RIDEMICHAEL COLASURDO SR. RIDE Michael was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey and graduated from NewJersey City University with a B.A. in political science. In 1967, Michael began teaching American History, Economics and International Studies at Colonia Senior High School in Woodbridge, N.J. Later, Michael became a self-employed businessman and he and his wife of 42 years, Ann, along with their sons, are the owners of Mulberry Street Italian Food Centers, exclusive Italian Specialty Food Centers in Ocean County, N.J.

Michael has been a member of the Rotary Club of Brick Township, New Jersey for the past 24 years, during which he served in all positions of leadership culminating in the presidency in 1993-94.He served as District Club Service Director from 1994-96, District Governor in 1997-98, District Trainer for four years, faculty member of several Zone Institutes and regional vice-chair of the Rotary Leadership Institute. Michael also is proud to have been elected his Rotary District's Representative to the Council on Legislation in 2001, 2004 and 2007.

Michael has served as RI Membership Coordinator for Zone 32; Promotions Division Chair for Zone Institute in Williamsburg, Virginia; District 7500 Representative on the Nominations Committee for selection of RI director; RI Poverty Alleviation Task Force Coordinator for Zone 32; Operations Division Chair for the Zone Institute in Burlington, Vermont; Family of Rotary Coordinator for Zone 32; and general chair of the Zone Institute for 2004 for the Centennial Celebration in Cambridge, Md. Michael served a two-year term as Zone 32 Strategic Advisor of Annual Giving as well as Executive Trainer for Mid-Atlantic P.E.T.S.

In 2004, RI President Jonathan Majiyagbe appointed Michael his personal representative to the District 7980 Conference in Lancaster, Pa.; in 2005, President Glenn E. Estess Sr. appointed Michael his personal representative to the District 6670 Conference in Wilmington, Ohio; and in 2006, RI President Carl Wilhelm Stenhammer appointed Michael to represent him at the District 7790 Conference in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Michael was named Citizen of the Year by the Ocean County (New Jersey) Cultural Society in 2001 and was Rotarian of the Year for his Rotary Club in 2002.He is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Major Donor and Benefactor of the Permanent Fund, a Charter Member of the Bequest Society of the Rotary Foundation, as well as recipient of the Meritorious Service Award

Michael and Ann have three sons, all Rotarians: Michael Jr. and Ralph, both graduates of LaSalle University, and Mark, a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Michael and Ralph share in the ownership and operation of the family business and Mark is a captain with Jet Blue Airlines.

Michael's commitment to the Rotary Foundation is "from the heart," with his wife, parents, children, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren all having been recognized as Paul Harris Fellows.