Michele "Mike" Nardo

Lansing, Michigan.

 Born September 28, 1925, in Detroit, Michigan, and passed away Friday, July 17, 2015, at the age of 89. Mike was a proud graduate of Lansing Eastern High School and Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.  Mike started his work career at age five, selling newspapers on Washington Square in downtown Lansing. He later founded, owned and operated the State Vending Co. for almost 50 years, and was known as the “Candy Man” around town and in the halls of the Capitol, where he lobbied for needed changes in vending legislation. He was a member of Okemos Community Church, the Lansing Italian-American Club, and a lifelong member of the Elks Lodge. He was devoted to his family and friends and never missed an opportunity to tell a good story.

Mike will be remembered for his love and dedication to his friends and family, including his many aunts, uncles and cousins.  He made an impression on all those that knew him with his kindness, compassion, dedication, wit, strong will, determination and feisty spirit. He was a patriot, friend and a most loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a larger than life character and will be greatly missed.

 Surviving are his beloved wife of 61 years, Betty Marie (Moser) Nardo; their daughters, Mary (Rick) Nardo Farris and Annette (Anthony) Nardo Stravino; and grandchildren, Peter (Jessica) Stravino, Michael Stravino, Lauren Farris and Christopher Farris; along with many dear cousins, friends, and extended family members.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Agostino and Mariette (Colizzi) Nardo and his dear sisters Angeline “Angie” Abraham and Anna Marie Nardo.

 Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2015, at the Estes- Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel with Rev. Rick Blunt officiating.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. until noon before the service on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made in Mike’s memory to the charity of one’ choice.

Print Obituary

3 Messages to “Michele "Mike" Nardo

Print Messages
brian nicholoff
July 19, 2015 at 2:52 pm

my thoughts and prayers for Mrs. Nardo and the entire family.

Reply
John & Joy Colizzi
July 21, 2015 at 11:27 am

We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Mike’s stories about growing up in an Italian Family.

John& Joy Colizzi

Reply
Dale A. Rupert, Jr.
July 22, 2015 at 4:19 pm

Mike will be greatly missed on Englewood Drive up on the shores of Lake Missaukee. Growing up during my summers on the lake, I knew him as Mr. Nardo – a nice neighbor and friend of my parents. Later, however, as an adult I knew him as as Mike and as my friend. Mike was like a second father to me. I will always remember him with fondness. On behalf of the Rupert family, our thoughts and prayers go out for Mike and the Nardo family.

Reply

Please Sign The Guestbook

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *