Charles Michael Pizzuto

Born December 9, 1951, Michael died peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2009 in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was a native of Baton Rouge, LA and for the last ten years a resident of St. Pete. Michael was a gifted master massage therapist and massage therapy teacher, with over twenty years in his field and was Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB). Michael was owner of The Body Mechanix, a foremost massage and bodywork clinic, as well as the BMSI Institute, the first massage therapy school to be licensed by the Kansas Board of Regents, both located in Overland Park, Kansas. Michael traveled to many places all over the world and lived his life with passion. As a dedicated therapist and teacher, joyfully sharing his knowledge of therapeutic massage, his family is comforted in knowing that Michael has made an ongoing contribution to those in need through the art of the healing touch he has passed on to his students and clients alike. Michael is survived by his sister, Joanne (Jo) Pizzuto Hoffberger and husband Alan of St. Pete; step-sisters Charlene Caruso Marchand and husband Wayne of Baton Rouge; Patricia Caruso Corsentino and husband Anthony of Denham Springs; Dorothy Caruso Jacob and husband Andy of Reserve; step-brother Leonce Caruso and wife Elaine of Baton Rouge; his love Jacqueline Julian of Overland Park, KS; numerous nieces and nephews, and many loving friends. Preceded in death by mother, Elsie Hudson Howard; father, Vick Pizzuto and step-mother Avonna Caruso Pizzuto. Michael's family wishes to thank Hospice of the Florida Suncoast for the loving care given Michael during his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760 A private cremation has been planned. David C. Gross Funeral Home is serving the family. Service Information