Mike DeVita

Michele "Mike" DeVita, 57, of Soddy-Daisy, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2013, at his home.A native of Solofra, Italy, Mike was a son of the late Gerardo and Antonietta DeVita. He migrated to the United States with his father and brothers in 1969 at the age of 14.Mike lived in New Jersey and Florida before moving to Tennessee in 2004.A longtime chef, Mike worked in the restaurant business the majority of his adult life. Most recently he worked with Olive Garden and was instrumental in opening the restaurant located in Hixson.He was a collector of many things including stamps, coins and Hotwheels. He enjoyed the outdoors, including walking in the woods picking wild mushrooms and along the beach collecting seashells. He was also a soccer enthusiast.Mike was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Sal DeVita.Survivors include his wife, Arlene DeVita; son, Michael Vincent DeVita; brother, Antonio DeVita; sisters, Emiddia Celso and Angela DeVita; many nieces, nephews and cousins.The family will gather with friends beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2013, at Hamilton Funeral Home.A memorial ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. A reception will follow.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Chattanooga or the America Lung Association.Condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.hamiltonfuneraloptions.com.Arrangement are by Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services; 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343, 423-531-3975.