Obituary of Michael J. Assante

Mr. Michael Joseph Assante, age 87, of the Valle Crucis Community, passed away Saturday, December 22, 2018. He was born in Manhattan, New York to the late Anthony and Mary Assante. He joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Adirondack AGC-15 during the Korean War. Michael retired from Western Union, which is presently Verizon, as an Executive Manager in 1981 after working 20 years. He was an avid photographer, and an amazing and giving person, he enjoyed life, and his family, and his dog Buddy. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three sisters, Nora Lynch, Carmela Kammerer, and Loretta Assante, and three brothers, William Assante, Anthony Assante, and Leonard Assante. He is survived by his beautiful bride of 61 years, Diana J. Assante. Three daughters, Diana J. Assante of Valle Crucis, Lisa Rossow and husband Dennis of Cape Coral, FL., and Debra Calder and husband Gary of Michigan. Four sisters, Delores Getchell of New Jersey, Dorothy Wetzel of Florida, Mary Monahan of New York and Barbara Jamieson of New York. Nine grandchildren, Michael Townsend and girlfriend Stephany Greene of Valle Crucis, Mark Townsend and wife Natalie of Valle Crucis, Christopher King and wife Carla of N.C.,Sara King of Florida, Mariah Assante of Michigan, Toni Lee Assante of Michigan, Cari Kay and husband Seth of Michigan, Patrick Calder of Michigan and Christopher Calder of Minnesota. 16 great grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Catholic Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at 12:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Medi-Home Health and Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 100-B, Boone, N.C. 28607 Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Assante family.