Obituary of Michael J. Sellazzo

Michael “Big Mike” Sellazzo, a resident of Cortlandt Manor, NY died peacefully after a valiant fight with pulmonary fibrosis, surrounded by his family, in Pittsburgh, PA on September 5, 2015 at the age of 68. Michael is survived by his beloved wife Laura Sellazzo of 43 years and his four children Melissa (John) Mish, Peter (Lauren), Jason (Stephanie), and Erica Sellazzo. He also is survived by his six grandchildren Pearl, Poppy, Madden, Hogan, Dalton and Sloane. Born on June 24, 1947 in Ossining, NY to Michael and Florence Sellazzo, Michaelgraduated from Ossining High School in 1965 and remained a leader in alumni activities for the class. After moving to Cortland Manor in 1971 to raise his family, Michael volunteered in the community dedicating his time to various youth sports. He taught hundreds of athletes across the Town of Cortlandt and Putnam Valley to love football, basketball and his favorite sport, baseball. The baseball diamond was Michael’s second home where he served behind the plate as an umpire calling balls and strikes; all while making friends and possibly some enemies with his infamous "Strike Zone”. A die-hard Yankee fan, Michael bore a striking resemblance to Yankee legend Babe Ruth. He celebrated this likeness by attending games in a vintage uniform, participating in a look-a-like contest and even was featured in the New York Post. He also was a long suffering New York Jets fan. Known as “Big Mike” to his friends and family, he was a larger than life person always wearing a huge smile on his face. He embodied his nickname living a rich and complete life which celebrated his family and inspired his community. A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home in Peekskill, NY from 4 PM – 9 PM. The funeral is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 10 AM at the Church of the Holy Spirit, in Cortlandt Manor, NY with interment taking place at St. Augustine’s cemetery in Ossining, NY. A reception will follow at the Putnam Valley Volunteer Firehouse at 12 Canopus Hollow Rd, where all are welcome to attend and celebrate Michael’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Family House in Pittsburgh at www.familyhouse.org.