A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Michael A. Filice who passed away in the comfort of his home on April 3, 2011.
Born in Gilroy to Carmen and Rafaella Filice, he was 89 years old.
Mr. Filice graduated in 1943 from Santa Clara University earning a degree in economics. He then served his country in WWII as a U.S. Marine where he received a Letter of Commendation for acts of bravery in combat on the island of Iwo Jima.
Upon returning from the war in 1945, he entered the family-owned business, Filice & Perrelli Canning Company in Gilroy, where he became plant manager and worked in the canning industry for over 40 years. There he met his future wife Corrinne Perrelli, daughter of John Perrelli, one of the co-founders of F & P. In 1958 F & P was sold to California Canners and Growers Association where Mr. Filice continued to work until he retired as vice president of production in 1981.
Mr. Filice was co-founder and treasurer of CEI (Cooperative for Environmental Improvement) from 1970-1975, then served as its president from 1975-1983. He was the past president of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce, past president of the United Fund of Gilroy, and was appointed to the Personnel Commission for the city where he served for many years.
In his retirement he and his wife, Corrinne, moved to Aptos where they have resided since 1981.
Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing and horseback riding in his earlier years. He remained active after his retirement with a variety of hobbies including; golf, water skiing and snow skiing, which he continued into his early eighties. He and his wife traveled extensively with friends and enjoyed gardening and cooking while home. A member of the Seascape Men’s Golf Club and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Capitola, he treasured the many good friendships made through the years.
Mr. Filice was preceded in death by his brother Carmen E. Filice of Gilroy and sister Marietta Filice of El Cerrito. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years of Corrinne Filice of Aptos, his daughter and son-in-law Deborah and Richard Anderson of Santa Cruz, and his son and daughter-in-law Jeffrey and Barbara Filice of Memphis, Tennessee. He also leaves his sister, Julia Viarengo of Salinas, and loving grandchildren: Sarah Anderson-Ludvik (Greg), Scott Anderson, Jeffrey Filice Jr. (Heather), Christine Filice-Evans (Colin), and Patrick Filice (Stephanie) and four great-grandchildren: Bella and Boyd Filice, Danielle and Malia Evans.
The Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church (435 Monterey Ave.) in Capitola on Monday, April 11th, 2011, at 10:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that remembrances be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066.
Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel to light a candle or express your condolences to Michael’s family.
