Michael Joseph Paribello

Born on December 11, 1948, in Mount Vernon, New York, Michael was the son of Anthony Michael Paribello and Rose Marie Costello. He carried with him throughout his life the warmth of his Italian roots, a deep love of family, music, laughter, and an unwavering sense of loyalty to the people he loved.

Michael graduated from Manhattan College in 1970 with a degree in Electrical Engineering, where he was a proud member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. He later earned his Master of Education from Boston College in 1974. His professional life reflected both his extraordinary intellect and his generous spirit. He worked as an electrical engineer and senior systems analyst with RCA, Vitro, ManTech, and Martin Marietta before later becoming a librarian at Chopticon High School, where his love of learning and people found a natural home.

But to those who knew him best, Michael was so much more than his accomplishments. He was endlessly curious, brilliantly funny, and impossibly quick-witted. He loved puns, trivia, smart humor, and the kind of jokes that made people groan before they laughed. He had a lifelong fascination with history, especially the Civil War. He seemed to know the answer to every trivia question ever asked, and he loved sharing that knowledge not to impress people, but to connect with them.

Music lived at the center of Michael’s life. He loved folk music, classic rock, Irish and Celtic music, the protest songs of the 1960s, and artists like Simon & Garfunkel, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and Woody Guthrie. He sang often and joyfully, played the bodhrán and guitar, and was deeply involved in Irish music and dance communities. He was a member of the Greater Washington Ceili Club, where he served as a former board member and spent many happy years Irish set dancing. He was also a choir member at Village Protestant Church and participated in the Gentleman’s Songsters and Readers Theatre at Riderwood.

Michael loved to travel, especially anywhere near the water. Some of his happiest moments were spent at the beach surrounded by family, music, laughter, and good food. Holidays were sacred to him, not because of tradition alone, but because they brought everyone together in the kitchen and around the table. An incredible cook with deep Italian roots, Michael taught his children and grandchildren everything he knew about cooking. Some of the family’s happiest memories were made cooking beside him, surrounded by music, stories, and laughter. He showed his love in countless ways by always being there: present at every life event no matter how big or small, always home for dinner, and offering hugs, advice, and steady support through every stage of life.

Everyone called him “Papa” - not only his children and grandchildren, but many of his children’s friends as well. The name suited him perfectly. He made people feel safe, welcomed, seen, and deeply loved. His kindness was genuine, his hugs unforgettable, and his loyalty fierce and unwavering.

Michael is survived by his devoted wife, Joan; his daughter Ariana and her children Raymond, Nolan, and Skye, and by Raymond’s sons, Ciaran Michael and Cillian Brandon; his daughter Kirstie and her children Maddie Rose and Grayson Michael; and his daughter Jessamyn and her children Ellia Soleil and Ara Joseph.

He leaves behind a family and community forever shaped by his humor, intelligence, music, compassion, and enormous heart. His songs, stories, laughter, and love will echo through generations.

In every room he entered, Michael brought warmth. In every life he touched, he left something lasting.