Michael L Climaco

Michael L. Climaco (April 30, 1946 – August 29, 2025), devoted husband, father, grandfather, attorney, and public servant, passed away at the age of 79 in Lafayette, Colorado. A near-lifelong Clevelander, Michael’s life was deeply intertwined with the city he loved and helped shape.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised on the city’s near west side, Michael was the son of John and Isabel (Mazzeo) Climaco, and the grandson of Italian immigrants who built the family’s first home on West 16th Street. He attended Cathedral Latin and Valley Forge High School before earning his bachelor’s degree from Ashland University, where he was elected president of his graduating class. He went on to earn his law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, an institution he would champion throughout his life.

Michael’s career began in public service in 1971, when at age 26 he was elected to Cleveland City Council representing the community around St. Rocco’s Church, where he had grown up. As majority whip, he played a role in the city’s transformation during a pivotal era, helping to lay the groundwork for projects such as Tower City, Gateway, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Following his time in politics, Michael dedicated himself to the law, building a successful firm and earning a reputation as a skilled litigator and trusted counsel, representing clients ranging from working families to major public institutions. He served as Special Counsel to the Ohio Attorney General and Auditor of State and was instrumental in negotiating agreements that returned the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indians to the city. He served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cleveland State University, and also played a critical role in securing funding for the Cleveland-Marshall law library, ensuring the school’s accreditation and future.

Beyond his professional work, Michael was deeply committed to community service. He served on boards for Freedom House, the Juvenile Diabetes Association, the Center for Intellectual Disabilities, and the Alzheimer’s Association, among others. A proud Italian American, he was a past president of the Church Council of St. Rocco’s and received the Columbian Award from the Federation of Italian-American Societies of Northern Ohio.

For all his accomplishments, Michael was most proud of his family. He married his beloved wife, Karen, and together they raised two daughters, Christina and Cat. To them, and to the many friends, colleagues, and neighbors who knew him, he was known for his generosity, warmth, steadfast loyalty, and zest for life.

Michael loved skiing the beautiful Colorado mountains. After many wonderful ski trips with his wife and daughters, both Christina and Cat made Colorado their home—and in time, Michael and Karen followed, moving west to be close to them and their families. He enjoyed cooking, sharing meals, and celebrating his Italian heritage, finding joy in gathering family and friends around the table. A lifelong Cleveland sports fan, he rooted passionately for the Browns, Indians, and Cavaliers, carrying his love for his hometown teams wherever he went.

Michael is survived by his wife Karen, daughters Christina and Cat, cherished grandsons James, Benjamin, and Quinn, son-in-law Nathan, and many extended family members, friends, and colleagues who will cherish his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

Michael’s life was one of service, leadership, and love. His legacy lives on in his family, friends and community.