MIGUEL A. DILALLA age 77, beloved husband for 52 years of Marialena (nee Rizzo); loving father of Maria Miller (husband John) and Jose Antonio (wife Lisa); devoted grandfather of Niko and Marissa Miller, and Kayla and Joey DiLalla; cherished son of the late Giuseppe and Maria (nee DiLeonardo); dearest brother of the late Giuseppina Maiorano, Teresa Proscino, and Nina Santangelo.
Miguel was born on June 7, 1940 in Casacelenda, Italy. He passed away October 30, 2017, at his home in Highland Heights surrounded by his family.
As a child in Italy, Miguel studied to become a tailor. His life’s work was tailoring, he worked for Gentry and Jos. A. Bank, but his real passion was singing. It was while singing at a beauty pageant that he met the love of his life, Marialena Rizzo. They became husband and wife on July 10, 1965. Soon after, they welcomed two children, Maria and Jose Antonio. In 1974, they migrated to the United States, where they eventually settled in Mayfield Heights, Ohio.
Miguel’s pride and joy were his grandchildren Niko and Marissa Miller, and Kayla and Joey DiLalla. Miguel enjoyed making his own homemade wine and sauce, as well as soccer, bowling, bocce and music. He received the most enjoyment in life being together with his family on holidays and special gatherings. He was active in the Kalena Club of Cleveland, a group of people who trace their origins back to Casacalenda, Italy. Miguel was fearless, giving, loyal, strong, and tough. He was generous and warmhearted and will be greatly missed.
Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, November 2, 2017 at St. Clare Catholic Church, 5659 Mayfield Rd. in Lyndhurst at 10:30 AM. Burial following at Knollwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Miguel at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) WEDNESDAY at 4-8 PM.
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Kym
Bless you… My heartfelt condolences.
Kym
Karen Centrackio
What a beautiful obituary describing his passions for family and the love for his homeland. The world was greater because of his life on it and the legacy he has left behind. His offspring are the living proof. Our sympathies to you and your family Joe and Lisa
Francesca and Charlie Calanni
I am so sorry to hear this. We love Michele. A beautiful husband/couple. The obituary was very special written. God bless him, Marialena, and all the family. Amen. Such a good person.
Pete Yoon
Dear Joe, im so sorry for the loss of your father. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Nick Zappitelli
Mi dispiace,
We will all miss his warmth and passion. He will now sing in God’s kingdom.
Marcos
En esta ocasión estamos acompañando a una de las personas más especiales que he conocido en la última parada de su viaje. No queda más que decir que la huella de mi tio quedará siempre en nuestros recuerdos, porque pocas veces tenemos la suerte de encontrarnos con alguien de un espíritu tan bello como el suyo, protector de su familia y consejero. lo único que debe de quedar en nuestros corazones es alegría por haberlo conocido y la promesa de que seguiremos adelante por él y para él.
Ann & Bob Allegretti
Our deepest sympathy to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chuck Di Staulo & Family and Josephine Di Staulo
Our deepest sympathy to you and to your family. I just heard about Miguel. He was a wonderful man. What a beautiful obituary honoring a special man. I have very fond memories of my father and I visiting Miguel’s house for his expert tailoring and then sitting and talking over a glass of wine. When I graduated from college and bought my first suits for work, I of course took them to Miguel (because he was the best) for tailoring rather than having the store tailor them. He was a good man and a good friend. He and Marialena and my parents, Jerry and Josephine, enjoyed many Kalena club events. God bless him and his family, he leaves behind a rich legacy.
Jim Dilonardo
I am so sorry to hear this news. I was updating our family tree when I came across his obituary. My sister Sallie had nothing but kind things to say about your family, and brought me back a tape of his singing. Although I didn’t know him, I feel a great loss.