Celebrating the Extraordinary Life of Mike Ciampoli

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 12, at 11am at St Mary’s 301 High Street, Hackettstown.  

Tomi Ciampoli address, should you want to send a card, 141 Heath Village, Hackettstown NJ 07840

 Mike Ciampoli
November 2 1946 – November 10, 2026

Mike Ciampoli was a man who never needed to be the center of attention to leave a lasting impression. Quiet, understated, and easygoing, he was happiest going with the flow, enjoying the company of family and friends, and taking in the world around him. He had a curious mind, a warm heart, a subtle wit, and an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. He wasn’t necessarily the loudest person in the room, but his presence mattered, his observations were often spot-on, and his love for those around him ran deep. He lived life on his own terms, with a wonderful blend of tradition, curiosity, and a quietly playful spirit. His legacy is one of family, laughter, adventure, and countless memories that will only become better stories with time.

Born in November 1946, Mike was proudly raised in a household rich in Italian tradition in New Castle, Pennsylvania. He grew up surrounded by the love and guidance of his parents, Frank and Stella Ciampoli, his beloved Aunt Rose, and his little sister, Mimi. He carried his Italian heritage like a badge of honor. To Mike, family wasn’t simply important; it was practically a religion. Sunday gravy was sacred, the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve was a non-negotiable institution, and no gathering was complete without espresso, cavatelli, nut roll,  pizzelles, plenty of food, and enough conversation to wake the neighbors. Truth be told, he also enjoyed a taste of whisky and a smooth, cold, European beer whenever he could. Hospitality was second nature, although visitors were wise to arrive hungry and never expect to leave empty-handed.

His enthusiasm for things he loved began early, particularly when it came to American muscle cars. Mike was a proud owner of more than one classic Ford Mustang over the years. He appreciated their craftsmanship, their power, and, presumably, the fact that they could make quite an entrance. He had an eye for a beautiful automobile and never entirely lost the feeling that life was better with a little horsepower.

Mike’s professional life reflected both his versatility and his determination. He began his career at the Hodge Foundry, in Greenville, Pa, mastering a trade that required precision, patience, and a steady hand. He eventually brought those same talents to industrial logistics, welding photo controls, and managing all aspects of warehouse operations for Area Lighting Research Inc. in the Hackettstown, New Jersey area. He became the steady backbone of the operation, combining an extraordinary work ethic with a knack for solving problems. If something was missing, misplaced, or wasn’t working properly, Mike was probably already on his way to fixing it.

The greatest accomplishment of Mike’s life, however, was his family. He has been with his beloved wife, Thomasine, since she met him as the older brother of her friend, Mimi – Mike’s sister when she had just turned 17. Mike was studying Chemistry at Youngstown State College. On April 26, 1969, he married at St. Vitus Church in New Castle, beginning a lifelong journey of love, partnership, and family devotion. They were never apart.  He welcomed his namesake, Michael Jr. in 1971 and his beloved daughter, Celeste, whom he fondly called “ChickenLickin” in 1972. He embraced his roles as husband, father, brother, and uncle with enormous affection. His family was his greatest source of pride.  He was so proud of his daughter-in-law Stephanie H. Ciampoli and last year enthusiastically celebrated the college graduation of his granddaughter, Regina.  He is most missed by this beautiful family, along with his sister Mimi, her wife Lisa, and his sister-in-law Janet DiCarlo, extended family members and friends who were fortunate enough to be part of his orbit.

For all his wisdom and worldly opinions, Mike had one particularly extraordinary talent: he could become a kid faster than the actual kids. He was the undisputed architect of pillow forts, the commissioner of backyard adventures, and the mastermind behind enormous autumn leaf piles that were constructed with one very specific purpose: jumping into them. He had no trouble getting down on the floor, making a mess, or abandoning all adult responsibilities in pursuit of a little fun. In Mike’s world, growing older was inevitable; growing up was entirely optional.

In 2000 Mike and Tomi left NJ and returned to their western Pennsylvania roots, settling in Beaver, Pennsylvania. Little known fact, Mike worked in a nuclear power plant in Beaver until he retired in 2008.  He enjoyed a slower pace for a while, but apparently the gravitational pull of New Jersey, its familiar faces, and his amazing granddaughter proved irresistible. In 2017, he returned to Hackettstown, where he happily spent his later years, as a resident of Heath Village.

Mike was also a man whose curiosity had absolutely no expiration date. He loved history, books, fossils, documentaries, science, and learning about virtually anything that had to do with Astronomy. He was equally fascinated by modern technology and the latest gadgets, always eager to explore what was new. He was the sort of person who could spend an afternoon discussing ancient civilizations or fossils from the rocks in his front yard and the next explaining the latest technological breakthrough. There was always something to investigate, something to photograph, or something to tell someone about. His photography allowed him to capture the beauty of the world, while his storytelling ensured that nobody missed the details.

Later in life, Mike checked off some long-held travel dreams, proving that adventure has no age limit. In 2018, he traveled to Spain, followed by a spectacular Italian cruise in 2019. He explored beautiful cities, enjoyed the scenery of his ancestral homeland, and finally had the opportunity to experience some of the places he had spent a lifetime imagining. One suspects that being Italian made the trip particularly meaningful, although the food probably didn’t hurt.

And then, of course, there were the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mike wasn’t merely a fan; he was a loyal soldier in the black-and-gold army. His devotion was unwavering, his optimism occasionally defied the available evidence, and his opinions about coaching decisions were probably best left out of the official record. One of the happiest occasions of his later years was his milestone 80th birthday celebration, surrounded by family, laughter, and enough food to satisfy even his considerable standards. But the weekend had one final, glorious touch: his beloved Steelers won on his birthday. It was the perfect gift, and Mike undoubtedly considered it a personal tribute from the football gods.

Mike leaves behind much more than photographs, family traditions, and a collection of wonderful memories. He leaves behind the reminder that life should be approached with curiosity, celebrated with enthusiasm, shared generously, and never taken too seriously. He taught those around him that family is everything, laughter is essential, food is meant to be shared, and there is always room for one more story.

He will be remembered for his enormous heart, his quick wit, his endless curiosity, his love of family, and his remarkable ability to make even the simplest moments memorable. The house may be a little quieter, the Sunday table a little less crowded, and the Steelers games a little less loudly discussed. But we suspect Mike’s stories will continue to be told, his traditions will live on, and his spirit will remain very much present whenever family gathers.

And somewhere, we imagine, he’s already found a great Italian restaurant, a classic Mustang, an interesting history book, and a television showing the Steelers. We just hope they’ve got the game on in high definition.

A celebration of Mike’s life and memorial services will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church at 301 High Street, in Hackettstown NJ at 11am on Thursday, November 12^th.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High St. Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com/.