Michael G. "Micky" Minutoli
June 8, 1961 ~ April 23, 2020
Born in:
Winchester, Massachusetts
Resided in:
Vienna, Virginia
Micky Minutoli of Vienna, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2020, at the age of 58. He was the beloved husband of Angela Minutoli and the devoted father of Michael John (M.J.) Minutoli and Alex Minutoli.
Born and raised in Winchester, Massachusetts, Micky was the son of Mike and Barbara Minutoli, Barbara passing a few weeks prior to Micky. He is survived by his siblings, Richard, Carol and Gail. Micky attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where he earned a teaching degree in physical education while also being a part of the UMass Amherst Swim Team, the Minutemen, where Micky’s specialty was butterfly. Swimming would forever flow through Micky’s blood as he would later coach various swim teams in Massachusetts, Saudi Arabia and Virginia, while also supporting his sons’ teams.
Micky’s teaching career spanned 30 years. He started educating children about the benefits and fun of physical education in Boston and soon followed in his older siblings’ path of teaching abroad. His first position overseas was at the American Community School of Athens, Greece, teaching in the elementary school and coaching track and volleyball in the middle and high school. His teams often traveled for tournaments to nearby countries such as Egypt and Kuwait. During his five years in Athens, he met his wife Angela, who also taught in the elementary school. That courtship would soon lead to marriage that lasted almost 28 years. Angela and Micky continued their teaching career at the International Schools Group in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia where they would later have their two lovely boys. During their eight years in the kingdom, both would sponsor educational trips for students to Greece. Micky continued his love of teaching swimming in the Kingdom by coaching the aquatic team at the McDonnel Douglas Compound.
Travel was one of Micky’s passions, and his 13 years abroad gave him the opportunity to explore various European and Asian countries. Eventually, Micky and his family moved back to the states to establish some roots. For three years they resided in Baiting Hollow, New York, where Micky earned his master’s degree in physical education from Hofstra University.
From New York, Micky and his family moved to Vienna, Virginia, spending his last 16 years here, first teaching at Glen Forest Elementary, and later at Spring Hill Elementary where Angela also works, and where their boys attended their K-6 grade years. The co-workers and families of Spring Hill soon became Micky’s extended family as he taught generations of Panthers. His main goal in class was to always make P.E. class fun while also teaching students how to take the games learned in class out on the playground. Micky extended this idea with Indoor Games, an afterschool activity where children could spend time learning and playing various athletic games with other peers. Many of these children were repeats and some would later come back to help as part of their community service. Micky also encouraged giving back to the community through Jump Rope for Heart, where students raised record amounts for research into heart disease while also participating in heart healthy activities. In addition, Micky coached year-round for the Sea Devils and helped his boys’ neighborhood swim team, the Shouse Sharks in various capacities
such as the B Meet Representative, timer, stroke and turn judge and manager of the pool for a time, instilling responsibility, safety and a sense of giving back to the community in his lifeguards. He also worked a few summers managing the pool at the Army Navy Country Club in Fairfax. Chlorine was part of Micky’ s being and his continued love for the sport was with him until he physically could no longer continue.
Another passion of Micky’s was cooking. He loved to cook and was exceptionally good at it, often going by instinct and not a recipe. Micky would credit his expertise to watching his Nona prepare Italian meals as he grew up.
Micky’s greatest love of all was his family. He spent as much time as he could with his boys and wife in any capacity as if he somehow knew his time was limited.
Right before being diagnosed during a routine physical, Micky embarked on a trip down memory lane with Angela. They started in Greece, retracing the steps where they first met and lived, then traveled to Boston, spending time where Micky grew up. They had just spent time revisiting the past only to discover a future cut short. A true Greek tragedy.
Micky was diagnosed with T-PLL (T-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia) that resulted a stem cell transplant at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NYC, in May of 2019, his brother being his donor. We had high hopes that this procedure would prolong Micky’s life and possibly cure him, however the cancer was too strong and returned. Micky’s passing at the start of the pandemic made it impossible to have a gathering to celebrate his life and mourn his death. The following year Micky, along with his mother, were laid to rest in their home state of Massachusetts, in the presence of a small group of immediate family members and friends.
May Micky’s memory be eternal.
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Angela, M.J., and Alex, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Micky. He touched many hearts. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love, Mary, John, Elena, and Nicole Papathanassiou
Micky was one of my best friends at Spring Hill. He gave me advice about all sorts of things, from when to get a knee replacement (“When the pain affects your everyday life”), to work (“Make decorating the Gym easier for your December concerts. Just put up a big star)!” I love to decorate so didn’t take his advice and he’d end up helping me. He never complained about how I’d set up the Gym for Orchestra concerts. He’d say, “Anything for you!” The main thing I’ll remember: he “Heimliched me” when I was choking on a grape. A few days before he died, I emailed him and Angela, “I think of him every time I eat a grape.” “Thus cracks a noble heart — Good night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!”
I’m am so sorry and saddened to hear about Mickey’s passing from another friend and swimmer from UMass. He was such a sweet and smiling guy. You are blessed with an angel to always be with you. Xoxo Maura Skelley from Umass swim team 84 to 88.
Our family is so saddened to hear of Micky’s passing. We will always remember his kind words and encouragement, smiles and caring demeanor with the children of Spring Hill. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Jennifer and Ted Jackson (parents of former SH students Emily and Charlie Jackson)
Mr. Minutoli was an amazing teacher and certainly was one of my favorites. He would make funny jokes at gym class to make us laugh and let us play games to have fun. Rest in Peace Mr. Minutoli, May your soul be at rest. -Lilian Koudmani, 6th grade student
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Our hearts go out to Mickey and his family, especially to Rick, who gave of himself to try to save his brother, Karen Shu Minutoli (my sister-in-law, and Nicco. A life lost too early.
I am so sorry to hear of Mickey’s passing. I will always remember him making me, and everyone else, smile and laugh. He was one of the kindest people that I have ever met. All of my fondest memories of swimming at UMass included Mickey doing something silly or just going out of his way to be a good friend and teammate. The world was a much better place with him in it. Nancy Stephens, UMass Swim Team 1982-1986
Growing up my dad used to always drop us off late in the morning. Most of the time we were the last car Mr. Minutoli would wait for before he went in from morning kiss and ride. I remember he would always wait for us and give everyone high-fives. My sister and I used to always get down from kiss and ride late, and we had an inside joke of doing ‘princess waves’ to Mr. Minutoli, as he was rushing us to not miss the morning bell, and we’d be taking our time. He used to joke around and tell me to mention my elementary school gym teacher when I became famous. He was the kind of teacher that paid attention to little things and made every single person feel good and confident in themselves. Whether it was a new hairstyle I was messing around with or some wacky socks I threw on, he would always tell me how cool it was. My younger cousin who also had the privilege of having Mr. Minutoli, informed me of his passing tonight. And after all these years, at the age of 21, it’s like I’m still that silly girl again, who had an obsession with neon and was trying to find my way in the world, and all the memories came rushing back. Maya Angelou once said, “After all these years, I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” and I can confidently say I have and never will forget how Mr. Minutoli made all Springhill students feel. No words can describe how sorry I am for his family’s loss. He will be missed, and never forgotten.
Sarah, Thank you for sharing those cherished memories of my brother. It warms my heart to know how many lives he has touched.
Angela, Michael and Alex, My deepest sympathies for your great loss. As a front office lady at Spring Hill, where I knew him 2005-12, his kind and sociable nature, and checking in on us, will be remembered. Susan (Chait) Stager
So sorry to hear about Micky. He was a teammate of mine on the UMass swimming team. A great swimmer, competitor, and teammate, Micky was an even better person. My heartfelt condolences to the Minutoli family. Bob DeConinck, UMass Swimming 1977-1981.
Sharing my condolences and sharing in the grief of Micky’s family. Even knowing him through Angela as a colleague, I know he was an amazing person who left a lot of joy through his life.
Angela, MJ and Alex our hearts go out to you. Micky was not just a colleague but a dear friend with a great personality. We shared many laughs in the front office and have lots of fond memories. Love to u all, Mandy, Dave, Jade & Shannon Belcher
Dear Minutoli Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Micky will live on through your cherished thoughts and memories. He left a legacy that will be remembered for many years to come. He touched many lives, especially those of his students. May God bless all of you.
My favorite Minutoli memory is the end of school year party Micky and Angela hosted at their house, where they were not to be outdone by Holly Mustafa’s ornate ice sculpture that she had at her party. So, they froze cups of water and had them stacked into a pyramid. So funny! My condolences go out to your family during this difficult time.
Mr. Minutoli was the best neighbor, teacher, and role model that anyone could ask for. I’ll always remember him for his wisdom, kindness, and sense of humor. I can’t put into words how much I miss him. My condolences to Mrs. Minutoli, MJ, and Alex.
All my condolences to the Minutoli family. Mickey was a great teammate, competitor, and friend on the Umass swim team. A great, caring person who could always cheer you up and make you feel better. A great loss. Benjamin Jurcik Umass swimming 1981-1985.
Angela, MJ and Alex my heart goes out to you. Micky was not just a colleague. He was a friend. We shared many laughs in In kiss and ride and PE.
I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I pray that God will grant you the strength. My most sincere condolences.
Mr. Minutoli was a BRIGHT light at SHES. He always had a smile on his face and something sarcastically funny to say. I will miss seeing his welcoming smile during the week while dropping-off the Kinders at P.E. To his Family, my deepest condolences, I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Michele Zoldak
Micky was my go to guy at UMass Swimming whenever I had a humorous quip, joke or story to tell because nobody had a more inviting and infectious laugh and sense of humor. I’m truly choked up over his passing but was lucky enough to reconnect with teammates after decades out of the loop. When our coach Russ Yarworth spoke to me a little over a year ago to mention that Micky was struggling with leukemia his was the first number I dialed. His son answered the family landline and gave me his cell number. Micky and I had many laughs both spoken and texted during his last year and nobody was more appreciative of my Facebook post than he. One of a kind in kindness and consideration and humor. – Spelly
A candle was lit for the decedent.
I am devastated by your loss. Prayers going out to your whole family! ??
Dear Minutoli family, I was sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Minutoli. I was a long term substitute teacher at Spring Hill ES this year and while I did not know Mr. Minutoli, I could sense how much Mr. Minutoli was beloved and appreciated by Spring Hill’s adminstration and staff. May you be filled with God’s love, strength, comfort, and peace now and always. Sincerely, Ms. Grace Saliba
Dearest Minutoli Family, we are heartbroken over the loss of Mr. Minutoli. His kindness and caring nature for our kids will never be forgotten. He always smiled and said hello to kids and parents around the halls, not all Teachers did the same. We will miss his presence around the halls at school. We love you All and are thinking about you.
Micky will be missed very much. He was such a joy to work with at Spring Hill Elementary. The students were always thrilled to see him. I have fond memories of Micky holding his ‘high five’ hand up high, and the students would jump up to get it with glee and how high they could jump. My deepest condolences go to Angela and his sons.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
I am so grateful for Micky’s fun and positive approach to life. He loved to hear the students laugh and create smiles. The students loved when he would play Santa during the chorus concerts. When my spirits were down, he would share something to lift me up. I will miss his smile in the school hallway that we shared. Deb Rudd
I am so sorry to hear about Micky. I always enjoyed having another staff member to talk about the Red Sox with! His sense of humor and dedication to SHES will be missed.
I loved Micky! I will cherish my memories of our talks in the hallway at Spring Hill Elementary, and I’ll remember his warm smile. Sending my love to his family.
Micky will be missed at Spring Hill. I enjoyed seeing Micky in the hall as he seemed to always have a smile to share. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Angela and boys, I’m so sorry for your loss. Micky impacted so many lives in such a positive way. He will be terribly missed.
He was a very kind and caring to everyone. He made kids and adults smile. He was a great inspiration to all the Spring Hill Kids and it keeps carrying on even when they grow up. Prayers to the Minutoli family. He will always be missed.
Micky was the best hall-mate ever! He always had a positive attitude and would always try to get a laugh out of students and teachers. That was Micky – always seeing the bright side of things. On some mornings, after have a rough commute, I would see Micky standing at kiss and ride duty. He always seemed to know what to say to make my morning a little better. The last time we had a kiss-and-ride duty talk did the opposite. That’s when he shared not so positive news. I’m sure the SH parents thought we were crazy crying and giving side hugs. I didn’t care. It was my turn to be there for my friend. Throughout this entire battle, he has remained witty and positive. I remember one text he sent on his birthday, “My inner Boston look, feeling great today, regaining my appetite, plus hanging out with my tree of fusion bags.” I keep looking out our group chat hoping to get a message, or a response because this can’t be real. Micky, we all have comfort knowing you are at peace and no longer in pain. Your memory will always be with me and your presence will be forever felt at Spring Hill.
Angela, My heart is heavy for you and your family. God Bless you and My Mickeys light be Eternal ?
Katy and Dimitri Kokoroyanni – Micky was not just the best brother in-law, to us he was like a brother ! He will be missed and remembered every single day. We are very lucky to have shared such amazing memories with him. We love you Micky, you will not be forgotten.
As my “Secret Buddy” for 2 years, I enjoyed seeing Micky’s smile as he looked to see what had been left for him. His smile was effusive and brightened his whole countenance. His gentle manner allowed students and teachers to approach him with their concerns. He brought light to our world. ~ Dona Vasko Sasala
Micky was the most wonderful friend and colleague who will be dearly missed. I will miss his sense of humor, his giving nature, and our talks that revolved around food. When I couldn’t reach my mailbox in school because I was too short he saw me and went “Here!” and switched the name tags of his and mine, making his bottom mailbox mine and making the top one his. I remember laughing with him and feeling so grateful. He introduced me to one of my favorite restaurants ‘The Conche’, a chocolate themed restaurant. Only Micky would think a little bit of chocolate in everything was awesome. I know he is smiling down on all of us, especially Angela and his two kids.
I just learned about Mr. Minutoli’s news and I’m very sorry to hear this. I understand that this must be an extremely difficult time for Mrs. Minutoli and her family. Both Mr. Minutoli and Mrs. Minutoli (she was my 6th grade homeroom teacher and that was by far my favorite year in grade school) were definitely some of my favorite teachers at Spring Hill. I remember not being very athletic back in elementary school, but Mr. Minutoli was super patient with helping me master some of the physical exercises we did and he was very upbeat during each gym class. When I started swimming outside of school, I would sometimes run into him during my meets. He cared a lot about his students and I will miss his dedication. For Mrs. Minutoli and the rest of her family, I hope you all are staying safe and healthy during this time.
You know I haven’t seen this man in about 6 years since I was in the 6th-grade year of elementary school. This was an amazing man he spread joy and positivity in the community and for as long as I can remember he took care of me. Mrs.Minutoli I’m so sorry for your loss just know he’s in a better place my thoughts and prayers are with you and your kids. RIP Mr.Minatoli we loved you so much and you will be missed.
I wrote one of my college essays about Mr. Minutoli. This man believed in me in elementary school when no one else did and I’m still grateful. Both teachers had such a loving impact on me. Students miss you terribly and will always love you.
I was reminiscing about old times in Saudi Arabia. Mr. Minutoli was one of my favourite teachers. He was my PE and HomeRoom teacher. I’m 41 now, and a medical doctor based in the UK, yet I still remember a pivotal conversation he had with me when I was 16. I think that conversation, truly shook me to my soul and helped me get back on track. I’m in no doubt, He is smiling in heaven right now. Thinking back now, Mr. Minutoli was an unsung hero of my youth. His own children were lucky to have him as a father. Attached, is a photo I took of him in’home room’, 1997 Dhahran Academy, Saudi Arabia.