Michael J. DeComo, Jr., PhD, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2017. He was born in Canton, Ohio, on July 8, 1935, to parents Michael and Barbara (Fogel) DiGiacomo, Sr. (both deceased). Mike graduated from Lincoln High School and then joined the Army and served as an x-ray technician from 1953 – 1956. He received an honorable discharge and then proceeded toward his academic career. Mike earned a BS in Education from Kent State, a MS in Biology from Akron U and, finally, a PhD in Gifted Education from Kent State. Mike started his Canton City School career at Harter Elementary as a teacher and basketball and track coach. His students at Harter were very special to him. From there he became a principal at Woodland (now Schreiber) Elementary and then went to Mason and finally Cedar Elementary after which he retired from public school teaching. In addition to his administrative role, Mike taught graduate and undergraduate education classes at Ashland University, Malone College, and Walsh University. He also gave presentations on teaching to educators throughout the state. His whole thrust was teaching his students to become good educators. Mike was a loyal and active member of the Ben V. Marconi Sons of Italy Lodge #1628 (where he received the SOI Purple Aster Award), Unique Club of Stark County, and HOF Luncheon Club. He also volunteered at the Samaritan Table at St. John's. Mike was preceded in death by son, Michael III. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lucy; also by daughter Theresa DeComo, son Michael IV (Lisa) and daughter Dina Preston (Frank). In addition he leaves behind a sister, Mary Donna Rubin (Jim), a brother, Robert DiGiacomo (Kendra), and nine wonderful grandchildren. Friends were special to Mike and he always enjoyed his Panera group and especially long-time friend Lois Sama (whose husband, Vince, now deceased, was a long-time friend of Mike). Family and friends will be received on Friday from 4 to 7 pm at the Rossi Family Funeral Home. The Sons of Italy will hold services at 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 am in St. Anthony/All Saints Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Tom Kraszewski celebrant. The funeral procession will form at church Saturday morning. Internment will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. Anthony/All Saints Parish (1530 11 ^th St. SE, Canton, OH 44707) in memory of Mike.