Michael Thomas Aleto Jr.

Michael "Mike" Thomas Aleto Jr., 78, peacefully entered his final resting place on Friday, November 18, 2022, with his family by his side. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on November 2, 1944, to Michael Thomas Sr. and Freda Laverne(Seabaugh)Aleto.

Mike met his best friend, the love of his life, Ruthie L Darr in 1960. A short year later, the two wed in Roseville, Michigan on October 21, 1961. Together they had and raised three loving children, Jeffrey, Thomas, and Cynthia while celebrating life together with much love and laughter.

In 1962, Mike dedicated himself to the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in San Diego, California on the USS Lofberg DD-759 Destroyer. He was proud of his achievements in the U.S. Military and would love to tell stories about his journeys. He loved wearing his U.S. Veteran Navy hat.

Mike retired from Flex-Way Trucking after 30 plus years of delivering beer and soda dockside, from Missouri to Texas, and many traveled miles in between. Mike always mentioned knowing every bump in the road between cities like Chicago, Traverse City, and Des Moines. Sunday evenings, Mike would load his Teddy, who kept him company, as he made it wave at people passing by, and of course, his case of Pepsi to take on the road for the week.

At home, Mike always stayed busy. If he wasn't helping Ruth with household duties, he was in the garage tinkering around and fixing things, working in the yard, or cleaning the cars, never putting down that Pepsi.

He had a heart of gold and was always wanting to help in one way or another. He was a 39 year member of the Benevolent Order of the Elks at both Florissant and O'Fallon, Missouri where he was awarded Elk of the year 2002-2003. He volunteered doing anything from being a handyman, to helping run the Meat Shoots. Mike also enjoyed playing cards and shooting pool.

Mike was a Vietnam Veteran and was recently a resident of St. Andrews at Francis Place in Eureka, Missouri as his Alzheimer's continued to progress. Nevertheless, Mike was always happy, helping and smiling. Both the residents and employees of St. Andrews enjoyed seeing and spending time with Mike. His generosity showed in every way, from helping people carry in bags to assisting nurses with other residents, and aids with folding the laundry.

He is survived by his wife of 61yrs, Ruthie(Darr)Aleto, children, Jeffrey S. Aleto, Thomas E. Aleto, Cynthia L. (Timothy) Smith; his grandchildren, Justin S. (Brandee) Aleto, Nicholas M. (Briana Wheatley) Aleto, Jared B. (Amanda) Aleto, Jacob M. Smith, great grandchildren; James "JJ" Aleto, Elliott W Aleto, Jackson S. Aleto; Sister; Mary Ann (Bill) Garig; and was a dear Uncle, Great Uncle, Cousin, Neighbor and Friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Michael Thomas Aleto Sr. and Mother, Freda Laverne Aleto.

Always loved, never forgotten, Michael will always be in our hearts and forever in our minds.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made in honor of Michael to the Alzheimer's Association.

Michael's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.