Michael Thomas Ariosto
Michael “Mike” Thomas Ariosto, 66, ended his long battle with cancer at home on August 4, 2024 in Chapel Hill, NC surrounded by family and close friends.
Mike was born July 20, 1958 in Flushing Queens, NY to Salvatore (Sal) and Irene Ariosto. He was the loving brother to four older sisters, Janet, Lynn, Kathy and Laura. Mike grew up on Long Island where he attended school and his passion for hockey began. He played hockey both in school and also with a late night hockey league.
Mike began his career as a Broadway Box Office Ticket Manager In NYC where he had the privilege to meet many of Broadway's finest. He also played in the Broadway Show Softball League where he again rubbed elbows with many a star, including Tony Danza and Marlo Thomas. He met Sharon Spencer in 1993 while helping friends as a bouncer at their new bar Brother Jimmy’s, and they married in 1994. They had two children: Alexandria (Alex) while living in NYC and Spencer after they moved to NC. They moved to Chapel Hill, NC in 1998 where Mike and Sharon opened Just Cutting Up, a fun shaped cutting board company. When they closed Just Cutting Up, Mike went to work for the ABC Stores both in Orange County and Chatham County. He retired from the ABC in 2022.
Mike spent many hours heavily involved with The Exchange Pool in Chapel Hill and sat on the board as the Maintenance Coordinator. Alex and Spencer swam on the swim team for The Exchange Pool where Mike became a long time head timer for the swim team while they were swimming and coaching. He spent many weekends grilling and hanging out with his great friends there. Mike would tell you that many of his dearest friendships were made at The Exchange Pool.
Mike loved his family and friends, Rangers hockey and a good Sunday Jets football game with chicken wings. He was often referred to as the life of the party anywhere he went and made friends effortlessly. During his battle with cancer, Mike celebrated his daughter's marriage to David Batson and proudly walked his daughter down the aisle. He became a Pop Pop in April when he welcomed his first grandson, James Michael Batson, to the family. Mike was so excited to see his son Spencer get a dream job in sports, he was so proud of both of his children and their many accomplishments.
Mike is survived by Sharon Spencer Ariosto (Todd Conner), his daughter: Alex Ariosto (David Batson), his son: Spencer Ariosto, his grandson: James Batson, and siblings: Janet (Tom) Morganthau, Lynn Ariosto, Kathy Warburton and Laura (Wayne) Thomson.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents Sal and Irene Ariosto.
A celebration of life will be held on August 24th at 4pm, at The American Legion Post 6, 3700 NC-54, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 in the Club Room.
The Celebration Service will begin at 4pm with a reception following.
We invite everyone to wear a Hawaiian shirt or themed outfit to celebrate the wonderful life of the party, Mike Ariosto.
Family Contact - Sharon Ariosto (919) 260-0433 Address - 121 Channing Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516