Michael J. DiCenzo, Sr.

Michael DiCenzo Sr., 69, of Murrells Inlet, SC passed away September 3, 2023 at MUSC Florence, after a long illness. He was born on September 16, 1953 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to the late Mariano (Mutt) and Emma DiCenzo. He is also reunited in passing with his sister Mariann. 

Mike was a member of the first graduating class of Taconic High School, followed by North Adams State College (now MCLA), where he received a BA in Elementary Education minoring in math. He began a long career as a banker, and received much continuing education in that field of study. He had a heart for small businesses and the local economy which is why he specialized in small business lending. He helped numerous local, small businesses get their start and become successful over the years. 

Mike was a beloved member of the community and never met a stranger. Always with a smile on his face, he volunteered for many organizations such as the March of Dimes where he became “Man of the Year”, the Jimmy Fund, Unico, Make a Wish Foundation, Special Olympics, Relay for Life, and the list goes on. He was an active member of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church where he met his wife of nearly 35 years, and was a member of the Holy Name Society.

He was a major foodie, with an emphasis on his Italian heritage, but never discriminating against any other type of cuisine. He would be found many weekends donating his time creating polenta game dinners for charity, as well as making homemade wine, cured meats, and Italian stuffed cherry peppers. He enjoyed attending food and wine festivals across the US, and concerts at Tanglewood in the Berkshires; all the while savoring antipasti alongside peaches soaked in his homemade wine.

He was a thrill-seeker who loved Disney and amusement parks, always making a point to ride the most riveting roller-coasters and take his kids with him! One of his greatest memories was flying through the Grand Canyon in a helicopter! He held Boston sports teams near and dear to his heart, especially the Red Sox and Patriots. He followed NASCAR and was a huge Dale Earnheart fan. He loved horse racing, and at one time was part owner of a racehorse under the name Fat Boy Stables. He lovingly joked that his daughter, Sara, was named after Saratoga Raceway. He was an avid golfer, and inspired his son in-law to pick up the game and become a PGA Golf Professional. He adored classic rock music, as well as smooth jazz and 

R & B, and attended countless concerts expressing that adoration. He enjoyed travel, with some of his favorite destinations being the Hawaiian Islands, New Orleans, San Francisco, Napa, Las Vegas, Florida, the North End of Boston, NYC, San Antonio, Texas, the Caribbean, and his home area of New England.

Mike spent his last three years in Coastal South Carolina. Although he struggled significantly with his health, he was still able to enjoy some wonderful times with his most prized possessions, his grandchildren. He was fortunate enough to watch them in golf matches and baseball games. Holiday dinners, farmer’s markets, weekly trips for ice cream, Sunday breakfasts, and Carolina BBQ in Charleston were some highlights. 

He is survived by his children, Michael DiCenzo Jr.,of Northampton, MA; daughter Sara Stewart, and her husband Brad, of Murrells Inlet, SC; his adoring grandchildren, Nico, Gio, and Valentina Stewart, Marcus Lyon, and Michael DiCenzo, III; brothers Anthony and his wife Carolyn, James and his wife Cindy; ex-wife and good friend, Christine DiCenzo; nieces, nephews, and great friends.

A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held privately. in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Mike’s name to the Jimmy Fund https://www.jimmyfund.org/

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guestbook, kindly visit the funeral home website at, www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home of Murrells Inlet (843-651-1440) is honored to assist the family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.