Michele "Mike" Amodeo

Michele “Mike” Amodeo, 91, passed away May 17, 2021 at MercyOne Hospice in Johnston.

Mike was born February 9, 1930 in Terravecchia Italy to Rocco and Maria (Pirillo) Amodeo. He served in the Alpini for two years. While still living in Italy, Mike started corresponding with Des Moines girl, Lucia Sposato. In June of 1957, Lucia traveled to Italy where she and Mike were married. He came to the United States in 1959 and the couple made their home in Des Moines. Mike began working for the Lacona family at Noah’s Ark. He later went to work for Butternut Bakery. Mike started helping a friend with some painting at Northwestern Bell, where his hard work caught the eye of the maintenance supervisor who hired him on the spot. He retired from Northwestern Bell after 30 years of dedicated service. Mike was a great Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle and Friend. He cherished his family. He loved gardening and grew beautiful vegetable gardens, flower gardens and fruit trees. Mike was a lifelong member of the Club of Italian-Americans and enjoyed playing cards and volunteering at the Festa Italiana. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and walked in the Corpus Christi Procession every year until his age stopped him. In his later years, Mike & Lucia enjoyed their morning coffee group and mall walking.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of over 63 years, Lucia, children; Maria (Frank Carra Sr.), Pia Prince (Piero), Mike (Shelley) Amodeo, Rocco Amodeo; son-in-law, Eric Campen; grandchildren; Franko, Anthony (April), Joseph (Tijana), Christina and Angela Carra, Teresa, Victoria (Steven Brown), Michael (Stephanie), Dante, Joseph and Nicholas Amodeo, Rachel Smock (Tyler Neuhaus), Simone Moribito; 11 great-grandchildren; niece, Anna Maria Oliva; nephew, Rocco “Nino” Amodeo; and a host of extended family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Gina Amodeo Campen; brother, Guiseppe Amodeo; and his grandson, Andrew Campen.


The family will greet friends Sunday, May 23, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, May 24th at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road. Mike will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Mike.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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