Michael Joseph Cemprola, Sr.

Michael Joseph Cemprola Sr, age 71, passed away on March 5, 2025 after a long battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.  He was a beloved husband, father, brother and friend to many.

 

Mike (Sal) is survived by his wife of 47 years, Valerie Kovacs Cemprola, sons Robert J Cemprola, Michael J Cemprola Jr,  and daughter in law Katie Ambacher. Mike was the oldest of 6, including Jamie (Kathy), Tommy (Roxanne), Cindy (John), Judy (Carlos), and Susan (Lee). Close with his in-laws, he’ll be missed by Ron, Katie, Greg, Luanne, and Kris. Known as “Uncle Sal” to his nieces and nephews, his memory as the life of the party will live on.

 

A proud New Jersey native, Mike was born in Newark, NJ on December 18th ,1953. He grew up in Metuchen, graduating from Metuchen High School and making his way into the public utility industry.  His volunteer firefighting career started in 1982 at Hopelawn Engine Company #1, influencing Mike and Val to settle up the street in 1983. Serving as the Chief at the fire company, his “stubborn but caring” disposition led to countless lives saved. His  Chief’s helmet is still in the garage, surrounded by his prized Hotwheels, Franklin Mint collectibles, Matchbox cars, and a fleet of Schwinn Stingray bicycles.

 

Moving to Mechanicsville, VA in 1995, Mike held down an array of jobs, ultimately landing at the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities- retiring at the end of 2015. While living in the Richmond metro area for 30 years, the Yankees fan would defend that a number of things are simply better in the Garden State…turn signal usage, bread/bagels, pizza (Sciortino’s Tray Pie), among others.

 

Known as Mr. Mike by his sons’ baseball teams (known for a “direct” coaching style), Mike could make you feel welcomed in an instant. A party at Mike and Val’s would have a wide-ranging soundtrack since Mike’s musical tastes were eclectic: Sinatra, James Taylor, The Buena Vista Social Club, Van Halen, and the Grateful Dead (who also inspired many of his wardrobe choices). Those lucky enough to have been at the party know that a typically brief joke or story could be crafted into a 20-minute saga leaving his audience in stitches and simultaneously baffled how he stretched the yarn so far.

 

Cremation was private, but a gathering for family and friends is in the works. Mike loved a party, so keep him laughing and smiling in your hearts.