Michael Geelan Ribotto passed away on January 8, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Hospice after a lengthy illness.
Mike’s birth to Winnifred and Peter Ribotto in Marquette, Michigan was celebrated on June 23, 1945. He spent a happy childhood surrounded and loved by family in Ishpeming, Michigan. In his early teens he moved to Atikokan, Ontario with his family including younger brothers Greg and Peter Lawrence.
In Atikokan he enjoyed fishing, hunting and all manner of outdoor life that NWO offered a young man. After completing high school he attended university in Milwaukee for a brief period. He enlisted in the Marine shortly after and was enrolled in their Corps Language School in California after Boot camp. History and world events took him to Vietnam before completion. After two tours of duty, Mike returned to Atikokan and began his work in the Trades. First as an Iron Worker, then earning Third Class certification as a Stationary engineer. He retired as a Construction Millwright from Millwrights Local 1151 in 2005.
After retirement Mike spent some time travelling, meeting with fellow Vietnam veterans at various locations in Canada and United States. Cuba was a favourite winter destination with wife, Donna. Ill health curtailed travel to California to visit with son, Andrew. Summers were always spent at Crystal Lake, his favourite place in the world.
Along with many cousins in the United States, Mike is survived by by his wife, Donna, son Andrew, brothers Greg (Paula), Peter Lawrence (Carrie), Pat (Meg). Nephews Jeffrey, Steven, William. Nieces Hannah, Mary Kate. As well as, nephew and nieces by marriage C.J., Miranda and Melissa.
There will be a memorial gathering later in June, along with a dispersal of Michael’s cremains at Crystal Lake the next day on what would have been his 79th birthday.
Semper Fi
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
