Michael Thomas Passarella

Michael Thomas Passarella passed away on November 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. He is survived by his son Michael P. (“Mick”) Passarella of Columbus; three stepdaughters– Judy Camp of Little Rock, AR, Traci (Tom) Campbell of Benton, AR, and Debra Graham of Stillwater, OK; and numerous grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife of over 20 years, Martha J. Passarella of Upper Arlington, OH; stepson Tom Swincher of Lakeview, OH; mother Chrystal M. Evarts (Passarella) and father Thomas A. Passarella, each of Chicago; first wife Lorraine Passarella; and brothers Tommy and Charles of Chicago.

Michael was born May 10, 1937 in Chicago, IL. He attended St. Lucy's elementary school and was very active in all sports and school plays. He later graduated from Austin High with honors, with the assistance of his land lady/teacher Mrs. Helsing. Proudly, Michael's home room teacher said..."he would be successful in whatever he chooses..."

After graduation and following his father’s footsteps, Mike began work at IC (Illinois Central) RR as a chief file clerk. In Chicago, he enjoyed many White Sox baseball games, becoming an avid fan and lifelong lover of the sport. He later began a career in the field of Research & Development, working until he was drafted into the US Army Chemical Corps where he obtained advanced training in chemical warfare at Ft. McClellan AL. He was sent to Camp Mercury, Nevada, as part of a team that studied the effects of radiation for the air-ground operations of the 1962 Nuclear Test Study, where he received an award for his contributions.

After receiving his Honorable Discharge, Mike joined a supplier to the automotive trade in the Detroit area where he found his life's work in the field of chemical and mechanical engineering. During his career he wrote several patents and travelled abroad to Japan and China for business development. He became the President of his working group of ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and received many service awards from his peers and professional affiliations. He was a BA cum laude in the field of Business from Lawrence University.

After some 36 years in the field, Mike took early retirement, and he & his wife Marty began travelling with trips to Italy, the British Isles, Ireland, Amsterdam, Orkney Island and Paris. A fun local trip was Branson, MO. In retirement, Mike also enrolled at Ohio Dominican in the study of Theology. He unfortunately suffered a stroke near its conclusion and was not able to finish, but he remained a devout Catholic attending both St. Agatha and St. Andrews parishes in Upper Arlington as well as participating in the Lutheran faith with his wife at Atonement Lutheran.

Family will receive friends from 5-7 PM on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at St. Agatha Catholic Church, 1860 Northam Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221. Burial at St. Michael Cemetery in Palatine, Illinois.