Michael R. Lembo, Jr. entered into rest on January 11, 2019. He passed peacefully in his sleep at Sapphire Rehabilitation Facility after recovering from a brief illness.
Born in Bayridge, Brooklyn on May 9, 1931 he was the only child born to the parents of Michael and Mary Lembo. He along with his parents moved to Ardonia, NY when he was just 7 years old. They owned and operated Ardonia Market from 1937 to 1941 until they moved to Modena and started in the farming business. He attended Cornell University and earned his Associates degree majoring in pomology class of 1953. He wanted to ensure that his beautiful orchards were given the best care possible.
In addition to running the farm he served on the Wallkill Board of Education for 15 years as President and also served two terms as Chairman from 1965-1979. Hisserving on the school board also was the result of the existence of the “Plattekill Park” known today as “Felton Park”. Originally a new middle school was to be built but the vote didn’t pass. The property sat vacant for many years until the Town of Plattekill purchased it from the school district.
He was also a Rotarian and Lions Club member.
A family statement: “As much as he loved winter, he also enjoyed spending a few weeks in sunny Puerto Rico with his late wife Dolores and his daughter Michelle playing a few rounds of golf. Dad was never one to sit around. After retiring from farming, one of his greatest joys was counting the numerous families that would come from near and far to enjoy a fun filled day of riding their ATV’s throughout our beautiful 300 acres. It became so popular a “sport” that we were televised throughout many countries on MTV. I guess you could say Dad put “Modena on the map”. As if that wasn’t enough, Dad decided to open his doors at the Rustic Lounge to country western music. It was a fun time every weekend listening to the many bands that played throughout the years. We could go on and on about our father.
He is survived by his four children; Michael Lembo, III and his companion Ada Morales; Michelle, Victor and Anthony Lembo of Modena; several grandchildren Vanessa and her husband Jeremy; Michael IV; Jonathan; Jorge and his wife Rachel; Summer; Matthew; Patrick; Timothy; Angelina and Ashia. Great grandchildren Gabriel; Asher; Lucy and Chloe. He was predeceased by his wife Dolores on August 24, 2016.
A memorial service will be announced by the family at a later time to celebrate Michael’s life.