Michael J. Gay

Michael Gay, 75, of Long Pond, PA died Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Whitestone Care Center in Stroudsburg, PA following hospitalization for exacerbation of chronic illnesses. His loving wife of 53 years, Francine (Lovascio) Gay was by his side as he passed peacefully in his sleep.


Born on September 26, 1946 in Manhattan, Michael grew up on Mulberry Street in Little Italy. He graduated from Ralph McKee Vocational and Technical High School in 1964. He met his wife in 1967 and they wed at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in New York City on June 14, 1969. Shortly after their wedding, they moved to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn where they resided for 10 years. They then moved to Deer Park, NY where they lived for 14 years before settling in Long Pond, PA in 1992 in order to give a better life to their children. Throughout all of these moves, Michael worked as Supervising Groundskeeper for the New York City Housing Authority for over 30 years.


Michael adored his family and loved taking them on yearly vacations, especially to Virginia Beach, VA and Orlando, FL. As an avid fan of the Food Network and Emeril Lagasse, he relished any opportunity to visit Emeril’s restaurants and those of other chefs he faithfully watched on TV.


In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Joseph Gay of Long Pond and his partner, Kimberly Mecca of Throop; and daughter, Michele Gay and her husband, Douglas Krafjack of Kingston. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mamie (Bennetti) Gay.


Although his stay there was brief, the family would like to thank the staff of Whitestone Care Center for their considerate care of Michael and kindness shown by all employees. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Heart Association. On January 19 at 11am, a viewing will take place at Mangano Funeral Home in Deer Park, NY followed immediately by a prayer service and interment at Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum in Farmingdale, NY.