Michael S. Nocchi

Michael S. Nocchi of Lansdale, PA passed away peacefully at the age of 71 surrounded by family and friends on the afternoon of August 19th, 2025. Mike was an avid fan of sports (and sports commentary), horse racing, and humor in all forms. He always appreciated a well-timed pun so his family felt fit to give him one final monologue.

Mike was born on July 23rd, 1954 in Philadelphia, PA. His sire and dam were Salvadore and Helen Nocchi (Biasi) of Freeland, PA. His pedigree includes his daughter Marguerite Helen Nocchi and his son Salvadore Robert Nocchi, Sal's partner Lauren Marie Morrin and their three children (Salvadore Christopher, Lilah Retta, and Nico Michael). Michael is survived by his children's mother Marguerite Mary Nocchi (DeFinis). Michael is also survived by sister Donna Frazier and her husband Andrew Frazier as well as her two children: Michelle Valasek (Kelly) and her two daughters (Hannah and Briana) and her son Patrick Kelly and his wife Beth Kelly (Rosowski) and their children (Olivia, Claire, and Max). His brother, Joseph Nocchi, joined Michael in the eternal pasture a few hours later, also on August 19th, 2025. Joseph is survived by his two children: his son Joseph Nocchi Jr. and his daughter Brandie Hinkle (Nocchi) and her husband Joe Hinkle and their two daughters (Hailey and Aubrey).

Mike trained and graduated from Lansdale Catholic High School in 1972 where he would make some of his lifelong friends. He later attended Penn State University where we would solidify the rest of his tight-knit crew. Whatever job he worked, Mike would always attract a wide variety of friends with his tandem silly and dark humor. Michael lived by his golden philosophy, "Treat the janitor how you would treat the CEO". He was never one to shy away from a joke to make you crack a smile.

Michael had a unique zest for life. He would watch his favorite movies on repeat, listen to the same song for hours, and loved quoting obscure references to make his buddies laugh ("Hooper drives the boat, Chief!"). Mike's true passion was sports in all forms. From coaching his daughter's softball teams, to cheering his son on in the highschool state championship game (and all the football years leading up to it), he loved the thrill of competition. He often narrated for any sporting event, on tv or even in person. There was not a single Open or Derby or Tournament or Game that he ever missed. He was his daughter's inside source for all Fantasy Football drafts.

Mike loved remixing lyrics and nicknames, creating little bits that would take off for a 50 year run. He himself had a mix of nicknames from his close friends (Kimba, Fish, and Mikey). But his favorite nickname would come in one of the final furlongs of his life: Pop Mike. He was the most devoted grandfather; often reminding his family that his oldest grandson "Little Sal" was his favorite foal (best friend). The two were an inseparable pair, always tossing a ball or Pop bringing Little Sal to his favorite jump spot. Pop Mike also doted on the youngest of his bloodline in his final years, the twins, Nico and Lilah. Lilah was his favorite girl and to him, everything she did was perfect. Nico was his best little goofy buddy, as the two shared a silly sense of humor. He loved his grandkids more than life itself.

Throughout his illness, he never gave up the spark of the young stallion he had always been. In the home stretch, Michael was able to spend time with loved ones and friends. He was eternally grateful to have that time with everyone. He crossed his hooves over the finish line feeling loved beyond compare and forever the untamed colt.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be hosting a casino/game night charity event to raise money for youth sports as the Celebration of Life in the fall. More details to come.