WILMINGTON — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, colleague and mentor, Retired Chief Master Sergeant Michael Alan Gentile who left us on May 30, 2024 at the age of 80 in Wilmington, North Carolina. Surrounded by his loving family in his final moments, he was a man of immense humor and wisdom, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones, colleagues, friends, and neighbors.
Michael was born in the Bronx, New York, on February 12, 1944 to the late Alessio and Carmella Zambordino Gentile, the oldest of six siblings: James (Victoria), Robert, Alan (Marianne), Lucia (George) and Mia (Steven). He graduated from Aviation Career & Technical Education High School in 1961 and joined the United States Air Force at the age of 17.
Mike met the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Kathleen Culver in Newfoundland, Canada where son, Ron, was born. They welcomed their daughter, Karen, in Altus, Oklahoma. After being stationed for a year in Thailand, where he was exposed to Agent Orange. They spent time in Plattsburgh, New York before the assignment to Omaha, Nebraska, where they welcomed their daughter, Michelle. A final assignment brought the family to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. As fate intervened with the family’s assignment to Iran, Mike retired in 1981 at the age of 37, with the rank of Chief Master Sargent.
Mike joined Pratt & Whitney where the family moved to Peru, New York. After two years, the family moved to Kittery, Maine where he was once again worked at Pease Air Force Base. In 1988, a move brought the family back to Papillion, Nebraska. A career switch from military to commercial engines facilitated a move to Gilbert, Arizona. After a temporary assignment to Illinois, covering the Chicago Airport, Mike and Kate then made the decision to move to Rural Hall, North Carolina. After another temporary assignment to Raleigh, North Carolina and San Jose, California, Mike retired a second time in 2001 at the age of 57. This was the beginning of three successful self-start up companies in the aviation industry: K&M Engine Consultants, Ez-Ecm Incorporated and Aviation Management. It was during this time that he transitioned to his home in Kure Beach, North Carolina. Aviation Management was sold in 2009. A legend in his field and committed consultant, Mike continued to work in the field until his passing. If you knew him, could you imagine an ending any different? He loved what he did and who he worked with on a regular basis.
While stationed in Newfoundland, Canada, Mike learned the game of hockey which he paid forward through introducing others to the game and by making a difference by coaching, refereeing, even serving as president of local youth hockey association. The men’s league team he coached of Air Force members won a championship. His love of hockey involved traveling with the family yearly to the Frozen Four. He enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and children of friends play hockey – making several trips a became a regular fixture in the hockey rinks. He was fondly referred to as Pops and a hockey travel weekend treasure.
Family and friendship brought Mike and Kate on many wonderful travels, including a sibling’s trip to Italy; an MSET reunion in San Antonio, Texas; a wedding in Lake Placid, NY, visiting friends in New Hampshire and a reunion in Huntsville, Alabama. Mike was known for making memories and being a wonderful storyteller. He always treated everyone with kindness and was beyond caring. His mentoring and leadership have had an overwhelming impact on many and we have been grateful or all of the memories that have been shared. If he made an impact on your life, feel comforted knowing you also made an impact on him.
Mike had a fierce love for his family, whom he loved unconditionally. He exemplified the saying “family first”. To honor his life and legacy, as you wake up each morning, count your blessings and strive to live each day as Mike did. Commit to doing good for family, friends, and community. Share your joy and passion with others and live life uncompromisingly, always putting family first.
Please join wife Kate, son Ron (Amanda), daughters Karen (Dino) and Michelle; grandchildren, Doug, Hollianne (Gil – deceased), Alexa, Tucker, Gabriella, Cameron; great-grandchildren, Brayden, MaKenzie, Kataleya, Camelia and Sebastian; Steven (Brittany) and their children, Landon, Charleigh, Isabell, and Memphis to celebrate a life well lived on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Andrews Pine Valley at 4108 South College Road, Wilmington, North Carolina. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. followed by a service at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to:
- Step Up For Soldiers (8207 Market Street, Suite P, PO Box 10938, Wilmington, NC 28404)
- Kure Beach Ocean Rescue (117 Settlers Lane, Kure Beach, NC 28449)
- The Help Center of Federal Point (PO Box 1262, Carolina Beach, NC 28428)
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