Michael J. Crimaldi Jr.

Michael J. Crimaldi, Jr., 72, of Elkhart, died Saturday April 15, 2023 at his home. Mike was born December 6, 1950 in Elkhart, to the late Michael J. and Shirley (Tierney) Crimaldi.

He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Crimaldi of Elkhart and three sisters: Carol Ann Horton of South Bend, Sharon (Robert) Biro and Michelle Crimaldi both of Georgia. He is preceded by his parents and a son Michael J. Crimaldi, III.

After Mike graduated from Elkhart High School, he went into the United States Air Force as a Military Police Officer. Mike was a member of the Elks Club and an avid golfer as well. For over 40 years Mike owned and operated Crimaldi’s Restaurant and Lounge. Mike loved being around people and would help anyone who needed it. At Crimaldi’s everyone felt welcome and everyone felt like family. Most of the time when you walked into the bar Frank Sinatra was playing and the Cubs playing on the TV.

Mike loved his sports, especially the Chicago Cubs and Bears as well as the University of Notre Dame. When Mike was younger, he played basketball at St. Thomas Catholic School as well as baseball at Osolo Little League. Mike was a talented athlete, when he played sports he played everything he had in him and always gave 100 percent. Mike was a charismatic person who welcomed you every time you entered the room.

He lived his best life though providing the community with a place to come together, share in a good meal, drink a cold one, enjoy friendships and just have a fun time. Crimaldi’s was definitely the Cheers of Elkhart for 40 plus years.

Crimaldi’s Restaurant and Lounge will remain open this week (or until we deplete inventory) to allow the community a chance to reminisce, eat your favorite dish, have a last cold one and mourn the loss of a fun, sarcastic, very opinionated, stubborn, hard headed Italian that was always the life of the party and loved by so many.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to Crimaldi’s Restaurant & Lounge, 117 West Jackson Blvd, Elkhart, Indiana 46516.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael J. Crimaldi Jr., please visit our floral store.