Michael ‘Chich’ Rastello, KITCHI SABE

He was met on the other side by his late wife Lisa Curtin Rastello, dad Gerald Rastello, father Willard Lambert, sister Lynn Rastello Collins, father-in-law Weldon Curtin, brother-in-law Ted Curtin, and best friend/brother James Chiumino.

The family that will see Michael “later on” are his mom Emily Kay Rastello, wife QiQi Rastello, daughter Shannon Rastello (Neil), son Mikey Rastello, stepson Hongyu Shi, mother-in-law Maurine Curtin, sister and brother-in-law Teressa and Daniel Rogan, brothers Robert Lambert (Colleen) and Larry Lambert (Tana) and numerous nieces and nephews. The imprint he made while here will live on through all who knew him.

Michael was a man of integrity, always speaking the truth, standing with a presence and naturally teaching others to be true to themselves. His Native American name ‘KITCHI SABE’ means to walk tall and spread the word of honesty and integrity. He did just that! Throughout Michael’s time here, he held many different jobs including a mechanic and business owner, but he was most proud of serving as a firefighter for Laurium Village Department for 29 years. When Hurricane Katrina hit, he traveled to New Orleans and volunteered his time to work with and be a part of Task Force 83 – a group of firefighters that came from all across the country. In doing so, he worked side by side with FEMA and was revered as such a hard worker that he was offered and accepted a position. He traveled all over the country with FEMA being deployed to many disasters as a logistics specialist.

He always carried a grill for an impromptu BBQ with friends and family, usually at Bucky’s. Michael’s tribe meant the world to him and he made sure everyone knew that. Above all else, his greatest accomplishment was fatherhood. Mikey and Shannon loved their father just as fiercely as he loved them – with their entire heart and soul.

When Lisa Rastello passed in 2015, Michael never imagined he would find love again. In 2021, QiQi became his wife and Hongyu Shi his stepson. There is no doubt QiQi made his last years so happy and fulfilling. Their bond and love for each other and their blended family is endless and will continue in his honor.

Keep walking tall, KITCHI SABE – guide us and make sure we always remain true to ourselves and nature.

There will be a private ceremony by invite only followed by a celebration of life at Calumet Waterworks (Bucky’s) Saturday, September 28 at 5 p.m. Potluck style BBQ.