Michael Anthony Filippone

Mr. Michael Anthony Filippone, 61, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away on August 2, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born January 15, 1962, to Anthony Filippone, and Irene Filippone (Carter) in Everett, Massachusetts.

In 1998, Michael met the future love of his life Anita while they were both working at Safeway together. No matter what Michael said, he asked Anita out first and the two quickly became inseparable. After two years of dating, and being true to the romantic Michael was, Anita and Michael ran off to Vegas and eloped at the Little White Wedding Chapel on August 11th, 2000. When Michael married Anita his dream of becoming a father came true as he became a stepfather to her son John Michael. While they may not have been related by blood, Michael’s love for his son was as deep as any parent’s. He always tried to show up for all of John Michael’s events. When John Michael had his first child, Michael was promoted to Papa Mike. He loved his granddaughter Espyn with every fiber of his being. His eyes would light up anytime she was around, and he loved playing with her whenever he was able to. Michael was a family man through and through.

Michael loved spending time with those he cared about. His voice was booming and loud but always friendly and full of laughter. He loved to joke around and make sure that everyone was having a good time.

Even though Michael fancied himself as an Arizonan, his Boston roots were never too far from the surface. When it came to sports, he always rooted for his home teams, The New England Patriots, The Boston Red Sox, The Bruins and of course The Celtics. If given the chance, Michael could talk about sports for hours and hours on end and if for any reason you wanted a subject change, he was a movie buff and could then talk about his favorite movies and tv shows for just as long. Michael also had a deep love for working out and for Italian food, his favorite restaurant being Olive Garden.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Anita Filippone; his son, John Michael Bustamante and daughter-in-law Ashley; his brother, Andy Filippone and sister-in-law Lynn; 1 Granddaughter, Espyn; 1 nephew Anthony Filippone and Tania Hagel as well as their 2 children; and many more family and friends than could be named. He also leaves behind his Chihuahua Russell Terrier mix, Rocky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother, and his beloved Chihuahua, Guero.

A memorial service will be held starting at 5 pm on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Thompson Funeral. Address: 926 S. Litchfield Road Goodyear Arizona 85338. The family requests that any flowers be delivered to Thompson Funeral by 1 pm.