Michael Leonard Insalaco, 91, formerly of West Pittston and Moosic, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2022 at Maple Shade Meadows, Nesquehoning.
He was born in Harding on March 10, 1931, and was the son of the late Concetta (Scalzo) and Leonardo Insalaco.
Michael attended West Pittston schools.
In 1947 at the age of 16, he opened his first market on Main St. in Pittston with the help of his mother Concetta.
Shortly after, he was joined by his brother Sandy Insalaco, Sr. and together they opened their first supermarket on Kennedy Blvd. in Pittston.
As the business grew and flourished they were accompanied by their brothers Leonard and Vince Insalaco and brother-in-law
Leonard Dixon and built a very successful chain of supermarkets known as Insalaco’s.
At the stores he was known as the “Produce King”. His passion was serving his customers and giving them the best product every day. His love for his business came through by his strong work ethic and was an example to all his employees.
After the business was sold, Michael and his brothers continued to work in commercial real estate known as Insalaco Development Group.
He devoted his time and energy not only to his family but also to his church and the community. Michael was a meek, humble, kind, and giving man. He always loved to give to others especially local based charities such as The Salvation Army, Little Sisters of the Poor, and Marywood University.
Michael was an avid bowler, and he learned to golf after retirement. He enjoyed going out to dinner and appreciated a good meal and a glass of wine.
He was married to his beautiful wife Dolores (Makusiewicz) Insalaco. They were married for 63 years. Dolores was always by Michael’s side and supported him throughout his business career until his passing. He loved traveling with his wife and their family and friends.
He will be missed by many and loved by all.
He is survived by his wife Dolores (Makusiewicz) Insalaco, his children, Karen Insalaco of Pittston, Diane Insalaco of Philadelphia and Leonard Insalaco of Philadelphia, His grandchildren, Eric Klepadlo and fiancé Lucy, Dana Klepadlo and fiancé Michael, Meghan McAliney and fiancé Caleb, Conor McAliney and wife Ellen and two great grandchildren Sofia and Ian. He is also survived by sisters; Carmella Dixon and her husband the late Leonard, Moosic; Theresa Burke and her husband the late John, Jenkins Township; Grace Dvornicky and her husband Joseph, Laflin; the late Providence Katarsky and her husband Norbert, Harding; brothers, Sandy Insalaco, Sr. and his wife the late Marlene, Laflin; Vincent Insalaco and his wife Corinne, Shavertown; the late Leonard Insalaco and his wife, Lita, Jenkins Township; numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the medical staff and entire staff at Maple Shade Meadows Assisted Living for the tireless and loving care provided to Michael. Also Dr. Edward Rosenfeld and Dr. James McKenna.
A private viewing and Mass of Christian Burial was held with interment in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William Street, Pittston. Memorial donations may be made to Care and Concern Ministries, 35 William Street, Pittston, PA18640 or to the Salvation Army, 17 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701.