Michael Settino Our Friend
By 33 in The Irish Times | 6 comments
In Memory of our Friend
Michael A. Settino
A generous and devoted friend, family man and community servant, Michael retired in 2006 after 20 years of success as an Allstate Insurance Agent in Rockland County. While serving on local area boards and supporting his younger brother, Tom’s Vino 100 wine shop on the Newburgh waterfront. Michael currently was pursing entertainment projects that fused his passion for the great outdoors with his love for sporting, travel and the culinary arts.
Always seeking a purer, more authentic form of living, Michael enjoyed nothing more than opening his home up to family and friends with good food, laughter and “happiness” (Michael’s penchant for spontaneous, year-round gift-giving). One always felt safe in Michael’s presence – buoyed by his own quest to live life to the fullest without prolonged worry or regret. “To the good life always” was his motto and favorite toast – and through Michael’s instinct for teaching, it became a common faith with all those who loved him.
Michael was born in the Bronx on December 27, 1962, to Falco and Grace Settino, and grew up in Pearl River. A graduate of Syracuse University with a background in English and communications. Michael married Mary Winn Gordon of Mississippi on August 30, 1997, the two loved walking their dog Charlie Bear through Newburgh and traveling together, especially to their “home away from home” in Cape May, NJ.
A member of Newburgh’s Powelton Club, Michael’s community efforts included serving on the Board of Directors for Trestle Inc., and he was past President of Big Brothers and Sisters of Rockland County.
In a text message to a friend a year ago on one of his many hunting adventures, Michael related the words inscribed on a sign he had given to his host: “Cool breeze, warm fire, full moon, empty plates, tall tales, short sips, long life, to the days that are!” Michael added: “I could’t have said it any better!” The same could be said of the way he lived. For Michael, there were “no boundaries” in the Big woods he traveled to in Maine, and in his mind. And there never will be.
We’ll miss Mike, Irish Wednesday’s will never be the same, but we know you have a perfectly poured Guinness close by…
Your Friends at The Irish Times
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Matthew Costello | Jan 9, 2009 | Reply
Mike,
I am truly honored that you called me your friend. You made Wednesday’s very special. I’ll pour a Guinness for you from time to time. You will always hold a special place with us at The Irish Times. You truly cared about our success, and we’ll never forget you!
Your Friend,
Matthew
Mary Winn | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
Mike was the love of my life. Thanks for remembering him.
I miss him more than words can express.
Thanks for being a friend to him.
God bless,
Mary Winn
Mary Winn | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
Michael was the love of my life. I miss him more than words can express.
Thanks for remebering him and providing this lovely tribute.
God bless,
Mary Winn
Matthew Costello | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
Mary,
I/we miss Mike as well. I miss awaiting his arrival every Wednesday. He brought with him an amazing energy and a heart full of kindness. He had some many great ideas and really wanted our business to succeed.
I know we’ll meet up again on the other side.
God Bless,
Matthew
Sunny Bak | May 5, 2009 | Reply
Mike was a gentleman. I wish I got to meet him in person. But working with him was great and I am glad he got to see his vision come to video. He enjoyed life….
Sunny
Tom Settino | Aug 25, 2009 | Reply
My Brother Mike is extremely missed by his family and by those who knew him. He was one of a kind. As one person said to me after he passed away “you only meet guys like Mike once in a lifetime”, and that is so true. He was larger than life and wanted to put his arms around this life and all it had to offer. There was nothing he couldn’t do or accomplish – once he set his mind to something there would be no stopping him. He knew the secret that life was to be lived and not wasted. Relationships and time with people he cared for and enjoyed is what mattered most to Mike.
He was my big brother and he loved sharing his life and joys with me. I have very fond memories of exploring Philadelphia during the time he spent there. We hit some great restaurants and bars, and Mike introduced me to some great people in Philly. We spent one afternoon at the Irish Times – a great place where I knew he felt welcomed.
I am happy he had the joy of living in Philadelphia during his last year of his life. It was a city that was completely suited for Mike – he enjoyed the sports, the nightlife, the food and most importantly he fit in and love the people. I’m glad he found places like the Irish Times where he felt at home.