Michele "Mike" Perrelli, a long time Lansing barber, died on June 4, 2021.  Mike was born on March 5, 1940 in Donnici Inferiore (Cosenza), a small village in Calabria, Italy.  He was one of nine children born of Sante and Marietta (Fortino) Perrelli.

Mike is survived by: his wife of 38 years and love of his life, Rosemarie (Gialanella) of Pittsburgh, PA; children, Eric and Lisa; grandchildren, Christopher, Jacob, Genevieve, Marissa, and Lillian; great grandchildren, Gabriel, and Benjamin, all of Lansing, Michigan; sisters, Anna Caldato of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Ida (Francesco) Bozzo of Cosenza, Italy; sisters and brothers in-law, many nieces, nephews, and cousins in the United States, Canada, Australia and Italy. He was predeceased by: his father, Sante; mother, Marietta (Fortino) of Donnici (Cosenza), Italy; brothers, Alfredo Perrelli of Lansing, Michigan, Francesco Perrelli of Cosenza, Italy; sisters, Laura DeLuca of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Chiarena Bozzo of Donnici (Cosenza), Italy, Rita Parise of Donnici (Cosenza), Italy, and Barbara DiGrazia of Ballarat City, Victoria, Australia.

After growing up on a small family farm in Italy, Mike immigrated to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in 1967 where he honed his skills as a barber. He then immigrated to the United States in 1974 and worked with his brother "Fred" at Perrelli's Barber & Style Shop for nearly four decades. After his brother's retirement in 2010, Mike joined the staff at Kositchek's Hair Salon where he served his loyal customers for another ten years. Mike won several Master Barber competitions in Canada and the United States during his career. An impeccable dresser, he enjoyed playing golf, bocce and cards, gardening, cooking, the casino, trips to visit family in Canada and Pittsburgh and spending memorable times with friends and loved ones.

Mike was authentic and humble, with a soft, old-world, and embracing personality. He cared deeply for his community and family, who will miss his gentle ways. He taught us about civility, loyalty, resilience, adventure, courage and character – and he loved to laugh. His distinguished smirky grin made everyone feel welcomed and special.

In 2019, Mike travelled to his hometown of Donnici Inferiore, Italy, and visited his sister Ida (Bozzo) and relatives. He attended family dinners, toured the village and church of his namesake, San Michele Arcangelo, walked through the vineyards of his youth at Verzano, and sampled locally produced vino at the annual village wine festival.

Mike's family is forever grateful for the gift and spirit of his life and the love and support of so many diverse friends, co-workers, loyal customers and caretakers. Always a gentleman, he will be lovingly remembered.

A celebration of his eternal life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of "Michele Perrelli" can be mailed to Capital Area Literacy Coalition, 1028 E. Saginaw, Lansing, MI  48906.