GREENWOOD
Michael Domenic Carollo, 63, passed away on February 15, 2022. He was born on June 12, 1958 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Domenic and Monica Katherine Carollo who preceded him in death. He lived the first two years of his life at the Coast Guard station in Grand Marais, MI and grew up in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee surrounded by the guidance of his three doting sisters – Monica (Gene), Angela (Peter), and Kate (Brien). His college days included time at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Business.
Mike spent his career as a professional air traffic controller at Indianapolis ARTCC for 25 years, where he was well respected by his colleagues. Many controllers fondly remember the annual bus trip Mike organized to see baseball games in Milwaukee and Chicago. The highlight of the trip was always the tailgate at Miller Park in Milwaukee where he enlisted his family to cook brats and burgers for the hungry invaders.
The light of Mike’s life was his two daughters, Jamie (Christopher) Alexander and Natalie Carollo. He loved being a dad. He spent time visiting each of the girls throughout the year and adventuring with them through bike rides, hiking, and spending time outdoors. Mike was blessed with two granddaughters, Jordyn and Jaidyn Alexander, and found new fun playing basketball, taking them on golf-cart rides, and being their “Papa.” He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Mike spent the last fifteen years with his partner, Cathy Wilson. Together, they traveled the world via trains, planes, boats, and bikes. Mike and Cathy enjoyed spending time with dear friends, both in Indiana and in Wisconsin. While living in the woods of Indiana, Mike supported Cathy’s children and grandchildren, found great joy working with trees, and honed his lumberjack skills.
Mike was an avid bike rider touring the back roads of wherever he lived and traveled. He would frequently start in the morning, packing a peanut butter sandwich for lunch, and spend the day with no specific goal in mind except to get back home in time for a nap in his hammock before dinner. Often, Mike would map out a route that would take him by a favorite coffee shop or brewery to extend the ride and enjoy a delicious libation.
Although Mike moved to Indianapolis in 1984, he remained loyal to his Wisconsin roots, frequently traveling back.
He loved spending time with his extended family and often caught a game while he visited, always excited to see the Badgers, Packers, or Brewers play. He followed his teams to other locations, including road trips to Cincinnati where he tried to introduce tailgating to a city sorely in need of the instruction.
Mike flourished in every situation that came his way. He had many challenges throughout his life and faced what seemed like insurmountable odds on more than one occasion. But with each challenge came an understanding that, while he didn’t have control, he could embrace the challenge and do the best with what life threw at him. He was selfless and constantly looking for ways that he could help his friends and family. Through cooking, planning, and even building an entire swing set from scratch, he showed his love through his acts of service.
Mike always lived life to its fullest and left an impact on everyone that he loved. He will be missed by many. As one of his friends recently remarked, “he was the human we are supposed to be”.
Celebrations of Mike’s life will be held in Indianapolis in the spring and Port Washington, WI next summer. In the interim, please consider donating to the National Park Foundation to honor Mike’s life and legacy.
