Anthony Michael Miele

Anthony "Tony" "Chico" Miele, age 97, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at home, surrounded by family and loved ones. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home. A luncheon will follow. The family will receive friends an hour before the service.

Born on December 4, 1928, in Providence, Rhode Island, Tony is the son of the late Antonio and Michelina (Galluccio) Santantonio. He was the eighth of nine children and grew up with his siblings, John, Amelia, Sebastian, Joseph, Carl, Frank, Ernest, and Raymond. At a very young age, he found great joy in gymnastics. At the age of 16, he joined the Providence Turners Club where he developed the art of gymnastics.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1948 where he taught judo and weightlifting to Marines stationed in Trinidad. After his honorable discharge in 1950, he met the love of his life, Maria Pesare. They married in 1952 and began their life together while Tony attended the University of Michigan. He was recruited to the varsity gymnastics team by the legendary coach, Newt Loken. One of Tony's proudest moments was having his name permanently placed on Newt Loken's Gymnastics Wall of Fame. Tony served as team captain while balancing academics, working nights at the Kaiser factory, and raising their growing family. He graduated with honors in physical education and language arts and earned All-American honors in gymnastics.

In 1957, Tony accepted a position at Central Michigan University as head gymnastics coach, a role he held until 1982. During his 35-year career at CMU, he became an associate professor in the Athletic Department, teaching physical education and social dance classes, and serving as intramural director. Fluent in Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, and deeply interested in other cultures, he was a natural choice as faculty advisor to the International Student Organization. He served as president to both the Michigan International Council and local chapter of People-to-People international outreach program.

Tony also led the CMU sideline cheerleading squad and founded the CMU Chippettes, now the CMU sideline dance team. Drawing on his gymnastics background, he elevated the program by introducing tumbling, acrobatics, and the crowd-pleasing "tramp-o-let" stunts that featured high-flying flips over four-level human pyramids.

A passionate instructor, Tony inspired thousands of students with his energy and enthusiasm, many of whom likely still remember his "Stunts-and-Grunts" gymnastics classes or his spirited dance instruction. As a coach, he focused not only on winning but on expanding the sport, recruiting athletes without prior gymnastics experience and helping many earn varsity spots and pursue lifelong involvement in the sport.

Known throughout Mt. Pleasant as "Chico," Tony's impact extended far beyond campus. From 1957 to 1974, he directed the Mt. Pleasant Summer Recreational and Playground Program. Local children, including those from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian community, eagerly awaited his arrival in his station wagon in anticipation of the fun sporting events and activities that always followed his arrival, including the arts-and-crafts projects that only Chico could bring to life when he reached into the  "big green" playground boxes located at each of the elementary schools.

He organized events at Island Park, hosted summer dances under the pavilion, participated in the Lions Club, led activities for the Summer Special Olympics, and taught continuing education classes at Ganiard Elementary School, a place he held dear.

With his unmatched skill and love of dance, together with Maria, he also taught private dance lessons. Outside of teaching and community service, Tony found joy in gardening, meeting people, listening to Latin music and operas, and turning his yard into a beautiful park. His yard was once featured on the Mt. Pleasant Home and Garden Tour.

A few years after Maria's passing, Tony was blessed to find companionship again. For the past 13 years, Arlene "Sissy" Clements shared friendship, joy, and love with a deep devotion to one another.

Tony is survived by his children, Linda (Ray), Elizabeth Miele (David Lubbers) of Grand Rapids, Paul Miele (Laura) of Spring Lake, and Christina Miller (Greg) of Seattle, WA; grandchildren, Brian Rosenquist (Amanda), Anna Kahl (Mitchell), Michael Miele, Natalie Miller and Jacqueline Miller; great grandson, Jack Anthony Kahl; special friend and companion, Arlene "Sissy" Clements; and many nieces and nephews.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Maria; all eight siblings; step-brothers and step-sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tony will be remembered for his positivity, warmth, and the lasting impact he made on generations of students, athletes, and community members. His energy and love of life will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Tony's memorial service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, May 22, at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. A luncheon will follow in Lincoln Reception Center (attached to the funeral home).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Heartland Hospice .