Obituary: Michael W. Telesco

Michael W. Telesco, 88, of Goose Creek, SC entered into eternal rest Wednesday, July 03, 2013 at the home of his grandson after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was for 66 years the loving husband of the late Phyllis Polk Telesco.

His family and friends are invited to attend the Rite of Christian Burial at 11:00 o’clock Monday, July 8, 2013 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 510 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek.  Entombment will follow at Dorchester Memory Gardens in Summerville.  The visitation will be Sunday, July 7, 2013 from 5:00 until 8:00 with a prayer service at 7:00 at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, Goose Creek Chapel, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek.

Born October 5, 1924, a native of Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Joseph and Philomena Telesco. He served in the United States Army and his career spanned 25 years which included World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. During his active duty, he received 25 major decorations, including Meritorious Service Medals. Following his military retirement, he worked as Operations and Training Officer for the US Army Reserves. After 21 years of civil service, he was awarded the highest civilian award given by the Department of the Army.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Goose Creek, SC. In addition, his proud and exemplary membership in the Knights of Columbus spanned 60 years and included the following positions: State Deputy, Past Faithful Navigator, State Ceremonial Chairman (25 years), State Historian, Vice-Supreme Master, District Master, and Grand Knight.  He was also President of the Columbus Hope Foundation which administers Operation Hope for the SC Knights of Columbus. The highlight of his Knights of Columbus membership was receiving the joint Resolution of the House of Representatives and the Senate of the South Carolina General Assembly.  In an unprecedented action, the resolution recognized Mr. Telesco for his 50 years of service and declared him the “Godfather” of the Knights of Columbus in South Carolina.

His dedication to his family, friends, Catholic faith, and to the Knights of Columbus was and will continue to be an inspiration to others of faith, hope, love and charity.

Surviving are his daughter, Kathryn (Bob) MacEachern of Spokane, Washington, grandsons, Michael MacEachern of Young Harris, GA, Charles (Tammy) MacEachern of Florence, SC, Daniel (Jen) MacEachern of Spokane, WA, Joseph (Carol) MacEachern of Hanahan, SC and Peter (Angelique) MacEachern of Charleston, SC,  and granddaughters, Kristina Telesco of Buffalo, NY and Teresa Telesco of Rockville, MD, and five great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, son, Charles Telesco, brothers and sister.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Hospice of Charleston for making this past few months easier and his caregiver, Bernadette Bangara, for her dedication and compassion.

Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made to Columbus Hope Foundation, 108 Squire Court, Summerville, SC 29485.

Online condolences can be sent to www.mcalister-smith.com.