Michael J. Lorento

Michael J. Lorento, age 67, of Galena, IL, completed his earthly journey on July 7, 2024, at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. To honor Michael’s life, a memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Lord of Love Lutheran Church, 219 Summit Street in Galena, with Pastor Robin Luckey officiating. Family and friends of Michael’s are invited to join in fellowship from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Michael’s family.

Michael was born on April 14, 1957, in Utica, New York, son of Michael A. and Patricia A. (Bates) Lorento. He grew up with a love for life, family, and friends. Michael graduated from Utica Free Academy and went on to begin his career with the New York State Highway Department and the Clark County Nevada Highway Department for over 25 years. He eventually made his way to Galena and invested another nine years with his father-in-law at Grant Hills Motel, and finally worked in Final Inspection at SignCraft Screenprint until retiring in 2021. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Dianne Zane, on April 9, 1999, in Galena, IL. They were blessed with 25 wonderful years together and one adored son, “Mickey.”

In his free time, Michael was a member of Lord of Love Lutheran Church and the Galena Elks Lodge 882. He was a lifelong New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Steelers fan, but watching his son play football, basketball and baseball was where his great joy was always to be found. Michael possessed a kind, generous and selfless soul whose actions continually spoke louder than words. His love for others was always on display and the legacy he leaves behind will surely live on vividly in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him. They will miss him more than words can say but know with certainty that the abundance of memories he leaves will bring them peace in time.

Those left behind to cherish Michael’s memory include his wife, Dianne Zane Lorento, Galena, IL; his son, Michael “Mickey” (Anna Jenewein) Zane Lorento, Ames, IA; his siblings: Donna (Andy) Manley, Utica, N.Y.,Barb (Doug) Ellis, Utica, N.Y., Terrie (Chuck) Haddad, Utica, N.Y., Mary (Rene) Bruyere, Denver, N.C., Patty (Tom) Gogola, The Villages, FL, Kathy Lorento, Utica, N.Y., Brian Lorento, Utica, N.Y., and Crissy Lorento Labarbera, Boliva, N.C. Also surviving are his mother and father-in-law, Janine and Jack Zane, Orlando, FL; his brothers-in-law, Scott and Alex Zane, Orlando, FL, his Goddaughter, Sarah (Josh) Jodlowski, Utica, N.Y., an aunt, Mary (Ed) McDermott, Rochester, N.Y. and many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved nephew, Bobby Lorento.

Michael’s family would like to thank the staff at MercyOne Cancer Center, Dr. Cheryl Morgan-Ihrig, the doctors and staff at Midwest Medical Center, and Dr. Greg Vandigo for all of their professional and compassionate care. We would also like to sincerely thank our many friends and family members who have provided such unending love and support during this most difficult time.

Online condolences may be shared with Michael’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com