NEWBURYPORT – Michael Lago, probably the oldest, at 92, and much-loved member of the Newburyport Tennis Club, passed away last month.
Thanks to his wife, Carol, who introduced him to tennis when he was in his 50s, Mike was a member of Newburyport Tennis Club for more than 40 years and created the Lago Bowl in his wife’s memory. It became the club’s annual end-of-season tournament, raising money for Alzheimer’s Awareness.
Mike could be found several times a week playing with his men’s group and in mixed doubles with his daughter, Andrea Grenier, his favorite partner. Of her father, Andrea wrote: “The Club wasn’t just where he played – it was his second home, where he laughed, competed and built lifelong friendships.”
Club manager Mike Perrota was a big fan. “Mike was one of the most selfless gentlemen I ever met in tennis. He sponsored the Lago Bowl year after year and gave us gallon after gallon of free ice cream. He’d be at the Club and try to watch every match. He was a great guy,”
Kelly Oulette, the director of tennis, described Mike as “a special person and such a presence at the Club. Everyone liked him, we are lucky to have had him as a member for so many years.”
Club member Deb DiPietro, wrote: “Mike made everyone smile the second they saw him. He was such a warm, welcoming person and he made me feel like I was special. He loved nothing more than having his family join him at the club – his favorite people at one of his favorite places. He was loved by his tennis family and will be missed.”
Born in Amesbury, Mike started several businesses and besides tennis enjoyed hunting, fishing, anything that gave him time outdoors—especially when shared with Carol, who passed away some years ago.
He is survived by his children: Michael Lago, Jr., Steve Lago, Sr., Bobby Lago, and Andrea Grenier; his grandchildren: Jason Michael Lago, Scott Robert Lago, William George Lago, Stevie Lago, Jr., Brett Lago, Peter Jason, Lisa, Erica Grenier, and Michael Grenier; and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Lago. ♦
