Submitted by: Dan Rich

Michael A. Zirille

Feb. 2, 1910 - Jan. 7, 2006

South Bend Tribune 1/10/2006

Michael A. Zirille, 95, of Mishawaka passed away peacefully, Saturday afternoon, January 7, 2006, in the home of his daughter, Rosemary and son-in-law, David Spalding, where he had lived the past three months.

Mike was born February 2, 1910, in Plati, Italy, and was the first of nine children born to Francesco and Mary (Calabria) Zirille. He came with his family to the United States in 1913 and they settled in Mishawaka when he was 17. On September 2, 1934, in St. Monica Catholic Church, he married Josephine A. Trimboli. The couple made Mishawaka their home until moving to South Bend in 1989.

Mike was employed for 47 years at Ball Band (Uniroyal), retiring as a supervisor in the Research and Development Lab. He also owned and operated the Dariette Drive Inn in Mishawaka for 17 years. Following his retirement from Uniroyal in 1974, Mike worked at the Knights of Columbus in Mishawaka until 2003 tending the bar. Mike was a longtime member of St. Monica Catholic Church where he ushered for over 50 years. He also ushered for 47 years at Notre Dame football games. Mike dearly loved Notre Dame football and said that fall was his favorite season and Saturday his favorite day of the week. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a founding member of the Diloreto Society. In retirement he enjoyed playing golf in the K of C League.

Mike's surviving family includes his daughter, Rosemary (David) Spalding of Mishawaka; a son, Francis (Rena) Zirille of Fort Wayne; a sister, Betty Keenan of Baldwinsville, New York; a brother, Frank (Sally) Zirille of Mishawaka; nine grandchildren, Andy (Jan) Spalding, Mike (Cynthia) Spalding, John (Georgia) Spalding, Katy (George) Cressy, MaryJo (Brad) Meier, Tony (Joy) Zirille, Dave (Molly) Zirille, Nina Rose (Jeff) Gery, and Chris Snyder; 26 great-grandchildren who brought a big sparkle to Mike's eye, David, Annie, Scout, Tony, Bill, John, George, Maggie, Josie, Sam, Evie, Ana, Gina, Frankie Jo, Jack, Albert, Charlie, Joey, Frankie, Joey, Rocco, Gianna, Nora, Dominic, Josie and Anthony.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine in 2001; three brothers, Dominic, Patrick and Joseph Zirille; three sisters, Frances Trimboli, Margaret Miller and Katherine Trimboli; and a great grandson, Anthony Patrick Zirille.

Friends may spend time with Mike's family on Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. Third Street, Mishawaka, where a prayer service will be held at 7 p.m.

A time of visitation will also be on Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated beginning at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Jeffery Largent will be officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions be given to St. Monica Church or the Mishawaka Knights of Columbus.