Michael Robert Farinacci, 69, of Santa Ana, CA, passed away on February 17, 2023 after suffering an aortic dissection.

Michael was born on December 14, 1953, to John and Praxeda Farinacci in Warren, Ohio. After graduating from Howland High School in 1972, he earned his Bachelor's in Accounting from THE Ohio State University, where he also served as a resident advisor. During college Michael had a thriving arcade rental business, P & M Vending, where he honed his foosball and pinball skills.

Shortly after graduating in 1976, Michael moved to California, where he worked as an accountant for Rohr Industries, Channel 5 KTLA, and Winchell’s Donuts. Eventually Michael decided to open his own business, a sports bar called Ruby Tuesdays Bar & Grill, which served delicious food and had an excellent array of games. After about 14 years, he sold the bar and moved on to other pursuits.

Michael also taught cooking classes. Cooking was one of Michael’s great passions and supreme talents in life. He developed many unique recipes, including his roasted “California Gold” garlic spread and his marinara sauce, both of which are well-known and beloved by friends and family. He also perfected his thin-crust Neapolitan pizza.

In 1983 Michael married the love of his life, Doris. She couldn’t help but laugh at his impressions and witty jokes. They enjoyed going for long motorcycle rides on Michael’s classic 1991 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail. Michael later served as the Chairman for his American Thunder motorcycle club.

Michael and Doris had two children, Alexandra and Dante. Michael was an awesome stay-at-home dad. He coached his kids’ baseball and basketball teams. He taught them both how to drive and play blackjack. He shared his passion for cooking, rock and roll, the Godfather, the Sopranos, and football (Go Buckeyes! Fight on Trojans!). And he always had a home-cooked meal on the table each night, where his family sat and ate together over lively and loud dinner conversation. After his kids left for college, Michael continued to send them care packages with pre-made paninis, pulled pork sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies, and brownies. He never would tell his children what he did on his last day of high school that got him in so much trouble, and anyone who has information about this should absolutely let his children know.

In October 2015 Michael had a massive stroke that impaired his speech and left him paralyzed on his right side. He worked so hard to overcome the challenges presented by these physical limitations. Michael and Doris continued to lead a normal life. They traveled to Hawaii multiple times a year and also enjoyed taking cruises to Mexico. They played cards, and he often won. Despite only being able to use his left hand, Michael was still able to make dinner most nights for himself and Doris.

Michael was predeceased by his father, John. He is survived by his wife Doris and his children Alexandra and her husband Jackson and Dante and his wife Morgan, his mother Prexi, who is 101 years old, and his siblings Paul, Eda and Dan.

A celebration of life will take place at Bluegold in Huntington Beach on Friday, March 24 at 12:00 PM. Please refer to the Events tab for more information.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/michael-farinacci/obituary/

Copy