Tribute Wall
Friday
7
June
Visitation at Funeral Home
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Friday, June 7, 2024
Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, Inc.
20 Hicksville Road
Bethpage, New York, United States
Friday
7
June
Visitation at Funeral Home
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Friday, June 7, 2024
Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home
20 Hicksville Road
Bethpage, New York, United States
(516)731-5600
Saturday
8
June
Funeral Mass
10:00 am
Saturday, June 8, 2024
St. Martin of Tours
220 Central Avenue
Bethpage, New York, United States
Final Resting Place
St. Margaret's Cemetery
1000 Washington Avenue
Plainview, New York, United States
Obituary
Michael was born in England on 27th April 1941. He spent his early years in Bermuda, later attending school in England. He has also lived in Johannesburg, Clifton Beach in Cape Town for three years between 1970 until 1973, Australia, New Jersey in 1984, Chicago, finally settling in New York from.
He started school in Bermuda followed by New York, Sussex, Inverness and Somerset UK.
After a short spell working on the Stock Exchange, Michael decided to follow his passion for cars by leaving the Stock Exchange to become a car salesman. He later graduated from the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School at Snetterton and began his motor racing career in the Formula Junior Series in 1962 racing a Lotus 22.
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“I needed to be around people of considerably more violence, such as Jim Russell who looked like he could have exploded at any minute. Somehow he and I got on terribly well together.
He taught me almost everything he knew about driving, racing tactics, shoving people off, getting in the way and not backing off.
The one problem was that he himself never knew when to back down and I also had the same trouble, so I could see that Russell was going to push me into a serious accident, which he himself had had. Damn nearly died at Le Mans, third degree burns driving a 2-litre Cooper Monaco with none other than Bruce McLaren.
This was real racing. Once it’s in your blood and you’ve got here, to Goodwood, there’s no question of backing down. If you get killed, tough; if you get burned, too bad. You just get on with it. It was somehow a sort of phobia or fever. You were there to bloody race and win.”
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Most famous for driving a Porsche 906 and Lola T70, Michael also raced a Porsche 904 GTS, a Ferrari 250 GTO, a Lotus 22 and a Ford Mustang Boss.
In January 1968 Michael set a new South African Land Speed Record clocking a recorded average speed of 191.8mph in his Lola T70 and held it for 20 years.
He retired from motor racing at the age of 30, a difficult decision at the time but continued to enjoy his passion for motor sport, jazz music, playing the harmonica, ballroom dancing and travelling throughout his life.
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Charles de BROSSES uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
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Have finally laid my hands on this good photo of your mother and you, Michaël, in my files. I knew it was there, somewhere.
You were catured looking calm and full of hope in the future, wearing one of those illuminating smile which your mother and you could produce - when either of you saw fit to do so !
Who now will keep us up until the early hours with tales of exotic places and people, and a wee drop of whisky ?
Adieu, mon ami.
Charles
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Anne de Brosses lit a candle
Friday, June 7, 2024
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Oh Michael, so many wonderful and happy memories of you, my late childhood and early teens absolute, total hero !! Our racy racer racing cousin. Oh yes, cars, cars and more cars.
As a child, that weird so very low, suppository -shaped green Lotus tearing round and round the Monthléry circuit and you in a Martian outfit, with goggles and all. What a thrill, what a strange new world ! Or the drive to Crans-Montana in the Swiss Alps with my brother and I on those flap seats looking out the back of an Austin-mini Woody station wagon. Exhilarating speed, scattering all living creatures off the road of those quiet snow-covered Alpine villages. Totally unabashed when told off for terrifying those going about their daily business as your roared down Chithurst Lane in your Porsche. And Oh ! THE ultimate experience in your red Aston-Martin -loved them ever since- : how to get it onto 2 wheels instead of 4, how to survive at well over 100mph an oncoming crash by throwing oneself under the steering wheel and across the passenger seat. That later stunt probably served you well !
Yes, definitely life in the fast lane for you. And what fun that could be for those lucky enough to be part of it. All right, not all sunshine and roses at all times but your generosity, your devilish giggles and laughter, that mischievous grin and glint in your eyes, your sense of fun and the absurd will be sorely missed.
As chidren, possibly rather lost and forlorn after our father’s death, you were a godsend ! Cast in the unlikely role of baby-sitter by our mother, Alicia, I remember driving you crazy, jumping up and down on our mother’s bed, the two of us run amok by the sheer excitement of your presence until you finally collapsed into fits of laughter. A totally unexpected reaction from a real grown-up in our world. Bless you !
Your youth, your charm, your unconventionality and spur of the moment expeditions must have been a breath of fresh air for our mother at that particularly hard time in her life. She was very fond of you and your mother, and I shall always be grateful to both of you for all you brought into our lives at that juncture : a beloved second home, Chithurst ; the ponies and the total freedom to roam about the countryside with them at whatever time of day ; the fun and excitement that followed in your tracks ; and even the strange ongoing duet between Aunt Margaret and you, a challenging mystery to my eyes as a child .
You also had the knack of making people feel quite special if you had a mind to it. From whatever walk of life. As a rather awkward and unhappy teenager, I remember feeling so intoxicatingly grown-up and glamorous when treated by you -aged no more than 16, I’m sure- to my first Glenmorangie at the Keeper’s Arms at the end of Chithurst Lane. So I’ll always have a soft spot for that too.
Marc and I relished the time spent with you in South Africa all those years ago. My goodness, it was just wonderful, unreal, a dream ! Certainly the best wedding present in the world. Though by then I was scared stiff -like other adults before me and after me- by your driving over those hills around Capetown at night after…hmmm… downing quite a few of those ‘’One for my baby and one more for the road’’. But no, sure-handed and sure-footed as ever…though youd did have some pretty close shaves.
I do regret not having made it to the jazz club in New Jersey with you on that express trip to the US in the late 90s. The one and only opportunity in our lives to meet on your new home ground. And the jazz. But we did have those summers at Bois-Gratton, with the children and my mother, and Marc on your yearly European Tour.
Thank you for it all.
I miss not being there to say goodbye.
God bless you on your way.
Much love
Anne (de Brosses), Alicia Grace-Brosses's daughter
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Georgina posted a condolence
Friday, June 7, 2024
Dear Mike,
What a life, long, interesting and full of worldwide adventures. Re-reading your book has reminded me of all the escapades and fun you had along the way and that is certainly a lesson to us all, to remember to enjoy life to the max and to push the boundaries sometimes, as you did.
Remembering the lovely afternoon tea at the Berkeley, which included some sage life advice, sunny afternoons at Park House and fun times spent together with mum, Daniel and lovely Pierre when you were visiting England. Nice memories to keep.
Alas, I was never a passenger in a car with you but I have definitely enjoyed hearing and reading the stories on that subject and can fully imagine it all. Thrilling I'm sure!
Arabella was hugely fond of you, as were we all, and were Arabella here today she would have lovely words for you and fun stories to tell.
Rest well and thank you Mike for being part of our lives. You will live on in our hearts.
Georgina xx
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Stefan Grace lit a candle
Friday, June 7, 2024
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Dear Michael, you were larger than life and I’ll always remember the times we spent together when we both lived in Chicago. I heard stories of you many times from various Grace family members before ever having the chance to meet you in person, and when my Great Aunt Alicia told me you were living in Chicago and gave me your address, I was happy to have the chance to meet the man, the myth, the legend! You did not disappoint. We enjoyed Sunday drives (some at high speeds) in your beautiful vintage Mercedes along Lake Shore Drive, and over lunch and tea at the Drake Hotel afterwards, you regaled me with tales of your life and travels. It gave me great comfort to see photographs featuring my Aunt Alicia and grandfather John Grace in your living room, you really were my long lost cousin! I’ll carry the memories of the time we spent together with me, thank you for all your kindness and generosity. Rest in Peace,
~Stefan Grace
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Katie Cross lit a candle
Friday, June 7, 2024
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I remember wonderful evenings in Bristol and SW- always colourful and memorable. Thank you for your generous support of the family. Great memories of an exceptional man.
With Love
Katie (Grace) Cross
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Suzie Cacciatore lit a candle
Friday, June 7, 2024
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Dearest Michael,
So many happy memories of you from childhood onwards.
Early days at Danhill with Grandma Rita, Mama Stella, my late brother Crispin & Locha, Tricia, Ann, Sarah & John.
Subsequently at Goodwood.....I always remember standing on the bridge watching you race & will never forget
the most exhilarating/terrifying (& probably illegal!) lap of the track you took me on! We laughed so much when
we were both told off by my furious father!!
In the latter days we would have delightful evenings at the Berkeley talking of family, cars & our mutual love of
jazz. It would continue into the early hours with you & my late husband, Graham, swapping jazz stories.
You were very fond of my mama, Stella & would always visit her when you were in Sussex.
Am saddened I cannot be there to say farewell but my thoughts & love are with you & family.
Rest in Peace, dear Michael.
Much love
Suzie
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Mathew Gilliat-Smith lit a candle
Friday, June 7, 2024
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Dearest Michael,
How lovely to read these memories some of which I am proud to have shared. You were special to so many people and very diligent about keeping in contact. My earliest memories of you were when you would spend time with our grandparents Marjorie and Gerald Castelli in Kent, with our cousins the Viners at Star House, and with us at Knights Ridge. You would arise at lunchtime and keep us entertained until way past our bedtime. We remember staying at Chithurst Manor when dear Margaret was tossed into a barbed wire fence by an over-protective cow. The exciting trips to Brands Hatch and later the drinks in your suite at the Berkeley and very late dinners in London restaurants. Visiting you in Chicago and New York on my many business trips. We have shared many other memories on our family group What's App. I think your great and our great, great, grandmothers were the first-generation Grace sisters from WR. I feel sad how we lost contact in the last couple of years when we both changed our phone numbers, but now greatly buoyed up by these great memories. With love and very fond memories, Mathew and all of the Gilliat-Smiths, Viners and Castelli's.
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Pippa Grace Gillard lit a candle
Thursday, June 6, 2024
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Our Dearest Michael, I am so sorry that we have not had the chance to be regaled by one last story, although we are being blessed by those who are sharing their tributes of magical times spent together.
I am reliving my own memories of our fascinating occasions, especially those in New York - tea at The Plaza for a New Zealnd Sheep Farmer's daughter was other worldly and such a very special treat. Your very unique insights and highly descriptive revelations of your days as a death defying, elegant, and highly competitive race car driver in an era when there was no safety equipment, alongside the likes of Sirs Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart will ever live long in my memory.
I can only imagine that you are now with my darling father, your Cousin Peter Grace, discussing Polo Matches and our many family dinners in London and Sunningdale, and times spent in Sussex with your very dear Mummy.
My heartfelt wishes to all who hold you dear and who join me in feeling bereft at the news of your passing.
With love as always, Pippa Grace Gillard xx
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Len Davies lit a candle
Thursday, June 6, 2024
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Len Davies posted a condolence
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Thank you for the many memories I have of the time spent together - the stories, the laughter, the music to which you introduced me and the odd adventures - who could ever forget chasing off the baboons at Smitwinkel Bay when unloading victuals from the motor cars.
Rest easy my friend, you left your mark on many and will be greatly missed!
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Corinne Lopez uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
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Corinne Lopez lit a candle
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
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Today I'm deeply saddened to be saying goodbye to Michael. He was such a special man and a good friend whose life I was fortunate enough to share back in the late 60's and early 70's. Exciting times travelling through Europe and memorable times racing in Italy and Sicily at Mugello and Enna. Breathtaking scenery, hot sunshine and fast cars - a heady mixture indeed!
Remembering too the quiet times spent relaxing at Chithurst with Margaret his Mama, Punch the dog, and her Parrot! Visits to the nearby Pub and log fires...summer sunshine and kinship with Friends..special times well spent.
'Michael your memory will always be respected and remembered by all who knew you and were lucky enough, as I was, to be a part of your life. You will be greatly missed.'
Now forever Rest in Peace.
With love from Corinne Lopez (née Goossens)
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Sarah Garbett lit a candle
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
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Dearest Michael
Your “dash” was immense as you sped through life! I will always remember driving with you from Cannes to Nice after my Grandmother’s funeral - Locha adored you and I think you may well have broken another speed record with the drive! God Bless you Michael. I thought you would like the extract from this poem.
Rest in Peace
With love
Sarah xx
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of his friend.
He referred to the dates on his tombstone
From the beginning to - the end.
He noted that first came his date of birth
And he spoke the following date with tears.
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
That he spend alive on earth.
And now only those who loved him
Know what that little line is worth.
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Francis Montocchio lit a candle
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
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Dear friends and family of Michael
I sadly won’t be able to be there for the visitation and funeral, but I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to all of you.
Sincerely
Francis Montocchio (Michael’s step-son)
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Francis Montocchio uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
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Dearest Michael
I am so saddened to hear that you will no longer be among us. Thank you for being a father to me and Pierre. Thank you for introducing me to so much music that I would never have had the chance to hear without you. Thank you for being my boyhood hero - I’ll never forget watching you from the pits winning those races in your Lola at Killarney. Thank you too for your support of our family with our child, Gerard. I remember with fondest memories, not only our time together in Clifton but also our many visits to you in New Jersey, New York and Chicago. I remember the time we drove around the island of Manhattan in your motor boat. I remember our drives from New Jersey to Philadelphia in your amazing old Mercedes. I remember joining you at your jam sessions with your jazz band in Chicago. I remember our times together in Vienna when you came to be with us for Christmas. The times listening to music until all hours of the night. I will miss you, dear Michael.
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Daniel posted a condolence
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Just a simple thank you for being such a big part of our lives since You, Mum and I went to the Chinese restaurant in Brighton Marina all those years ago and kept them up until 2am.
Your friendship, your live and let live attitude to life, your laughter and racing stories, Park House, your distinct distrust of satnavs, New York, and so much more but above all your rock solid support when Mum was ill with cancer will stay with me for as long as I live.
What can I say other than Thank You and it has been an honour knowing You.
Rest in Peace and with love.
Daniel x
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The family of Michael G. De'Udy uploaded a photo
Sunday, June 2, 2024
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West Islip
1225 Montauk Hwy
West Islip, NY 11795
(631) 661-5644
East Islip
200 East Main St
East Islip, NY 11730
(631) 581-5600
Bethpage
20 Hicksville Road
Bethpage, NY 11714
(516) 731-5600