GregHowley.com

Rest In Peace, Nato

My father in law, Nato Micale, passed away last week. He was a great guy, and a great grandfather to my kids. His obituary follows:

Fortunato “Nato” Joseph Micale, 91, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on May 1, 2024, in Lexington, Kentucky. He was born on August 11, 1932. Fortunato was incredibly intelligent, extremely funny, and most importantly, he was a kind and gentle person. He enjoyed playing golf, photography, telling jokes, and making items neutrally buoyant in his free time. He is survived by his wife, Dorita “Rita” Micale, his daughters Linda Howley (Greg), Regina Schmutte, and Monica Rapini (Jeff) as well as his grandchildren, Katelyn, Tyler, Dylan, Emily, Lia, Bobby, Natalia, Ella, and Jacob. He is also survived by his siblings Connie Dwyer, James Micale and predeceased by Albert Micale, Joseph Micale and his loving parents, Frances and Joseph Micale. Fortunato held a BA from St. Bonaventure University, a BS from Niagara University, a Masters from Purdue University, and a Doctorate from Lehigh University. Nato has numerous patents with Lehigh and was named (along with three other colleagues) inventor of the year by NASA. He was a parishioner at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Rest in peace, Fortunato. We all know you were innocent! Services will be held in Bethlehem, PA on Saturday, May 18th from 1pm to 3pm (blessing vigil will be held promptly at 1pm) at Venture X, 306 S. New Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015. Arrangements are being handled by Kerr Brothers Funeral Home on Harrodsburg Road in Lexington, KY.

If you know the family and you're on social media, you've likely seen the obit and these details on Facebook or Instagram. But I'm not on those, so this is my online contribution to the memory of my father-in-law.

In searching on his name, I also came across a number of patents under his name. I do recall him talking about the patent for colored metallic pigments, which allows for shiny metallic paint. While his general focus as a chemist, from my memory, was print inks, it looks like he also held patents on sunscreen and ink pens. He also worked on at least one project with NASA.

I also recall him talking about a theoretical photovoltaic paint which would allow you to turn anything painted with it into a solar panel. That last one never came to fruition, but the guy had some great ideas.

Rest in peace, Nato. We'll miss you.