Michael Philip Rectenwald

Michael Philip Rectenwald, 78, of Mt Holly, NC passed away on April 22, 2026 after complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

 

He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Kim Matarrese Rectenwald, his sons Michael, Jr (Rebecca), Thomas (Ilona) Edward and stepson William Smith (Jordan.) He was a proud “Opa” to Raegen and Ryan Rectenwald , Weston Smith and Oliver Molchon. He leaves behind his beloved siblings, Judith Davis (Ken) and John Rectenwald (Elise). Also left to mourn is his childhood best friend, Darryl Abraham (Jan) and forever friend, Sister Teresita Morse, R.J.M.

 

Michael was born in Naples, NY to Edward and Evelyn Rectenwald where they worked the family farm, raising dairy cows, pigs, rabbits, berries and grapes for the local wineries around the Finger Lakes. Michael’s fascination with tractors continued to his last days and he often bragged that his sister, Judy, was the best tractor driver in the family.

 

An accomplished drummer, he also loved riding and repairing motorcycles and would stop and admire bikes everywhere he went.

 

Upon graduating from Naples HS, he was inducted into the US Army Reserves, graduated from Niagara University (BS) and SUNY Albany (MBA.) He served his country for over 23 years, primarily in special intelligence, and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel . In his civilian life, Michael worked as a Human Resources Director in Manhattan for over 30 years. In retirement, Michael was the “go-to” handyman for over 100 families in Davidson, NC where he and Kim once lived.

 

Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2021, he spent his last years “tractor spotting” with his friend, Doug and indulging his spoiled cat, Scout.

 

He and his wife, Kim, proudly boast that they met on catholicmatch.com and they shared a deep love of the Faith.

 

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 5:00PM-8:00PM at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, Denver, North Carolina. A Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 11:00AM at Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church, Denver, North Carolina.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Michael’s name can be made to either Holy Spirit Catholic Church Building Fund;  Holy Spirit Building Fund Donation Link or to “Care for Creation at Bethany” focusing on protecting the environment, promoting sustainability, and embodying Pope Francis’ Laudatory Si call to care for the earth; RJMUSA donation Link .