Michael Miele Sr., 65, of West Caldwell formerly of Cedar Grove, passed away on Thursday October 30, 2025. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday November 4th at 10 am at Notre Dame Church in North Caldwell, cremation will be private. Viewing hours Monday from 4-8pm at Caggiano Memorial, 62 Grove St, Montclair.



Michael worked his whole life in the disposal industry through Angelo Miele & Sons and Direct Waste.

He is survived by his loving wife of Valarie (nee Hollfelder) and by his beloved children, Jaclyn Miele and David Robotham, Michael Miele Jr. and Felicia, the joys of his life, his cherished grandchildren, Lily, Brayden, Maddalena, and Michael III, and by his dear brother Angelo (predeceased Linda Miele) and sister-in-law Debbie Miele (predeceased brother Chris Miele). He was also predeceased by his parents, Christopher and Thelma (nee Schiavo) Miele.



Mike was also blessed with an extended family like no other, Betty & Eddie Johnson, Mary Jo Hughes, Teresa LaStella, Ricky Hollfelder, Dee Bello, Susan & Roy Francisco, predeceased Edward & Mary Hollfelder, Eddie Hollfelder.



Nieces and Nephews, Chrisopher, Megan, Tara, Steve, Eddie, Michelle, Lance, Dawn, Jenny, Aaron, Jeremy, Shona, Jessica, Rob, Michael, Amanda, Casey, John, Gwenn, Todd, Vinnie, Michael, Bobby, Katie, Hector, Richie, Brian, Shannon, Nikki, Joel, Jamie, Jon, Buddy, Olivia.



Great nieces and nephews, Grazie, Jessica, Grace, Michael, Maggie, Jimmy, Katie, Callie, Emma, Isabella, Brigid, Bobby, Conor, Liam, Maddie, Sophie, Kendall, Rylee, Vinnie, Daniel, Gia, Giuli, Jayden, Landon, Rianna, Dillion, Violet, Lyla, Ofelia, Mia, Leo.

God Children Nick, Tori, Tara, Christina

Dogs Rocky & Adrian, Vito, (predeceased Paulie)

Mike was blessed with the best neighbors and friends that one man could ask for.



Mike was just as loyal to his work as he was to his family. He also dedicated his time to coaching Jr. Chiefs football for over 6 years (winning 2 championships). There wasn't a minute that went by that he did not enjoy being with every kid he inspired.

Mike had an extreme love for motorcycles, especially Harley- Davidson. This opened the door to many friendships, and a trip of a lifetime to Sturgis. He also loved working on garbage trucks with great friends and took great pride in keeping them clean.

Mike built so many memories of family vacations, Christmas Eves (giving speeches and toasting with Johnny Walker Blue), birthdays, hibachi dinners and endless laughs.

Mike met the love of his life in high school and throughout the 42 years of marriage built a family that he truly treasured.

Besides being a father, he was Jaclyn and Michael's best friend. Showed up no matter what, could lean on him for anything, and NEVER let them down.

Whenever there was a special occasion, Mike looked forward to going to Don Pepe's for stuffed lobster and sangria.

Mike was the definition of the New York Giants fan, experiencing a Super Bowl victory in person, to the later years of hearing curse words that we never heard of before while watching.



But above all, his proudest moment was when he got the name "Poppy". His grandchildren brought a new side of pride, joy, compassion, patience, love, and most of all F-U-N! ("sun").