Michael Anaclerio

AIKEN - Lt Col Michael Anaclerio, USAF (Ret), 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 6, 2018 at his home following an extended illness. Mr. Anaclerio was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 11, 1934, to the late Saverio (Sam) and Michalena (Marge) DiBernado Anaclerio. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1957 where he participated in the ROTC program. He served in the United States Air Force for 20 years. He served as an Intercept Officer in Aircraft Control & Warning Squadrons in the US, Canada, Morocco and Aiken, where he met Sally Cunning. They were married on September 29, 1962 in Aiken. While Mike was stationed in Aiken, he was sent TDY to Key West during the Cuban crisis, monitoring the air activity over Cuba, Florida, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean surrounding Florida. His next career opportunity was to transfer as the Budget Officer within the Comptroller area where he was assigned to the 10th Air
Force within Air Defense Command. Subsequently, he was deployed
to Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam as the Comptroller/Budget Officer.
Following Vietnam, his next assignment was to Soesterberg, The Netherlands as Base Comptroller. After four years in Europe, the Air University at Montgomery, Alabama came calling for Mike’s comptroller skills in their Budget Office and subsequently the Accounting & Finance Department, where he received his promotion to Lt Colonel. Also, while living in Alabama, Mike received his Masters of Business Administration degree from Auburn University. Upon reaching retirement age, Michael and his family returned to Aiken where he began working with Robinson Humphrey (now Morgan Stanley) as an investment advisor for the next 35 years. In addition to his “regular job,” Mike was elected to the Aiken City Council, a position he held for 18 years. His many contributions to the City of Aiken included the approval of refinancing and assisting with the city's finances to radically improve the downtown appearance. In addition, he assisted with the establishment of action committees such as the Aiken Corporation, Aiken Downtown Development Association, and the Aiken Community Playhouse relocation to the URS Performance Center. Mike is a former Aiken Chapter MOAA President (1980), Second Vice President (1978), and is a communicant of Saint Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church. In addition to his faithful service to and attendance at MOAA meetings, Mike is a member of the Kiwanis and Knights of Columbus. Mr. Anaclerio is survived by a daughter Karen Anaclerio (Mark) Pearson, Charlotte, NC; two sons, Michael (Leslie) Anaclerio, Jr., and Stephen John (Cheryl) Anaclerio, both of Aiken; six grandchildren: Michael Anaclerio III, Lilly Katherine Anaclerio, John Patrick Pearson, Sarah Grace Alexandra Pearson, Richard Stephen Anaclerio and Ryan Michael Anaclerio; three brothers: Dr. Angelo (Alberta) Anaclerio, Gene Anaclerio, and LeRoy (Jennifer) Anaclerio, and his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Pallbearers will be John Brian Cunning, Patrick Michael Cunning, Michael Anaclerio III, Lilly Katherine Anaclerio, John Patrick Pearson, and Sarah Grace Alexandra Pearson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Henry Kripner, Michael LaBoone, Pete Sampson, Bill Tyler, Jack Hunter, and Tim Redd. A visitation will be held at Shellhouse Funeral Home (924 Hayne Ave) on Thursday, August 9 from 6:00 – 8:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, August 10 at the new St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church (138 Fairfield Street SE) with The Very Reverend Father Gregory Wilson officiating. Final Rites and Commendations will follow in Calvary Cemetery. The family wishes to express their deepest thanks, gratitude, and appreciation to the Regency Hospice and ResCare caregivers, especially Nora, Marilyn, Geisela, and Lisa for the loving care given to Mr. Anaclerio. Memorials may be directed to the St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, P.O. BOX 438, Aiken, SC 29802. SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801 To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michael Anaclerio, please visit our flower store.