Michael Ned Virgilio

Michael Ned Virgilio age 74 of Otisville, died Friday, November 14, 2025, at Hurley Medical Center. Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the National alliance on Mental Health 4301 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300 Arlington, VA 22203, Alzheimer’s Association 25200 Telegraph Rd., Ste 100 Southfield, MI 48033-744, or Gift of Life Michigan 3861Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.

Michael was a Gift of Life – Michigan donor, in hope that he will contribute to the survival of another person or improve someone’s life in a meaningful way. His gift has also given his loving wife great solace and peace.

Michael was born April 6, 1951 to Anthony and Mary Virgilio. He married his loving wife, Lesa Flewelling, on August 4, 1984.

Growing up Mike’s family lived next door to his aunt and uncle and their children. He was very close with them, especially Mike and Bill Makowski. Mike and his brother, Larry, had many fond memories of the fun and good times they had with their cousins. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Theresa (cousin) for the hours of spiritual mentoring you gave us

After high school graduation, Mike attended Macomb Community College, then transferred to Wayne State University in Detroit where he graduated with a B.A. Major in Economics. Shortly after Mike and Lesa met, he started his own business called Virgilio Wholesale Foods. Several years later, he sold the business and returned to college. Mike attended U of M – Flint and U of M – Ann Arbor earning a B.A. Major in Math. Michael then became a math teacher at Longfellow Middle School in Flint Community Schools. He was also the chess coach for several years. The chess team would compete in tournaments with other schools in Genesee County. Senator Levin visited Mike and his students to observe how chess helped improve learning skills and confidence.

Fishing, traveling with Lesa, cooking, vegetable gardening and watching TV were his favorite things to do when he wasn't working. Cooking anything, especially the fish he caught, made Mike a "happy camper". Giving his produce to others and canning his tomatoes also was fun for him. He had a huge sense of humor and was often very funny, which was one of his attributes Lesa loved. He entertained her. 

Mike received tremendous satisfaction from the simple things in life.  Although he was an avid fisherman and also a good one, he didn't need a big fancy fishing boat. He built his own little two-person rowboat out of wood. Friends would joke around calling him "Noah" and Lesa called it "the boat of many colors" because Mike painted it several different colors from left over paint from other projects. 

Mike and Lesa had three dogs and one cat over the years. Tippy, a beagle, was his “baby”. Tippy loved Mike as much as he loved her.

Mike is survived by his wife, Lesa; sister Denise (Tony) Parrottino; sister-in-law Candy; niece Tracy (Jeremy), several other nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Lawrence; his sister Marilyn, and his parents.

Mike was a loving and caring husband to Lesa, who misses him very much.  He will also stay in the hearts and memories of friends and family. 

Thank you to Hurley Medical Center Emergency Staff and I.C.U. staff. We couldn’t have asked for more skilled and dedicated professionals to help Mike.

Also a big thank you to Gift of Life for reaching out to family. Everyone we dealt with was there when we needed them and had answers to our questions.