Michael Corica

Michael Dominic Corica died July 14th, 2015 after an extremely valiant struggle to stay beside his wife, Janet. "I don't want to die. I just want to be with you," he told her on March 11, 2015. He struggled through countless hospitalizations, intubations or breathing tubes with what Janet views as the most courageous battle she's ever seen.
Neighbors, Mark Knutson and David Norland, Charles Hitchcock, Frank Abbott, Alex Livadaros, Randall Johnson, and Reggie Amell, spent hours with Janet on her vigil of the songs she sang over and over to him. Janet feels she can never repay these special friends for their unselfish gift of the time they gave her from July 2nd until Mike's death at 7:35 p.m. July 14th.
Mike worked as a Welder for 32 years at USS, Welder, Planner/Scheduler, and Operations/Plant Supervisor for 14 years at WLSSD before retiring in 1994. He also taught welding at night school.
Mike and Cal Williams established Miller Trunk Dare-U-Drive go-kart track and miniature golf course, joined by Anthony Vittorio, Sr., Ethel Vittorio and Irene Vittorio. He and Janet owned Wiener King with Alice and Richard Earhart.
Mike was a skilled wood carver, was a member of Northwoods Woodcarvers, a charter member of The Italian American Club, The Duluth Power Squadron, and the American Legion. Mike was a member of St. Peter's church.
He also served in the United States Air Force in Alaska.
Mike is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janet Vittorio Corica, his two sisters, Florentine Auletta, Burbank, CA, and Loretta Coulson, Scottsdale, AZ, sister-in-law, Ethel Vittorio, and close to 100 nieces and nephews, best friend, Charles Hitchcock, and very special friend, Dom Caruso. He was preceded in death by parents, Rose Agasie Corica and Dominic Corica of AZ.
A special thanks to Neurological Intensive Care, Medical Intensive Care, and Surgical Intensive care at SMDC. Mike was skillfully cared for at least four or more times in these units.
A very special thanks to neighbors, Mark Knutson and Pastor David Norland, of New Life Lutheran Church. Mike had the last rites of his Catholic religion and will be laid to rest with the help of Pastor Norland, his next door neighbor.
Mike's presence lives in his wood carvings, and in Janet's memory, she can see still him carving through the large window in his loft studio. Mike loved Janet's cooking and if she could, she'd still enjoy cooking his favorite rigatoni and meatballs and trying to nurse him back to health. She takes satisfaction in that she kept her promise to save his life may times during the past ten years, until this last time when it became completely impossible and God took him home. Rest in peace, Mike and when Janet's time comes, welcome her with your special song, "Nevertheless."
Visitation: 5-7pm, Tuesday, July21, 2015 at the Dougherty Funeral Home then visitation continues Wednesday from 10am until the 11AM funeral service. Military honors will be accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by the Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E Second Street, Duluth, 727-3555