Michael Gerard DiPlacido, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, at the age of 75.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 31, 1950, Michael was raised in St. Louis, where he spent most of his life. He was a graduate of Bishop DuBourg High School. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis and his Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University.
Before beginning his long career at AT&T, Michael worked as a surgical assistant in the operating room at St. Mary’s Hospital, where his steady hands, precision, and focus served him well. He later joined AT&T, where he built a distinguished career, retiring as a Senior Implementation Manager. Michael was known for his intelligence, determination, and remarkable ability to solve any problem that came his way.
Michael had a lifelong love of the outdoors. Before discovering his passion for scuba diving, he enjoyed camping and hiking in the mountains, always seeking adventure and connection with the natural world. His love of exploration eventually led him to the ocean, where he became an avid scuba diver. Over the course of his life, he completed more than 2,000 dives and earned his Dive Master certification—a testament to his dedication, curiosity, and adventurous spirit.
While diving, he especially enjoyed underwater photography, hunting lionfish, and the camaraderie of being on the boat with fellow divers. The friendships and shared adventures he experienced on the water brought him tremendous joy.
Michael was also a passionate cigar collector and a man of many creative pursuits. He found great joy in music, playing the guitar, and exploring various forms of art. His favorite bands were The Beatles and The Grateful Dead, and he proudly passed along his love for the Grateful Dead to his son, Adam.
A dedicated member of Central Reform Congregation (CRC), Michael generously shared his time and talents with his community. He tutored and mentored children as they prepared for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and enjoyed baking challah bread at CRC events. His patience, kindness, and ability to connect with others left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Michael was fiercely independent and strong-willed, yet those who knew him best also saw his generous and compassionate heart. He cared deeply for others and welcomed people from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion, or background.
He is survived by his loving children: Damien (Angela), Mark (Sarah), and Adam (Emily); his grandchildren: Milo, Thomas, Samuel, and Violet; and his identical twin brother, Daniel.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Loraine and Emidio DiPlacido.
Michael’s wisdom, humor, and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Graveside Service
Friday, October 24, 2025 – 2:00 p.m.
Resurrection Cemetery
6901 Mackenzie Road, St. Louis, Missouri
In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends and loved ones to honor Michael’s memory by sharing stories or taking a quiet moment to reflect on his adventurous and thoughtful life.
My sincere condolences to Michael’s family and friends. I am deeply saddened and shocked by the news of his passing. While regretfully I haven’t seen him in many years, when Michael taught my children in religious school, he became a dear friend to our family. He was especially helpful to me personally during a time of need and I will forever be grateful to him. One story that I look back on with a smile took place just after I had divorced and moved into a new home with my young children. Michael put ceiling fans in my boy’s rooms while we were away and thought it would be funny to leave a snakeskin he found in the attic on the counter for when we returned. Thankfully, I saw it before the kids did and put it in my basement where it stayed for years. I also fondly remember Michael sharing all the photos of his incredible challahs to my now late father and how much my father enjoyed meeting him. Rest in Peace, Michael. You were a great man and a true blessing in my life! May your memory forever be a blessing to everyone who was fortunate enough to know you.
I knew Mike and brother Dan when we were young teenagers. We had a great time. IEven though identical twins I could always tell them apart. Mike always had a happy look. Dan was more stearn looking. Rest in peace my old friend.