MICHAEL JOHN IACONO

Michael J. “Mouse” Iacono, 73, of Coventry, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends at HopeHealth Hospice in Providence on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Born in Glens Falls, New York, he was the son of the late William J. and Mary E. (John) Iacono.

Michael grew up in Albany, New York, where he was known for his athletic talent and love of competition. He was a Babe Ruth All-Star shortstop and an accomplished bowler who regularly achieved perfect 300 games. He graduated from Bethlehem Central High School in 1971 before later relocating to East Greenwich, Rhode Island, where, as friends and family would lovingly say, "he tried to grow up again".

Music was Michael’s true passion and calling. A highly skilled drummer, composer, teacher and songwriter, he built a vibrant lifelong music career performing throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. He played in several well-known Top 40 bands, including Michael Brothers, Rhapsody, and House Party, entertaining crowds in clubs across New England for many years. He worked as a booking agent for Ken O’Brien Productions and the Reggie Hurley Agency and had the opportunity to perform alongside notable artists including Little Richard, The Shirelles, Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon, and Triumph, alongside Mike “Tunes” Antunes of the Beaver Brown Band.

A true entertainer and entrepreneur, Michael became Rhode Island’s first karaoke DJ, managed nightclubs throughout New England and later opened The Ice House, the area's first underage nightclub.

Michael’s talents and interests extended far beyond music. He was a die-hard New York Yankees fan and avid golfer. Among his many professions, he was an accomplished painter known for specializing in ground-level work while delegating high ladder tasks to coworkers. He was a refinisher and restorer of antique furniture, a jewelry designer and wholesaler, and a certified lead inspector. Alongside his brother Mark, he worked in property maintenance and management. Michael was also a semi-professional clam digger, concentrating on nighttime digging in polluted waters. Creative and resourceful, he approached life with humor, passion and personality.

In retirement, Michael found great joy in caring for his great-nephews, worked part-time supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and did event catering with his good friend, Paul Borelli.

Known affectionately by many as “Mouse,” Michael will be remembered for his humor, wit, unpredictability, and larger-than-life personality. He was deeply loyal to his family and friends, always willing to help anyone in need, and had a remarkable gift for making people laugh. His spirit and presence left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Mouse was the beloved brother of Anne Marie Lessing and her husband, Steven, of North Kingstown, and Mark A. Iacono and his partner, Melissa Orsinelli, of West Greenwich. He was the cherished uncle of Michael W. Webster and Sarah M. Webster, and loving great-uncle of Jensen and Parker Webster.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday evening, May 21, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm followed by a Memorial Service at 6:30 pm in the Iannotti Funeral Home at MAPLE ROOT, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Road (I-95 Exit 18, Route 3), Coventry. A private burial will be held in Glens Falls, New York. A Celebration of Life to be held for family and friends at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Michael’s name may be made to the Coventry Community Food Bank, 191 MacArthur Blvd., Coventry, RI 02816.

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