Michael Anthony Baggetta

Michael (“Mickey”) Anthony Baggetta

Michael A. Baggetta, age 90, passed away on Saturday morning, March 23, 2024, peacefully surrounded by loved ones in his family home of 52 years in Huntington Beach, CA. He was an exceptional human being who lived an ordinary life. He has left an indelible mark on his family and all who knew him.

Mike was born on January 17, 1934 at home in New York City where he spent his formative years growing up in the ‘Little Italy’ section on Manhattan. He was the fourth child of Francesco and Pierina Baggetta, who immigrated to the United States of America from Italy. At age 16, Mike delivered fruits and vegetables on weekends to customers for his Uncle Gus who opened an upscale stand with a local Jewish family on Amsterdam Avenue and 79th Street in New York. He attended Aviation High School, which still sits on Long Island to this day, where he prepared for a career in the aviation and aerospace industry. At age 20 years old he was drafted into the United States Army Reserve serving 2 years stationed in Germany as part of the post occupational forces. Mike was honorably discharged in 1962, and was proud of his Army career. His children enjoyed hearing all of the stories of his time in Germany.

After his marriage in 1957 to Elsie Maria (Marsh) he worked for various companies following a career in mechanical engineering. The family relocated to Blacksburg, Virginia where his career thrived and eventually landed him a job with Litton Industries. Mike then transferred to Southern California, the center of the aerospace industry in the early 1970’s. He became one of the top-selling Sales Managers for the company selling slip-rings. He retired comfortably at age 65.

It was in California where Mike began to play competitive tournament handball which he enjoyed playing even into his wise eighties, ranking in the top of senior players nationally. He enjoyed traveling with Elsie to Hawaii, deep-sea fishing, tending to his beloved tomato and herb garden and was a gourmet Italian cook. He enjoyed hosting gourmet dinners for family and friends with his wife Elsie. He was also the ultimate “man of many talents”.  Mike could fix anything… from family cars to appliances, and if there wasn’t a tool that worked, he would create one! These memories are priceless.

Michael was a devoted father and grandfather and loved spending time with his family, especially on fishing and hiking with his family on trips to Mammoth Mountain. He was also a radio- controlled modeler. He enjoyed building balsa kits of gliders that he flew locally around Huntington Beach and on family vacations. Fun, Food, Love and Laughter were always the norm whenever family was all together.

Michael is survived by his wife of over 66 years - Elsie, 5 children: Linda & Michael (twins), Maria, Mark and Lisa. 9 Grandchildren: Anthony, Alyssa, Kevin, Keith, Erik, Ryan, Oliver, Adam & Amanda (twins), and one Great-Grandchild: Victoria Ann Smith. Nieces and Nephews: Geraldine, Karen, Frankie, Debbie, Jennifer. His Brother: Frank Baggetta, 80 of Bluffton, SC is the last surviving member from his immediate family.

Michael was a Blessing to many and will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

A memorial service is planned for summer 2024, in Huntington Beach, CA.

In lieu of flowers the family is suggesting donations in the name of Michael A. Baggetta to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society OR to the Nation of Patriots (for Veterans) – Regional Commander is Anthony Caniglia (Mike’s grandson) arizonanationofpatriots.com, anthonynopaz@gmail.com.

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