Obituary of Michael L. Rutigliano

FRANKFORT – Mr. Michael L. “Tigger” Rutigliano, age 71, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, November 2, 2017, All Souls’ Day. He went home to be with the Lord whilst in the warmth and comfort of the Abraham House, with his beloved wife and daughter at his bedside.

Born on June 6, 1946, Michael was the son of the late Michael and Catherine (Durse) Rutigliano. He grew up in Frankfort and was a graduate with the Frankfort-Schuyler Class of 1965. Upon completion of his schooling, Mike enlisted with the United States Army and was stationed overseas in Germany during the Vietnam Era, until his honorable discharge in 1967.

On August 18, 1973, Michael began his next chapter in life when he was married to the former Nancy Sportello in St. Mary’s Church, Frankfort by Father Alfred Lamanna. Nancy and Mike were a true compliment to one another from the very beginning. They spent over forty-four years in a dedicated and steadfast union, by each other’s side until the very end. But his greatest accomplishment in life was his daughter, Christie, whom he was extremely proud of. 

As a young man, Mike found a position as a Highway Equipment Operator with the New York State Department of Transportation, and he spent a career of twenty-five years there until his retirement in 2001.  

Mike’s personality could only be summed up as one-of-a-kind. When you were in his company, there was never a dull moment. He had an amazing sense of humor and wasn’t afraid to tell it like it was, truly describing the term “no filter!” Jokingly referred to as the "Dog Whisperer," Mike could be found walking his granddog, Hercules, around town, or with a random dog on his lap at gatherings. He thoroughly enjoyed being in the presence of his friends and family and was always known to be the life of the party; never missing an opportunity for a nice glass of scotch…or two.

He was always active, fit and constantly on the move. He enjoyed golf, being outdoors and most of all, caring for his beautiful home and yard, which he maintained impeccably and was extremely proud of. In his retirement years, he and Nancy enjoyed their time together, travelling to Florida to spend part of the winter with friends and family. Mike was of the Catholic faith and was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Apostles in Frankfort.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Nancy; his daughter, Christie Rutigliano of Westmoreland; his mother-in-law, Mary Sportello of Frankfort; and his in-laws, whom he saw as his own siblings, Concetta and Daniel Roux of Sanford, Maine, Ernie and Sandra Sportello of Deerfield and Mary Jo and Douglas Weaver of Clinton. Surviving are his nieces and nephews, Michelle Chase, Brian and Susan Roux, Alicia and Cano Davy, Melissa Sportello and Rocky Rock, Nicole and Scott Osgood, Danielle and Michael Lewis, Nicholas Sportello and Ashley Weaver; his great-nieces and great-nephews, Zoe, Griffin, Nicholas, Michael, Kennedy, Cailyn, Colby and lastly, Carter, who Mike was proud to be Godfather to. He also leaves many cousins and friends, with special mention the Ahern's and Durse's, Vin and Sharon Ciccone and Clem Falzarano, whom Mike loved like a father.

Besides his parents, Mike was predeceased by his father-in-law, Joseph Sportello and his dear friend, Gloria Falzarano, and his canine companion, Hercules. 

Friends and relatives are invited to attend Mike’s calling hours, which will take place on Monday, November 6, 2017, from 4:00PM – 7:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Mike’s funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning, November 7, 2017, at 9:30AM at the funeral home and at 10:30AM at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Paul Catena, Pastor, con-celebrated by Rev. Francis Vivacqua and Rev. Leo Potvin. Procession will follow to Mt. Olivet Cemetery where his earthly body will be laid to rest.

For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Mike’s name to the Abraham House, 1203 Kemble Street, Utica, NY 13501, to Hospice & Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413, OR to Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, 412 South Frankfort Street, Frankfort, NY 13340. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Mike’s family is forever grateful to the nurses and staff of St. Luke’s ICU, Gina Ciaccia and the caregivers of the Abraham House, and Drs. Brehaut and Qandah, for the kindness, care and compassion shown to Mike throughout these last weeks.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Mike’s friends and funeral directors, Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.