Michael Caringello, Sr.

Michael Caringello, Sr., age 85 of Lake Bluff, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2024. Michael was born on August 31,1938 in Valenzano, Italy. He is preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Jensen Caringello (2018) and is survived by his two sons Michael, Jr. (Leslie) and Angelo Caringello; grandchildren Grace Caringello, Mary Caringello and Mark Caringello (Liz Sucevic). Fondly, known as “Mike the Barber” left school at the age of eight to become a barbers apprentice in his hometown. He retired in 2022, leaving a remarkable legacy of cutting hair for 75 years! Michael’s Barber Shop wasn’t just a place to get a haircut, it was a place of community filled with joyfulness, laughter, and hometown scoop. Imagine a man who could turn a simple haircut into a stand-up comedy routine. Mike emigrated to the United States and arrived in Lake Forest on Christmas Eve in 1955. His first job was a groundskeeper at Barat College in Lake Forest, where the nuns taught him English so he could attend barber school in Chicago. He earned his license and in 1959 opened Michael’s Barber Shop in Lake Forest. Mike served his community by cutting hair for an astonishing 63 years. Aside from his impressive career, he was active in the community and a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. He was an enthusiastic participant in many hobbies such as gardening, where he would argue that 40 tomato plants at a time was not overkill and always managed to overgrow his zucchinis. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting which his family referred to as bird watching outings. “Fishing” which was mostly fixing the motor so he could get back to shore and always looked forward to his “guy” trips to Freemont, WI. He was a passionate Chicago Blackhawks and Bears fan, and Michael’s unique dance moves were legendary, every family function was a warm-up for his next performance. Michael’s true passion in life, however, was his family. He was a devoted husband, father and truly the best grandfather anyone could ever have. Alzheimers is a terrible and cruel disease. And while his capacities were diminishing, Mike’s kind, funny spirit remained until the end. So, let’s raise our scissors and solute Michael, “The Barber”, the jokester, the loving family man who made every day a lot brighter for us all. He will be sorely missed. Our family will be forever grateful for the compassion and care he received at Harvest Home memory care in Grafton, WI. A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 AM on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at the Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Following the Mass, a reception will be held at Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL. The Mass will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGaaA7Gv3oY. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Michael’s memory to the Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org/ . For more information – Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest at www.RTfunerals.com or (847) 234-9649.

Michael Caringello, Sr.

August 31, 1938 - January 18, 2024