We are saddened to announce the passing of Michael Matthew Reiser, Jr., at the age of 87, in The Villages, Florida. He was surrounded by his three children and his sister, Christina, at the time of his death.
Michael was born on December 26, 1936, in the Yorkville section of Manhattan to Michael M. Reiser, Sr., and Theresa Farley Reiser. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School, where he excelled as a swimmer, specializing in the butterfly stroke. His relay team’s record at Cardinal Hayes HS still stands. Additionally, he served as an altar boy, often recalling fond memories of his service. Michael graduated high school in 1954.
In December 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines, training as an Aircraft Radio Technician and receiving top-secret clearance to work on Marine Air Communications. During his service at Quantico, he had the honor of meeting Winston Churchill and played semi-pro hockey.
Michael graduated from Pace University in New York with a degree in Business Administration and worked as an accountant for Toys R Us until his retirement, after which, he moved to The Villages, FL.
In 1967, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Liz) Murray Reiser, while bowling. They were known for their prowess in various bowling leagues and tournaments. They lived in the Bronx and Queens before settling in Copiague, Long Island, in 1971, where they raised their three children and formed lifelong friendships. Mike was active in the community, coaching recreational football teams.
In 1983, Mike and Liz moved to New Jersey. They began planning for their retirement, eventually moving to The Villages. They loved it so much that Mike’s brother Edward joined them on the same block, and many friends followed.
Mike and Liz designed their dream home in The Villages, complete with a bowling alley painted on the driveway. Mike was an active member of the Santo Domingo community and served as the treasurer. He was deeply involved in St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and a Fourth-Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus. His faith was very important to him.
Mike is lovingly remembered by his children, Kenneth, Patricia (Trista), and Matthew, and his grandchildren, Emon, Tyler, Arielle, Kyan, Kelsea, Jackson, and Mikey. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Liz, granddaughter Ariana, brother Edward, sister-in-law Lynn, cousin Bernie Rau, Jr and his wife Terry Rau. He is survived by his sisters Theresa Southwood and Christina Perrelli, and his aunt, Marion Desmond.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the exceptional medical staff at UF The Villages, UF Leesburg, and Cornerstone Hospice House for their compassionate care during this difficult time.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Timothy’s Roman Catholic Church at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Interment and Marine Military Funeral Honors will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.