Michael Currao

Obituary of Michael A Currao

Michael Currao, 82 years old, from Punta Gorda, Florida passed away on February 7th, 2022. Mike was born into a musical family in Brooklyn NY on July 15th, 1939. As a youngster, Mike began taking tenor banjo lessons from his father, Charles Currao, who was also an extraordinary musician. Following in their father’s footsteps, Mike, along with his twin brother Vince were performing professionally by the age of 10. Mike’s musical career spanning over 60 years includes theater, recordings, radio, TV, concerts, and philharmonic performances. Mike was a Computer Engineer with Metropolitan Life for over 30 years living in Long Island NY and North Eastern Pa, and later enjoyed early retirement in Florida since 1995. In September 2014, Mike was inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City for Education and Instruction. Mike has positively affected the musicianship of 100s of students. In addition, he was the lead player for the Gulf Coast Banjo Society in Venice, FL, and the Naples Jazz Masters Dixieland Group. He also performed with several Dixieland bands and theater groups throughout Southwest Florida. Current internet technology allowed Mike to return to his first love of teaching, namely offering live individual lessons to enthusiastic banjo students from all over the world. His musical career of over 60 years is certainly a testament to his dedication and talent as a performer yet equally important will be the legacy which Mike will leave behind as a banjo educator, a significant musical gift to the banjo world, the effects of which will be heard and seen for many years yet to come. He was a veteran of the Armed Services. He was also a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus. Mike also enjoyed playing golf with his two sons, his daughter and his wife. He also cherished family gatherings especially over holidays. He was married to his wife of 58 years, Margaret Currao. Survived by: Wife Margaret, Sons Michael & Charles, Daughter Jennifer. Twin Brother: Vincent, Twin Sisters: Catherine and Josephine. Grandchildren: Nicholas, Alyson, Nicole, Jessica, Corey, Tommy. Great Grandchildren: Benjamin and Logan.
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Thursday
17
February

Memorial Service

11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thursday, February 17, 2022
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
211 West Charlotte Avenue
Punta Gorda, Florida, United States
9416393957
Thursday
17
February

Inurnment

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Thursday, February 17, 2022
Charlotte Memorial Cemetery
9400 Indian Spring Cemetery Road
Punta Gorda, Florida, United States
941-639-1171

Reception Celebration Of Life

Following the cemetery inurnment, there will be a celebration of life reception at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home.