Obituary of Michael J. Felice

Michael J. "Sonny" Felice, 85, of 182 Aldren Ave. Jamestown, passed away peacefully Tuesday October 11, 2016 in his home, surrounded by his family. He was born August 26, 1931 in Binghamton, NY the son of the late Michael J. and Rose Caruso DeFelice. In 1948, Michael enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, serving in Korea until his Honorable Discharge in 1952. Mike began his broadcasting career in the late 1960's working as an advertising account executive for Triangle Broadcasting in Binghamton. He moved to Jamestown in 1971 and worked for Trend Broadcasting, Inc., then owned by WKSN and WHUG. Mike served as General Sales Manager and later was promoted to Vice-President of the stations. The stations were later purchased by Derrick Publishing Company of Oil City, PA and Mike was named Vice-President of Broadcasting. Derrick thereafter acquired stations in Dunkirk, NY, Dubois, PA and Olean NY. Mike represented the stations in the planning of a first of its kind Job Fair involving other local media. Mike traveled to Washington to be recognized for the project by President Ronald Reagan at the White House. During his tenure the stations were honored several times by the New York State Broadcasters Association for news and community service programs. His daughter Jennifer was the impetus for his long involvement with The Resource Center. His association with The Resource Center began in 1979. He served as Vice-President of the Board from 1985-88 and President from 1988-91. After leaving the Board in 1993, Mike served as the Chair of The Resource Center's Advisory Committee until 1995. Thereafter, Mike served on the Boards of several organizations that partner with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities. He received many awards in his years of service including The Resource Center's Lifetime Achievement award in 2011. For 10 years, Mike served on the Steering Committee of the Carl Cappa Memorial Golf Classic, The Resource Center's most successful fund-raising event. Mike was one of The Resource Center's all-time leaders, supporters and friends. Mike helped guide The Resource Center through a time of tremendous growth in the 1980's and 90's and helped nurture TRC Foundation, Filling the Gap and the other corporations from their infancy up to the present day. Mike's passion and dedication serving The Resource Center brought him great joy and satisfaction. For many years, Mike volunteered at the Lutheran Home. He also enjoyed golf, pool, and listening to good music. Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Laura Lombardo Felice; three daughters: Michelle (Martin) Wessendorf of Johnstown, NY; Carol (Bob) Davidson of Jacksonville, FL; Jennifer Felice his pride and joy of Frewsburg, NY; three step children whom he loved as his own: Robert (Laura) Wheeler of Overland Park, KS; Laurie (Jim) Allen of San Juan Capistrano, CA; George (Debbie) Wheeler of Kissimmee, FL; eight grandchildren: Ryan Wessendorf, Felicia Harter, April Wessendorf, Ashley Davidson, Robert Wheeler Jr., Danny Wheeler, Buddy Wheeler, and Abi Wheeler; and two great grandchildren: Logan Wheeler and Sawyer Harter. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his best friend, his beloved dog, Jeter. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 Noon Saturday October 15, 2016 in Holy Apostles Parish, Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church. The Rev. Dennis W. Mende, pastor, will be celebrant. Inurnment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday in the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to: The Resource Center, 200 Dunham Ave., Jamestown, NY 14701; or Roswell Park Cancer Institute, PO Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240-0631.