Michael "Mike" Anthony Pilato

Born on September 11, 1948, he was the son of the late Joe and Lea Zorio Pilato.

A lifelong resident of Fayetteville, Mike served as secretary of the Lions Club, a member of the Huse Memorial Park Board, and a volunteer for the Fayetteville Food Bank. As the “Voice of the Pirates,” Mike could be heard in the press box for nearly two decades announcing Pirate football games and served as emcee for many town events. Mike was a member of Doggett Chapel Methodist Church.

A 1966 graduate of Fayetteville High School, “Mr. P” spent his 37-year teaching career at FHS sharing his love of France, sense of humor, and trademark wit with generations of students. Whether through his famous “correct the mistakes” tests or the eighteen trips to France and Canada he coordinated, he helped students appreciate the language, culture, and history while instilling life lessons: The correct way to eat a baguette? Simply clamp, twist, and pull.

Mike’s other lifelong passion was music. He was well known for his skills as a drummer and played in local bands from the age of sixteen until “retiring his drums” in 2021. His lightning-fast rendition of “Wipe Out” was always a crowd-pleaser. He loved learning and sharing music trivia and was a huge fan of the Beatles, saying that “Let It Be” and “In My Life” were his all-time favorite songs.

After seeing the famous falling chandelier in a touring production of “Phantom of the Opera,” Michael discovered a love of theatre later in life and enjoyed attending national tours of Broadway shows in Charleston and surrounding states. He never missed a production by the Charleston Light Opera Guild, particularly when his daughter was on stage. He eventually developed the acting bug himself, appearing in multiple shows with the Historic Fayette Theatre and putting his signature dry humor to good use.

When not out and about in the community, Mike loved word search puzzles, daydreaming about moving to France or Canada (or Luxembourg, most recently), and sitting on the porch with his wife, drinking coffee together and watching the squirrels.

Michael was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Pilato, and half-brothers: Sam and Jack Pilato.

Left to cherish many wonderful memories are his beloved wife of 40 years, Myrna Joan Harrah Pilato; daughter, Toni Pilato; and sons, C. Michael (Amy) Pilato and Bryan (Ashley) Pilato; grandchildren: Gavin, Aidan, Kaelyn, and Anna Kate; and brother, Steve (Ann) Pilato.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s memory to the Fayetteville United Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 87, Fayetteville, WV 25840 or to the Mountaineer Food Bank.

In keeping with Mike’s wishes, there will be no services.

The family would like to thank Mike’s doctors and the nurses of Bowers Hospice House, with a special thank you to his longtime family physician Dr. Ryan Newell.

Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, Fayetteville, will be assisting the family. Words of comfort and sympathy may be sent to the family at www.doddpaynehessfuneralhome.com.