Michael Wayne Naccarato

On January 5th, 2023, Mike Naccarato, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away.  Mike lost his beloved wife Jan, 5 months prior, and longed to be by her side again, where he had been for 57 years.

He leaves behind a legacy of impacting lives, educating, and coaching most of the Spokane Valley, of love, generosity, compassion, and kindness. He will be forever missed by everyone that knew him and he will never be forgotten by those that loved him.

Mike was born in Kellogg, Idaho, on August 15th, 1946, to Jay and Dena (Rinaldi) Naccarato.  Born on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mike was a devoted Catholic.  Mike grew up and lived his entire life in the Spokane Valley.  He attended St. John Vianney Catholic School where he was an outstanding athlete and made friends that would last a lifetime.  For High School he attended Gonzaga Prep until the brand-new University High School in the Spokane Valley opened and his valley roots and neighborhood friends beckoned him to attend U-High.  Mike continued to be an outstanding athlete in both baseball and basketball throughout High School.

After graduation, he married the love of his life, soulmate and best friend, Jan Naccarato. Together they raised three children, Mike, Ric, and Gina. They enjoyed every day together starting each day with coffee, conversation, and laughs. They built a life and legacy that centered around family, love, and doing for others.  

Mike attended EWU, graduating with a BA in education.  He taught junior high school and driver’s education in the Central Valley School District. He loved teaching and cared deeply for his students, treating each child like it was his own child.  He was not only a brilliant English teacher that gave students a love of literature, but he also gave them confidence and self-worth.  He truly was everyone’s favorite teacher.  Mike coached boys’ basketball and had many undefeated seasons.  His players loved him and remained connected to him throughout his life, often reminiscing about those glorious undefeated days.  Mike and his wife Jan also coached his daughter’s softball team for many years.

A huge part of Mike’s legacy and life was working at his family’s business, The Farmer’s Market & Garden Center where he worked alongside his father Jay, and his son’s Mike and Ric.  He spent weekends and summers selling trees, shrubs, and produce and in the wintertime, Christmas trees at this nostalgic, magical place.

After retiring from teaching, he, his wife Jan, and daughter Gina opened The Market Gallery, an extension of The Farmer’s Market & Garden Center which they ran for several years.  As the produce business was in his blood, he enjoyed working with his son in law Rusty at Rusty’s Produce in the Spokane Valley where he was so loved and respected.  He enjoyed getting to know customers and adored the crew at the business.

Mike loved watching baseball and spending time on the Oregon coast with family.  He was incredibly intelligent, had a quick-wit, and a wonderful sense of humor.  He had a gift for making people feel at ease and was a friend to everyone.

His biggest passion in life was his family. He was deeply devoted to his wife Jan and loved his children and grandchildren.  He instilled a pride of his Italian heritage and family traditions.

He is survived by his daughter Gina (Rusty) Naccarato-Keele, son Mike (Traci) Naccarato, grandchildren, Jenna Naccarato, Mikayla Naccarato, Jake Naccarato, Bo Naccarato, and Luke Naccarato and great-granddaughter Reagan Naccarato.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Jan Naccarato, father and mother, Jay and Dena Naccarato and his beloved son, Ric Naccarato, and his brothers, Pete and Chuck Naccarato.

Family, friends, former students, and the Spokane Valley are all mourning the loss of an outstanding educator and Valley icon. His outgoing personality, generosity, and love of other’s had a positive impact on so many lives.

We are comforted knowing that our dear mother Jan, and brother, Ricci will be waiting at the gates of heaven to welcome him home for eternal life.

Funeral services will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in the Spokane Valley on Saturday, January 14th at 11:00 a.m. with reception following at the church.  The Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in the Mausoleum Chapel at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial donations suggested for St. Jude’s. To leave condolences for the family and share memories of Michael, please visit Michael's Tribute Wall.