Michael Lobosco

Michael Angelo Lobosco: 87-year-old Wickenburg resident since 1949, was born August 5 1923 in Sant'Arsenio, Salerno, Italy and came to America at age 7. He lived in New Jersey until joining the United States Army in 1943. Mike was involved in the invasion of Normandy and met up with the Russians at war's end. He suffered injuries to his left ear drum and right arm. He received the European African Middle Eastern theatre ribbon with two bronz battle stars and a Good Conduct medal. He was honorably discharged on October 27, 1945. He returned to Patterson New Jersey to wed Connie Leggio on September 8, 1946. Health concerns prompted Mike and Connie to move to Arizona for a warmer, dryer climate. They first settled in Phoenix, where Mike attended cobbler school. After completing his training, Hugh Wright offered a job at Wickenburg's local saddle and boot repair shop. Mike also worked for Ray Bybee and often talked about custom making Everett Boman's boots. At age 25, Mike began working for Blakely's truck stop where he worked for 27 years. Mike worked for Bromm Chevrolet and Benner-Nauman prior to retiring at age 65. Mike and Connie purchased a home on Oxbow Drive in 1956 where they raised their children; Joanne (WHS class of '66), Emil (WHS class of '67) and Marie (WHS class of '74). Mike and Connie were married for 49 years. Connie passed away in Wickenburg in 1995. Mike was also preceded in death by his sister Jenny, brother Peter, son-in-law Dale Stafford and grandson Gene. His survivors include: Sister: Betty (Ralph) Bonadies of New Jersey; Son: Emil (Phyllis) Lobosco; Daughter: Joanne Stafford, Marie (Dean) Martin; Grandchildren: Michael and Andrew (Christina) Lobosco; Theresa Norris; Dena (Joe) Hester; Audra (Chuck) Ohler; Tara (Barrett) Littell and Great Grandchilren: Tayler, Kenzie, J.D., Joden, and Emil. Mike was an avid bowler who once bowled 13 consecutive strikes (in two separate games). He felt he should have earned a 300 pin. Mike was a jokester with a loving heart. His heart kept giving until December 13, 2010. Family requests donations in Mike's name be directed to the American Red Cross Society, which was instrumental in helping Mike and his family following his injuries in World War II.