Obituary: Michael Pagnillo

Our precious Michael, 47, was taken from us on Tuesday, March 19th at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, NJ. Michael left us while he was surrounded by his family, his dog Nikki and his cat Mara.

The family is left with broken hearts and a deep loss. Michael was the beloved and cherished son of Jacquiline Pagnillo, his late father Michael A. Pagnillo and stepfather Ron MacDonald. Michael's brothers and their families adored and loved him so much. He was a big brother to Richard and Steven and he considers his sister-in-law Patty as his sister and was happy that he would soon have a new "sister" Mia. Michael adored his nephew and five nieces and they adored their Uncle Mike. Richard's children are Ryan, Olivia, and Katie. Steven and Patty's children are Adriana, Marissa, and Briella. Michael is the loving nephew of Anna and Scott Girandola, Nettie Alatary and Ann Roselle. Michael has very close cousins and their children who all loved him. Michael has very close and special neighbors who loved him and considered him very special.

Michael was employed at Splurge Bakery in Millburn as an assistant manager. He loved his job and the people he worked with.

Michael was amazing with magic and card tricks and loved to entertain all of the children and countless friends around him. Michael took ownership and responsibility of dressing up as various characters for the kids birthdays, holidays and special occasions.

Michael was also a member of Opportunity Project, Inc., a clubhouse and social interaction group that involved other adult members who had suffered a brain injury. Michael was fifteen years old when he had a traumatic brain injury in 1981. The staff at O.P. thought the world of Michael. They nicknamed him the "Mayor of Millburn" because he knew everybody in town.

Michael was the kindest, gentlest, and loving friend to all and every person he met.

In lieu of flowers, Michael's family would appreciate donations in Michael's memory to be made to Opportunity Project, Inc. , 60 East Willow Street, Millburn, NJ 07041.www.opportunityproject.org

Services:

• Friday, March 22, Visitation at Bradley Smith & Smith 5 to 9 p.m. 415 Morris avenue in Springfield
• Saturday, March 23, Funeral at St. Rose of Lima Church 10:00 a.m.