Michael A. Leggiero

Michael A. Leggiero went to be with his personal Lord and Savior on January 29, 2005. Having lived on this earth a mere 57 years, Michael was able to accomplish several lifetimes worth of work in this short span and touch the lives of all who knew him.

Michael was a miracle from the time of his birth. His parents, Emily and Guerino, having two daughters the second being born 10 years prior were amazed when they learned they were being given one more chance to bring a child into the world. They were overjoyed when their son was born on December 16, 1947. Michael made a dramatic entrance into this world being born at home during the great blizzard of 1947. He also faced his first of many life challenges as he was born 100% club footed with his leg bent and his foot resting on his shoulder. As would be the pattern of his life, he was able to overcome this “obstacle” with the love of his family, faith in God and much perseverance.

As Michael grew, he attended local public schools Gilmore Elementary and Emerson High School and he showed himself to be an intelligent, respectful young man who was a joy to his family. At the age of 21 Michael was set up on a blind date with Lois Zurberg the woman who would prove to be the love of his life. They were married soon after on October 3, 1970 and moved into an apartment in his parent’s home. This being the same house in which he was born and where he still lived at the time of his passing.

During his early adulthood Michael attended Farleigh Dickinson University and tried his hand at several careers. In addition to his time in the Army, Michael also worked for the Chiquita Banana Company, the United States Postal Service and the film editing industry in New York City.

Then in 1971 Michael began what he thought was going to be a temporary part-time job with the North Hudson Community Action Corporation. This actually became his life’s calling and the temporary job turned into a 33 year vocation. Michael assumed the directorship of NHCAC in 1978 at which time the agency administered seven programs serving 5,000 people per year with a total budget of $3 million. After 26 years of Michael’s expert leadership the agency now runs 20 programs employing over 500 employees who serve more than 63,000 residents per year, with a budget in excess of $30 million.

In 1993, even before health care coverage became a topic of great concern, Michael had the vision and insight to fully understand and address the needs of a rapidly growing community. It was this foresight that led to the creation of a state-of-the-art community health center which now provides first class primary health care to the residents of Hudson and Bergen counties, giving the underinsured and uninsured the opportunity to obtain comprehensive health services with pride and dignity.

In 1998 Michael agreed to run for a seat on the Union City Board of Commissioners and was elected twice. At the time of his passing he was serving as the Commissioner of Revenue and Finance. Although having no long term political ambitions he could not pass up this opportunity to serve the City in which he was born and resided his entire life. It would also give him yet another opportunity to serve those in need around him.

While accomplishing so many marvelous things for his community he was also a wonderful family man. He was an outstanding son to his parents, loving them and caring for them and their needs until their deaths. As a husband, he was faithful and devoted always treating his wife Lois lovingly knowing that she was a gift from God. She showed her love to him in innumerable ways and never left his side during his final seven week hospital stay. He was a loving brother to his two sisters Dolores and Jeannie. Although younger then them he was always there for them as a strength and support. For two generations of nieces and nephews he was a wonderful example not only as an uncle but as an humanitarian always teaching them to put others first and do what is right. To his church family he was an inspiration, leading the congregation weekly in song and worship even during the times of greatest personal struggle. He considered everyone he knew (coworkers, employees, constituents and friends) as his family and shared with everyone the love of God which so freely flowed through him.

At his wake and funeral service several hundred loved ones came together to say farewell. Each attempted to fully express their love but words and tears were not enough. All who knew him were at a loss to explain the tremendous impact this wonderful man had made on their lives. He was a man who didn’t just practice his faith, he lived it. Now that he has gone to his final reward all that can be said is Michael died as he lived a Christian.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Tim 4:7