Michelle Vlahos, age 64, passed away peacefully Sept. 21, 2024. Michelle was born March 26, 1960, in Red Bank to Anthony and Virginia Busch. She grew up in Holmdel before settling in Freehold in 1987.
Michelle enjoyed a happy childhood in Holmdel and attended St. James and Red Bank Catholic High School, graduating in 1978. Michelle was an accomplished equestrian throughout her childhood years. She and her family owned and operated Tricorne Farm on Holland Road in Holmdel. She loved all of the responsibilities of managing the horses’ daily care and competing in the Northeast in her spare time. Her family and friends share great memories of life “hanging around the farm.”
Michelle graduated from Rider College in 1982 with a degree in business administration. She met the love of her life, Tony, in 1984; they were married in 1987 and built their dream home the same year. Together, they merged their hardworking business discipline and started Precise Construction in 1993. They worked as a team and accomplished many building projects in the Monmouth County area. They were blessed to have many business associates over the years.
Michelle’s personal life was rich with the love of her family and friends. She had a smile that lit up a room, a kind heart and a very generous spirit. She and Tony loved cooking and preparing meals for all of the holidays; Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas were always very special memories for them in their home.
Michelle loved boating and spending weekends living on their boat in Red Bank. Fourth of July was a favorite time of year for her. Every year, she inspired all of the dock members with her decorations. Michelle was also a great golfer; she and Tony enjoyed their membership at Bella Vista Country Club. She loved to travel and was always planning their next vacation. She enjoyed life to the fullest and will be missed by all.
Michelle was predeceased by her parents, her uncle Stanley Busch, her aunt Margaret “Peg” Noce and her brother-in-law Nicholas Vlahos.
Michelle is survived by her devoted husband Antonio; her beloved siblings, Sharon Coleman (Scott) and Anthony Busch Jr. (Marianne); her cherished nephew Anthony Busch III; and her beloved cousin Denise Mandia (Stan).
She is also survived by her loving step-mother Lynn Baczewski née Poole; her caring mother-in-law Ruby Sorrentino (John); sisters-in-law, Deborah Pelusio (Jack), Eileen Vlahos and Gia Vlahos; her nieces, Paige Bowman (Trey) and their son Theodore, Jenna De Santis (Frank) and her children Benjamin, AJ and Chelsea, Gia Vlahos and her daughters Olivia and Annabella; and nephew John Pelusio (Liz Belka) and daughters Isabella and Angelina; as well as a host of extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory. Michelle also leaves behind her precious Yorkie, Bentley.
Family and friends visited Sept. 27 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A funeral Mass was held Sept. 28 at St. Mary’s Church in Colts Neck, followed by burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Middletown. A continued celebration of Michelle’s life followed at the Oyster Point Hotel, Red Bank.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michelle’s memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, P.O. Box 5028, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5028 or online at giving.mskcc.org.
Memories and condolences may be shared at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the September 26 – October 2, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
