Obituary of Larry Miele

April 9, 1948 - March 26, 2024

Larry Miele. Age 75 of Woodhaven.

Beloved husband of Karen Miele. Loving father of Carly (Daniel) Barnard and Kelly (Christopher) Olsen. Dearest grandfather of Logan Lundgren, Marisa Barnard, Nathan Lundgren, Olivia Barnard, Allison Lundgren, Susan Barnard, Gabriel Consiglio and Rosalia Consiglio. Dear son of Dorothy (the late Joseph) Helton. Brother of Gary (Marilyn) Miele. Also survived by brother-in-law Barry (Janice) Schott and his beloved granddogs Charlie, Cosmo and the late Max. Preceded in death by his father Constantino Miele.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to The Larry Miele Legacy Scholarship. Every year a scholarship will be awarded to a CTE student at the Taylor Career and Technical Center in his honor.

Larry spent 42 years in career and technical education as a principal, a director and a CTE counselor. He would want his legacy to benefit students.

Family Tribute ~

Larry Miele - April 9, 1948 - March 26, 2024

Larry Miele, long time resident of Woodhaven, passed away on March 26th at the age of 75 years old. Larry attended Melvindale High School where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a phenomenal athlete. Nicknamed “The Animal”, he set records that are still unbroken in wrestling. He was a two-time state champion, a two-time state runner-up and third in the nation. He graduated in 1966 as a 4 year varsity letterman for four sports: football, basketball, wrestling and track and field. He continued his wrestling career at Iowa State and Eastern Michigan University. He earned his Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in education. He paid his way through college as a mason brick layer with his brother Gary and their business called Miele Masonry. His handiwork can be found in Detroit and the Downriver area to this day. Larry retired from a 42 year career in education in 2013 from Southgate Anderson High School. He started out student teaching at Truman High School, taught social studies, health and physical education at Riverview High School and was a counselor for the Downriver Career Technical Consortium. From there, he was a principal at Downriver High School and was a counselor for the summer youth program through SEMCA and Michigan Works.

Finishing out his career, he spent the last 14 years at Southgate Anderson High School. He was their assistant principal, CTE director and summer school principal. Throughout his career he was an award winning coach. Coaching wrestling at Eastern Michigan University, Aquinas, and Riverview, football and basketball at Melvindale, cross country and track at Riverview and youth sports for his two daughters, Carly and Kelly. He was also a wrestling referee and sideline warrior for all of his grandkids and loved his dogs.

Larry was known for his jovial personality and his ability to connect with people. He made a nickname for each person he met the minute he was introduced to someone. He always had the world’s smallest coffee cup in his hand and knew everybody. He would say his greatest accomplishment in life was his 50 year marriage to his soulmate. He loved cooking his famous Miele meatballs and sauce for his family and friends. He made homemade pickles with ingredients from his vegetable garden for everybody. His connection to the community was so valuable to him. His memberships of the Woodhaven Moose, fraternities, Knights of Columbus, Rotary, Hall of Fame Committee and Hall’s Angels, is where his legacy will live on. Larry is known for attending all activities for his two daughters, Carly and Kelly, and his eight grandchildren. He was dedicated to supporting “his girls” in any and every way. He earned quite a few of his own nicknames, but I think his favorite will always be Chauffeur. Especially in retirement he took his job as chauffeur to everyone very seriously. He loved driving his friends and family around and cherished his car conversations. The impact in the lives of everyone he met is unwavering, and he will be missed.