Passed away, suddenly after a brief illness on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at the age of 79. Beloved husband of Tamra Pittarelli (nee Cook). Loving father of Maria Blair (David), Angela Lueck (Kevin) and Mario Pittarelli (Tara). Cherished grandfather of Jared Lueck, Keith Lueck, Matthew Blair, Timothy Blair, Mairin Pittarelli and Alison Pittarelli. Brother of Mario (Louisette), and predeceased by his sister, Dora. Son of the late Luigi and late Maria Pittarelli.
Michael served in the Airforce for over 30 years and served at many different bases throughout Canada. He was the first Canadian on staff at the NATO Communications School in Latina, Italy as well as one of the four Canadians that opened the Canadian Liaison office in Naples, Italy. He was the Deputy Commanding officer of communications at CFB Lahr. After retirement he spent many fulfilling years volunteering with the Ottawa Police Services, Carleton Lodge and Friends of the Library.
Family and friends are invited to attend Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), on Friday, September 16, 2022, for a visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 10 a.m. An interment with military honours will follow in the National Military Cemetery located at Beechwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Sherry Jordan (retired OPS)
PENELOPE GOULD (Retired Distribution Centre Manager -FOPLA)
Michael had been a volunteer with the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library for over 15 years and I had worked alongside side him for the last 8. Michael was always a very friendly, collegial volunteer with a great sense of humour who was always wiling to step in and help in any way he could. We were fortunate to have such a valuable volunteer for so many years. Until we meet again Michael.
Jody and Ross Tubman
Angela, Kevin, Jared, and Keith – please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your father, father-in-law, grandfather. We are holding your whole family in our thoughts.
Pete Lamontagne
Mike was a great person to know and I enjoyed working for him at Comm Group Lahr in the early 80s. On behalf of Maureen our heartfelt condolences to you and the family on your loss
Marwan
Tamara and family, please accept our deepest condolences. I knew Mike for about 15 years, he was always consistent, organized, full of energy, detail oriented, always early, great sense of humor, always smiling, and loved reading. Mike served his country, and volunteered for his community for 30 years. I will miss Mike a lot. I just cannot believe it. It was always a pleasure to see him.
Catherine Strickland
What a privilege to work with Michael as an Ottawa Police Service Volunteer. Working together doing Home safety inspections, Community skating events, and numerous other events. He was always very entertaining at Christmas dinners and Volunteer Appreciation Brunches, engaging everyone with his stories and charm. Michael and Tamra would always stop for a chat when we met up at our local grocery store. Our deepest condolences, Catherine and Vance.
Mary Zion
Dearest Tamra, Please accept our deepest condolences to you, on behalf of our entire staffing team at Carleton Lodge.
Mike was a proud volunteer who consistently put others first, always finding time to help a fellow volunteer, a staff member, many a family member and of course, our residents. He was an exceptionally kind person who held an intrinsic love of family, his Carleton Lodge family as well as his own treasures.
Mike’s dedication went far beyond his willingness and ability to help at a moment’s notice. He, and of course Tamra, was actively involved in the very fabric of our home- from being the founding members of our Library program, assisting with large family events such as the family barbeques, memorial services, Remembrance Day Ceremonies and Christmas dinners; helping Tamra bake up a storm for our Christmas reading group ( I believe he was the taste tester…), to greeting families throughout the Home. Mike had his hand in many things to ensure the smooth running of our many facets of Lodge life.
The beauty of a life well lived is the memories left behind. Remembrance is a golden chain that death tries to break but all in vain; To have, to love, and then to part is the greatest sorrow of one’s heart. Time may wipe out many things, but it can never wipe out our great memories and laughs we all shared with Mike
My message to staff is to follow Mike’s advice- Take good care of each other and remember, kindness is a gift; be kind to each other and be kind to yourselves. It is a value to be treasured. Now Carleton Lodge has one more guardian angel to watch over us. He and Joanna B will ensure we are in good hands.
Sincerely,
Mary
Eric & Dianne McCormack
While Eric worked for Mike in Lahr, Dianne & Tamra (Tammy) travelled . We developed a friendship that has remained strong for more than 40 years. We have heavy hearts and will miss Mike very deeply and offer our sincerest condolences to Tammy, Maria, Angela, Mario and their families. Thinking of you with affection.
Michael was instrumental in helping Ottawa Police as a volunteer for close to 30 years. He attended many events to represent Ottawa police in a kind professional manner. Michael had many Community police officers over the years and he helped US learn our role. I always said I couldn’t have done what we did without good people like Michael helping us. He was a true hero in his community. His smiling face will be with me forever. Rest In Peace my friend.