Michael John Hite

Michael John Hite, 75, passed away peacefully with his best friend Michael Collins, by his side, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at The Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Venice, Florida. In accordance with his wishes, no formal funeral services will be held. A celebration of life event will be planned and announced at a future time. Born on August 2, 1949, in Columbus, Ohio, Michael was known affectionately in his youth as “Sammy.” He graduated from Whetstone High School in 1967 and attended Ohio State University, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, earning an associate’s degree in business. In 1969, Michael enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country working in radio telecommunications. Rising to the rank of Sergeant, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, as well as the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal, recognizing his dedication and courage. Upon his return from Vietnam, Michael began a career with Huntington Bank then working in fields including sales, marketing, hospitality, and insurance. Michael lived in Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, and West Virginia, before returning to Ohio in 2013, when he joined the team at Creative Foundations, serving as Director of Marketing. Following his retirement in 2021, Michael relocated to Venice, Florida, embracing a new chapter of life filled with sunshine, friendship, and his love for golf. He found joy working at Jacaranda Country Club, where he spent time doing what he loved most. Michael was a man of boundless energy, humor, and excitement. He never met a stranger and had an incredible gift for bringing people together. A lifelong golf enthusiast, he found both competition and camaraderie on the course, using the sport as a creative outlet for his vibrant spirit. He was blessed with many deep friendships, some spanning over seven decades. Michael is survived by his sister, Jean-Ann D’Andrea (83) of New Albany, OH, his nephew Mark D’Andrea (60) of Roaming Shores, OH, Mark’s children, Eliana (22), Mia (22), and Isabell (21) of Warren, OH. Michael’s niece Lori D’Andrea Marteney (59) her husband Ron of New Albany, OH, and their children, Adam (37) Adam’s wife Kaitlyn, their children Grayson (1), and Lindsay (34) her children Joseph (13) and Kaysen (3). Michael is survived by his nephew Daniel Harvey Robins Jr “Danny” (57) and his wife Maureen (49) of Powell, OH, and their children: Brittany Barker (32) her wife Leanne (33) and son Wyatt (13), of Richwood, OH, Spencer Robins (30) of Dublin, OH, Emerson Robins (28) of Columbus, OH, Bailee Fuller (26) her husband Jordan Fuller (32) and their children, Brynlee (4) and Legend (3), of Whitehall, OH, Madeline Robins (25), of Dublin, OH, Brennen Spillers (28) his children, Lincoln (6), Charlotte and Lainey (2) of Powell, OH, and Samantha “Sami” Robins (19) of Powell, OH. Michael is survived by his nephew David J. Robins (55) of Las Vegas, NV, nephew Damon Samuel Robins or “Sam” (50) his wife Lori (52) and their children Elaynna (26), Ella (20), Caleb (13), and Nehemiah (7), of Spring, TX. Michael is survived by his sister-in-law Sandra Ladigo Hite Anderson (78) of Marshall, NC, and his niece Teva Marie Hite (47) of Marshall, NC. Michael was a natural father figure to many, specifically, Michael Bodmer (55) of Grove City, OH, and Blake Summers (32) of Columbus, OH. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Josephine Hite (1918–1990) and James Cornelius Hite (1917–1999); his brother, James Joseph Hite (1937–2006); and Michael’s sister, Donna Louise Hite Robins (1943–2014). Michael’s high-energy legacy of wit and laughter will live on in all lives he touched. His family and friends will forever cherish his stories and countless joyful moments shared with him. Arrangements are being handled by Gendron Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 14538 Tamiami Trail, North Port, FL 34287.

Michael John Hite

August 2, 1949 - February 26, 2025