Michael “Mike” Wayne McFadden, long-time resident of Centerport and Greenlawn, a self-employed carpenter and contractor, died on Monday. He was 69.
Born December 22, 1954, in Oceanside, NY. Son of William H. McFadden (b.1924 – d.2009) and Nana McFadden (b.1932 – d.1994), brother to Maureen Ruelius (72). Michael is survived by his three sons Jason M. McFadden (38), Scott W. McFadden (34) and Daniel R. McFadden (32), daughter-in-law Erin C. McFadden (30) and his ex-wife Katherine McFadden (68).
Michael’s first job was a candy store clerk in the town of Seaford, NY, where he grew up. At the age of 17, Michael was inducted into the Eagle Scouts (Troop 323 of Levittown, NY). This high honor and the skills he learned along with it provided him with a lifetime of knowledge to conquer any challenge and to always “be prepared”. As a teenager he also made time to earn a black belt in Karate.
After graduating from Island Trees High School of Levittown, NY, in 1972, Michael was
employed by Landscape Scenes (1974 to 1991) where he worked alongside his father and uncle Thomas providing landscape construction to Long Island and the greater New York City area. In 1976, Michael and friend Jim Oates were featured in Newsday for their environmental conservation work planting beach grass on the dunes at Point Lookout of Long Beach.
In 1993, following the dissolution of Landscape Scenes, Michael leaned into his handiwork skills and began his own company, Renovations Unlimited, where he provided home improvements to residents across Long Island for over 30 years. Throughout his profession, Michael fostered meaningful friendships with his clients who continually sought out his services due to his professional versatility, craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Michael married Katherine McFadden (Scattoreggio) in 1981 and shortly after the two moved to North Massapequa, NY, where they had two children, Jason and Scott. The family moved to Centerport, NY, in 1990 and later welcomed their third child, Daniel. Michael resided in Centerport, NY, until his divorce (2006-8), whereupon he moved to Greenlawn, NY.
A true Renaissance man, over the course of his life Michael dabbled in many creative pursuits including those as a painter, builder, horticulturist, antiques restorer (cars, furniture, instruments, sporting goods), patented inventor, acoustic guitar singer-songwriter, hobbyist and magician. A single tattoo on his right bicep, depicting an image of an eagle framed by vines and the words “FLORA-FAUNA”, emblemized his reverence for the natural world. Among possessions left to his sons, Michael leaves behind a 50-year-old miniature bonsai tree which he cared for since purchasing as a teenager.
He is remembered for his kindness, gentle wisdom, ceaseless humor, silent strength and
enduring love for his family. Michael passed away unexpectedly at his home in Greenlawn on the night of Sunday, May 19, 2024, due to a heart attack brought on by lung complications.
A Celebration of Life service in Michael’s honor will be held Sunday, July 14 at noon to 3pm, at Healy’s Inn of Greenlawn for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Michael’s name to The Long Island Conservancy (via PayPal or mailed check to: The Long Island Conservancy, 275 Candee Ave, Sayville, NY 11782). Donations will go towards the Conservancy’s effort of returning American Chestnut orchards to Long Island and restoring the area’s native ecology.