Born April 14, 1943, and died peacefully on November 29, 2025. Mike was preceded in death by his parents Gerald, Sr. and Catherine, his brother Gerald, Jr. (his surviving spouse Marjorie), sister Catherine and her husband John Wedler, sister-in-law Virginia and her husband Donald Capone, and his beloved grandson Max. Mike is survived by his wife of 62 years Mary Right (nee Baricevic), dearest sons Michael Right Jr. (Dina) and Anthony Right (Jill), loving grandchildren Lucy (Sam), Mickey, Ollie, Henry, and Hannah, dear brothers Patrick and Joseph (Lynn), and many nieces and nephews.
Mike worked at AAA of Missouri where he retired as Vice President of Public Affairs after 53 years. While at AAA he served on several national AAA committees, including the AAA National Public Affairs Committee and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. He served as editor of several AAA of Missouri magazines including the Midwest Motorist and The Auto Clubber. Through the years, Mike gave thousands of interviews to television, radio, and newspaper reporters on a host of topics including driving in winter weather, pedestrian safety, and gas price fluctuations. Mike was esteemed throughout Missouri for over a half-century for his insight on automobile safety matters.
The family would like to thank the staff at Mari de Villa for their excellent care of Mike over the past few months.
Celebration of Life will be held at Kutis Funeral Home at 10151 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63123 at 10:00 am on January 7, 2026. Memorials in lieu of flowers to Landmarks Association of St. Louis, Inc. are appreciated.
Mike was my boss at Midwest Motorist for four years. He was popular with a lot of the AAA Midwest HQ staff, and always gave me great work references after I left the organization. He was funny and liked to call everyone “Bozo” as in the clown. He will be missed,
I was fortunate enough to work at AAA for 3 decades during Mike’s career there. We enjoyed his friendly demeanor and professional attitude. Condolences to his family and loved ones.
Mike will be remembered for his many contributions to AAA and for so generously sharing his experiences with other AAA organizations. My sympathy, thoughts, and prayers are with his family.
It was a pleasure working with Mike for so many years. He will be greatly missed by all of us at AAA.
Mike was truly a legend at AAA Missouri. His 53 years of service stand as an extraordinary testament to his dedication, integrity, and genuine care for the members, communities, and colleagues he served. He left an unmistakable mark on our organization, and his presence was felt every day — not only in the depth of his knowledge, but in the kindness and steady support he offered to all of us “Bozo’s” around him.
He was deeply missed upon his retirement, and it is heartbreaking to learn of his passing. Please know that my thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the many lives Mike touched and the legacy he leaves behind.
Mike was a very gracious man, he cared deeply for his employees. Mike always stood his ground, even if it made waves. Mike was also quick with a smile and could laugh at himself.
Mike was the most loved executive in the organization. God bless you Mike!
Mike was a great person. I worked with him at AAA for what seems like an eternity. So sorry to hear about his passing. I will always remember when we would pass in the hall or when he would check on dispatch before reporting on the news, he would refer to me as kid. “How’s things going, kid” My prayers go out to his family. Big loss.
Mike had a smile for nearly all he encountered. I wasn’t associated with Mike directly on an every day basis at AAA but he could always find a way to get the results from whatever he requested. I continually complimented him on his disarrayed office and the chaotic filing system that only he understood. Thank for memories.
Kutis Chapel was overflowing for Mike’s celebration of life services. Heartwarming remembrances of Mike beginning with his family sharing their love, stories & ending with Mike’s AAA accomplished career & tales from Ken Johnson.
Mike’s passing is a sad loss for our AAA family. From a professional standpoint he carried respect throughout the Club maintaining a wealth of knowledge, policies & procedures.
From a personal standpoint, I know Mike had many friends at AAA & I am proud to be one of them. Thankfully Mike referenced me as “Kiddo” instead of “Bozo”
Mike, my prayers always as you rest in peace. 💕
Sincerely,
Elaine McKinney