Americo Midei

Americo “Mac” Midei was born in Old Forge, Pa. on March 15th, 1921, the oldest child of Girolamo and Santa Midei. After graduating from high school, he attended a business school arming him with skills to help run the family grocery store. On December 25th, 1946, he married Ethel Vargo, a Tunkhannock High School graduate. They set up residence in Old Forge where they worked side by side in the business and raised a family consisting of two sons, Evon and Ronald, and a daughter, Dolores. In 1969, the family moved to sunny, south Florida. Here, Mac and Ethel enjoyed entertaining family and friends from the North. After selling their large home in Miramar, the couple moved to a lovely villa in Boca Raton. Mac’s sister, Libera Dogliotti, and his youngest brother, James, plus his wife, Adrianna and son, James Midei III, reside in Broward County. Mac’s oldest son and his wife, Mickey, reside in the Allentown, Pa. area. They have three married children, Brian, Aimee, and Jessica who live in Tucson, Arizona, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Houston, Texas, respectively. Mac’s daughter and her husband, Mike, reside in Boca Raton. They have a married son, John,...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

Boca Raton. They have a married son, John, who is currently in Pittsburgh and James who lives in Delray. Mac’s youngest son and his wife, Maida, live in Davie, Fl. and have a darling 3 year old son, Dante. Mac’s hobbies were reading and spending time with his family. During his last week, he was able to visit with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild. He was unable to overcome an internal infection and passed away on October 20th, 2009. Mac will be remembered for his culinary skills and his love for his family. His wit and smiles will be greatly missed. Sleep peacefully, sweet knight. Evon's Remarks: If you looked in our family dictionary under father, son, grandfather, brother, husband and role model you would see dad’s picture. Dad was a quiet leader - he was stubborn in his principals - even when others thought they went out of style. Dad was a teacher of hard work, pragmatism, endurance and priorities. Dad was one of the few that led by example. In his family and business he was THE benchmark for others to emulate. Dad was able to accept a bad turn of events and move on with an "It-is-what-it-is" philosophy. Dad was courageous, like his parents who came from Italy to PA, he brought his family to Florida in pursuit of a better life. Dad was a role model to his family, business associates and friends. Dad was that stable base that allowed you a better night’s sleep - that unspoken insurance -you just knew that if you ever needed it, he would come thru. Dad was always a gentleman and, like a fine wine, mellowed with age. Dad was generous to his family and others but in a private quiet way. Dad had a way with words, in that, a few select could ones could stay with you for life. Following dad’s example, we kids were never big on sports, as they were considered a non-productive distraction from bigger priorities and goals. But, perhaps a sports analogy works here. Dad was the ultimate utility player, he could play any position as father, son, husband, provider and even cook. He was our go-to-guy. Dad was never second string and he always brought his A game. Thru the years, he played quarterback and called the big plays. Weather you called him Mac, dad, brother, Americo or grandpa, you knew your team would fair better just because he was wearing the same color jersey. Later in life, he was a trainer and a coach and even a cheerleader. With mom, by his side, he was always a team player, but, he was never off of the field. Dad’s character lives on thru us and in our hearts, our spirits and our fond memories. A Daughter’s Personal Memories I remember when mom and dad took their trips to Plant City and would come back with the car packed with oranges. Mom would have so many bags of oranges stuffed in around her that she could hardly move. And then came the assembly line production of cleaning, cutting, juicing, packing and freezing the juice. Dad always enjoyed the fruit juice of that labor. Recently, he discovered a brand of orange juice that was made with only Florida oranges. This became his juice of preference and when he would send me to the store he would make sure to tell me to get the home squeezed Florida orange juice. If you join us at the house later, we will have an orange juice toast in his honor. Dad was always very good at directions. When I would drive mom and dad here or there, he would not only tell me how to get there but also when to switch lanes, when to put on my blinker or break, and how to park. Dad never considered this back seat driving, because, of course, he always sat in the front seat. I got so good at following his instructions that he could direct me with just his finger motion. He trained me well! This finger directing skill was not used exclusively for driving. He would use his commanding finger to direct the placement of his juice glass, his hearing aid container, and his reading material. We Mideis have a talent for devising efficient systems and dad had his down pat. Just a note here, anyone who is not a Midei may not look at this trait as endearing. Not many people were privy to the jokester in dad. Years ago, I remember one hospital aid who was trying to wake dad from one of his naps. She rubbed his big belly and said “Hey, Santa Clause, it’s time to wake up.” Without opening an eye, he said “HO,HO,HO” in a very robust voice. The unsuspecting aid jumped back very quickly. I guess she will think twice before she tries that stunt again. Another aid teased dad about his name, saying she was going to call him Amerigo Vespucci. About that time, there were a slew of different SLP’s that were coming in to work with dad. All of them began their sessions with the same questions, can you tell me your name, where are you, what day is it, and so on. Dad took this as an insult to his intelligence. So when one of these newbees came in and started with what is your name, dad said, “Amerigo Vespucci”. The puzzled guy looked at his chart thinking he was in the wrong room, then, his look changed like he was thinking, boy, his guy is really in bad shape if he thinks he is a 16th century explorer. When I could no longer hold back my laughter, the guy looked at me like insanity must run in the family. I explained this was the nickname the aid called him and that he was just giving the guy a run for his money. The SLP said he understood but I seriously believe he thought that I was creating a cover up story. He had this look like, yeah, he lies and she swears to it. Needless to say, dad did apologize to the guy the next day. I ran into that same guy several years later and, you know what, he still remembered us. So the next time you want to make a lasting impression, tell people you’re a 16th century explorer. Remember back in the sixties, there was a tv show featuring Dobby Gillus. Dobby had a beatnik friend; I think his name was Mainard, who always used the expression “Daddio”. Well, I thought that was cool, so, I started using that as my pet name for dad. The first few times I tried it out, he kind of raise an eyebrow. I guess he thought this was just a phase and would eventually disappear. It never did. When he would answer the phone, I would say, “Hello, Daddio!” Later on, he started calling me Babe. When I would give him a hug, I would say, “I love you, daddio”, he would reply, “Love you, too, babe”. Dad, as Bob Hope would say, thanks for the memories. Our Dad (Americo, know as Mac to many), A family man, always there for our Mom and his children. A man who was there for his parents, as they aged. He worked tirelessly to provide and care for his family. He fought for years through many health battles to stay on this earth, to be with his wife (Ethel), to see his children, and to see his grandchildren. I recall and see a man not in his final days, but in his prime. I see a man enjoying the interaction and kidding with customers in the store, A man who took pride in his home, his lawn, and his garden, A man who was always dependable in his role as husband and father, a role that, in his generation, was such a high standard, By example, he taught responsibility, common sense, and pride in a job well done. Although not the most outwardly emotionally man to the common observer, I recall those few times I saw him shed a tear. They include tears of joy on the day my sister got married to her husband Mike. Back then, Dad didn’t know how many hours Mike would spend helping both him and Mom. Since we don’t express it enough, I want to thank Mike again. Dee’s daily visits and assistance to Mom and Dad helped ease their burdens for so many years. Evon & Mickey medical help by phone gave both Mom and Dad confidence in what they were going through. And Mom, who was Dad’s partner in life, married for over 62 years, always by his side, both in the good times and bad, assisted him through his many recoveries. In his prime, my Dad stood 6 feet tall. I still recall the time when I must have been not much older than Dante, after a drive back from the farm one night, I fell asleep. That giant of a man gently carried me from the garage, across the back yard, and up the stairs. I recall a rare drive when it was just Dad and I. We were stopped by the gates of a railroad crossing near Old Forge, Pa., and we watched as the circus train passing by. Although not one to splurge on himself, I recall him spending what was then a large sum of money ($150) on an advanced calculator for me, a 10th grader at the time, to give me a better opportunity to succeed. I recall many holidays and cookouts when the family traveled from the North to visit in Miramar, where 3 tables placed end-to-end were barely enough to hold all the family. A time when 4 generations of Midei’s were together. A time when Nona and Poppy, Aunt Lee and Uncle Jim, and the rest of the Midei’s, Vargo’s, and Wainwright’s shared time and traditions together. These are the memories, of Dad in his prime, that I will hold. Eulogy for Americo “Mac” Midei Prepared and Delivered by Victor Cappucci Maybe Mac wasn’t known as a great inventor or a great statesman; but, he was something far more important; he was a great cousin and friend. Millie and I will always remember the good times we spent with Mac sharing his kindnesses and friendship. Many years ago, Mac gave me specific instructions in the preparation of his eulogy. Ethel, Dee, Evon, Ron, it’s difficult to pack nearly 89 years of ones life into a few minutes; but, let me start with this: chapter 7:2-4 of Ecclesiastics: It is better to go to the house of morning than to go to the house of feasting; for that is the end of all men and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter; for, by sadness, the conduct of the heart is made better. The heart of the wise (which was Mac) is in the house of mourning; but the heart of the foolish is in the house of pleasure. I want to draw your attention to this: A wise man “Mac” made a commitment to Ethel some 62 years ago. He kept that commitment until death do us part. He fathered 3 great children: Dee, Evon, and Ron. He loved his family very much. He was most proud when his youngest grandson, Dante, was born. Mac was a great family man and always tried to advise and direct in what he felt, in his own heart, was best for that person. Sometimes us old folks find it difficult to relate to the younger generation in giving advice; but, we do it anyway. Mac would help anyone. One time when visiting Mac and Ethel, we were walking down the block. He saw a new family moving in. Mac said I need to go introduce myself. I heard Mac say upon leaving the new comer, “If you need any help, call me, I live just down the block.” Mac loved to cook, he had many specialties; but, the one I loved best was his porketa. They would make your mouth water even when wrapped up and in the freezer. He was a great food merchandiser in which he spent most of his life doing. When we visited Mac, for entertainment, we would visit food stores. One time, we were visiting a huge food chain store and Mac noticed some produce that looked as if it was just dumped on the shelf. Mac got hold of the produce manager and pointed out that the product was improperly displayed and it should be arranged in this particular fashion. Mac proceeded to demonstrate. The manager said thanks and then asked for Mac’s name and address. Mac said, “That’s not going to make your display any better. You need to arrange it like I am telling you!” Millie and I learned more from Mac on the preparing of meats, fruits, and vegetable than if we went to culinary school; and, it was free!! His famous saying when we were shopping was’ “If I can’t eat it, don’t buy it.” I was trying to find an adjective that best described Mac. Evon said it best: He was like a football quarter back. Through his life experiences, he called the plays he thought were in the best interest of the family. In John, chapter 11: 25-26, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die. Believest thou this?” Ethel, you will be in our thoughts and prayers in the weeks and months ahead.