medal, American Theatre Medal and the Victory Medal. He was a member of the Catholic War Veterans, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, past member of Black Rock Fish & Game Club, and past AC Golden Gloves Champion. Mike’s priority and passion has always been his family. He was first to help anyone in need and was generous beyond his means. He lived simply, loved incredibly, and was there for his loved ones unconditionally. He made us all happy, was respected and honored, and gifted us with his work ethic, his values, and the importance of his imparted traditions. He was an avid Cincinnati Redlegs, Army Football, and Xavier Musketeers fan and he spent many hours watching, reading about them, and following their progress. Mike was a Golden Gloves Boxer who also fought in the Navy where he was undefeated. In his last years he fought with equal tenacity and overcame extraordinary medical hardships, and although that drained him, he never compromised his sense of, and love for, his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be so missed by all whose life he lit up with his humor, his smile and his support. Survivors include his loving family: Lisa and Jim Murphy, Vincent Presutti, Christine Neiss, Johanna Heidecke,
and Hayden Coppa ; brothers Vincent Presutti and wife Deanna and Donald Presutti and wife Doris; grandchildren, JT Murphy, Michael V. Murphy, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by two brothers, Mickey and Joseph Presutti; and his sister, Rose Moresco. Visitation will be held from 2-4 & 6-8 pm on Monday, March 28 at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Tuesday, March 29 in Sacred Heart Church, Newburgh. Burial with military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor.