Michael Iaculli of Fairport, NY, 81, born on July 21,1943, passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and passion for life. A devoted husband of 59 years to Vivian Pelliter, his high school sweetheart, they built a family rooted in love and shared values.

Mike is survived by wife Vivian; children Stephanie Nielsen, Suzanne Woodworth (Michael) and Steve Iaculli; siblings, John Iaculli (Debbie) and sister Kathy Iaculli Mendrick (Ron); several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Michael is predeceased by his sister Dorrie Iaculli and  parents, Michael and Anna Iaculli. 

He cherished his role as a grandfather to Meaghan and Gavin Woodworth, Katherine and David Nielsen, treasuring their accomplishments and the special moments they shared.

Mike was a proud graduate of Oklahoma State University and Nazareth University. He began his career as an educator, teaching at Honeoye Falls and later transitioned to a successful career as a business and motel owner-operator, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic.

Michael’s curiosity and intellectual pursuits were a hallmark of his character. An avid reader, he immersed himself in the lives of past U.S. presidents, politics, and the rich histories of Native American tribes, particularly the Navajo, Apache, Hopi, and Cherokee of the Southwest and Southeast.

Michael’s family and friends will forever hold his wisdom, kindness, and devotion close to their hearts. 

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held on Friday, December 20th, at 10:00 AM at St. John of Rochester in Fairport, NY. A reception will follow on-site to honor his memory. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

*Please note: funeral mass to be live-streamed on St. John of Rochester’s website: www.stjohnfairport.org.


Comments

19 responses to “Iaculli, Michael”

  1. Lisa Laurro Avatar
    Lisa Laurro

    I’m shocked and saddened. I recently had a really nice chat with him and my Dad a few weeks ago. My condolences and prayers for Viv and the family. May the arms of Jesus comfort each of you. 🙏❤️‍🩹

    1. The Barrancos Avatar
      The Barrancos

      Mike was a wonderful man! Growing up with Steve; Mike always was giving up the best advice on our life’s journeys. So many, just want to share the time Mike & I were sitting out from of out family shop ,,this past summer & He called the Village of Fairpot a county club. How clean everything was & how people are making this town a destination stop. We really enjoyed his company when we stoped down. We will truly miss him .
      Jimmy , Charlie & Ruth Barranco

  2. Timothy Gresens Avatar
    Timothy Gresens

    I work at perinton automotive he has been a client for many years rest in peace my friend . praying for you and your family . Mike your final home brother God bless you and your family

  3. Kathi Iaculli Avatar
    Kathi Iaculli

    Hey big brother I’m going to miss hearing about the most recent book you were reading and all the history you shared with me.
    Please give Dad, Mom and our little sister a big hug from all of us.
    With much love,
    Your little sister ❤️🙏

  4. Lori Laurro Avatar
    Lori Laurro

    I am deeply sorry for the loss of Mike. I will keep the family in my thoughts & prayers.
    May God comfort your hearts & please know our family is sending hugs to Vivian & kids during this sad time.

  5. Frank Churnetski Avatar
    Frank Churnetski

    It was such a shock. We had recently got together after all these years and were looking forward to maybe seeing each other again next year. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

  6. Scott Murray Avatar
    Scott Murray

    Mr. Iaculli was one of the wisest men I have ever met!! His teaching were by far the most profound lessons I learned in life! May God take him home! He will be deeply missed!

  7. Harvey E Gumaer Avatar
    Harvey E Gumaer

    Mike, your the best. I’m glad that we were able to share so time recently at our class reunion. It seems like only yesterday that we were in high school. You’ve been a great friend over the years and I’ll miss you brother.

  8. Nancy Churnetski Avatar
    Nancy Churnetski

    Dearest Vivian and family, my heart aches for all of you.
    It was such a pleasure seeing both of you recently and there was not a single sign of distress. We had an enjoyable time and I learned that Mike is a strong believer; you know what I mean.
    May God bless all of you always, especially during this sad time.
    With my sincerest sympathy,
    Nancy

  9. ben laurro Avatar
    ben laurro

    Iaculli family especially Vivian I am still getting over this unexpected shocking news. My prayers of condolences for the entire family.

  10. Bill & Jane Gruschow Avatar
    Bill & Jane Gruschow

    Vivian, we are so sad to hear of Mike’s passing. No words are sufficient to lessen your loss.

  11. Kristina Burritt Finley Avatar
    Kristina Burritt Finley

    “So how are things in the People’s Republic of Ithaca?” Mike would ask when we encountered each other at R-H Class of ’61 get-togethers. This was his opening line to sessions of political jousting, to delightful conversations on a wide range of topics. As one of Vivian’s childhood pals, I’d only gotten to know Mike in 2011 during the planning sessions for the class’s 50-year reunion, when he hosted meeting space at his business’s Friendship Room. For this event, and numerous others, he gladly served as treasurer, collecting and tracking classmates’ payments. We’ll all miss him.

    Kristina Burritt Finley
    Newfield, NY

  12. Linda Delfs Avatar
    Linda Delfs

    On a brief trip a few years ago, I had reserved a room at Mike’s motel. Coming in to register, I was handed a key which unfortunately was to an already occupied room. Mike happened to be around and deftly rescued both me and the flustered desk clerk. Something I expect his friends and family would say was typical of him. He was a classmate I wish I had known better.

    Linda Delfs
    Albany

  13. Don St.John Avatar
    Don St.John

    Mike always had that sly smile on his face,always being so polite when he greeted someone. Even though I only got to see Mike at the class reunions it was always a pleasure to converse with him, he always had a story to tell. God Bless you Mike, you wer a good friend.

  14. Susan Wilcox Coleman Avatar
    Susan Wilcox Coleman

    Mr Iaculli was a favorite teacher of mine at Honeoye Falls Lima! Wish of love and strength to family!

  15. Janice C. Kircher Avatar
    Janice C. Kircher

    I was very shocked to hear of Mike’s passing. I always remembered him as such a kind person. I was so surprised and pleased when he flew down to Florida to be at my father’s funeral. He will be sadly missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to Vivian and the entire Iaculli family.

    Love you Mike,

    Cousin Janice & Richard Kircher (Capurso)

  16. Lu Schell Avatar
    Lu Schell

    Due to traveling issues I can not be there to pay my condolences in person, however I am with your family in my heart. Words can’t express the feeling of sadness. We will always cherish the great memories we have. Mike was a gruff teddy bear from dashing out the hotel door telling folks if they weren’t guest that they couldn’t park, to coming to my sons Saturday baseball game to talk to me went he knew how upset I was the day before. Mike took me under his guidance and gave me the beginning knowledge of the hotel business at the Dorkat. Between him and his dad the wisdom was beyond. His training then sent me to the Super 8 and for the next 28 years our friendship grow. Mike will always be missed and his words quoted by many. Rest in peace my friend.❤️❤️🦩🦩

  17. Mary Ann Vaca Avatar
    Mary Ann Vaca

    Best 5th grade teacher ever. Words spoken to me as his student forever changed my life. He really “saw” who was before him. Blessings, and thank you.

  18. Curtis L Evans Avatar
    Curtis L Evans

    My 5th grade teacher. One of my favorites. I learned Binary in his class and actually used it often on the job. My sincerest Condolences to the Family.

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