I am deeply saddened to learn of Mike’s passing.  I knew Mike in High School and we went to prom together just before he joined the Marines.  He was always a true gentleman.

Dear Mike,
I miss you so much.  I think of you every day.  I feel the magnitude of love I have for my son Robert and I cannot imagine a loss greater than that but your passing equals that  pain.  Life is very short. Shorter than we know.  

I got a Christmas card from your family that warmed my heart and after looking into the eyes of your son and daughter, I could tell that you are "out there"watching over them. I wish I could have gone in your place but it wasn't to be.  This writing is to you and about you but I am the one who needed to make it. I will love you and miss you forever and I will see you again.

I HAD THE STRANGEST FEELING THIS MORNING I HAVENT SEEN MIKE OR KEPT IN TOUCH IN ABOUT 25 YEARS.BUT I LOOKED HIM UP TODAY AND SAW THE NEWS AND AFTER ALL THESE YEARS WE CANT REUNITE.ME AND MIKE GREW UP TOGETHER FISHED TOGETHER WE WERE LIKE BROTHERS I WAS OVER THERE HOME MORE THEN MY OWN AND BECAME VERY CLOSE TO THEM ALL.THEN ARE FAMILIES MOVED.I LOST MY BEST FRIEND.LATER IN LIFE I JOINED THE USMC.I LEARNED MIKE LATER JOINED ALSO SO WE MET UP TWO PROUD BROTHERS REUNITING AGAIN. AND I REMEMBER LOOKING AT MIKE AND HOW PROUD TO SEE MY FRIEND MY LIL BROTHER AND THE GREAT MAN HE BECAME I SAW GREATNESS.I JUST WANTED TO SAY MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR HIS ENTIRE FAMILY I WILL PRAY FOR YOU ALL FOR HEALING.I KNOW I WILL REUNITE ONE LAST TIME WITH MY FRIEND MY LIL BROTHER.

My deepest sympathy for the loss of Mike, he was truly a great leader and someone I called friend. He will be truly missed!

Charles Booker

My heart goes out to the Passaro family.  He was a great man, a great Marine, and an inspiration to a lot of young Marines he trained.  I have a picture of Gunny Passaro pinning on my wings, I will always remember that day.

Rest in peace, Mike. You will be missed. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Semper Fi forever.

Jeff Smith
HMLA-369 (1991-1994)

My heart is truly broken and the hurt/pain I feel is indescribable.  Mike has been my buddy and best friend since we met in 6th grade.  We played baseball, football, hit the skating rink, went to dances, chased girls and everything else that goes along with growing up in junior high and high school.  Mike has always been there for for me through good times and bad.  I will miss him more than I can put into words.  Mike you were a great friend and I will never forget you.  I will see you again someday..Shana, Mia and Jeremy: y'all are in my heart and prayers.  I am here for you if you ever need anything. Your Buddy, Robert Vernon

Words just can not express how sorry I am for your loss. My heart and prayers are with you all. May you RIP Mike. May God bring your family strength and wrap His arms around them to provide a hedge of protection only He can provide. 
With much love, 
Tabitha Hoffman Auten, 
LHHS 1988 & friend

I'm at a loss for words for once in my life.  To all of Mike's family, please let all of us know if we can do anything for you.  As Mike served the Marines and you in life, so hopefully shall we serve you.

I now truly understand the meaning of "rest in peace" and with all my heart I hope you do.

My heart goes out to the Passaros at this time - I have known Andrea, Maria and Chris for many years - and they always talked about their brother - with laughter and love and I feel like I knew him just as well.  My prayers are with you now and always.  God Bless  - the Furias

Pipes,
I enjoyed your friendship...Thanks for squaring me away before my deployments and hooking me up with Meat and the crew on the 13th MEU. You are missed.  Semper Fi bro.  Steve

TO: Shana, Mia and Jeremy: Please know that your loved one (and our hero) is now in God's heavenly hands and smiling upon us. My thoughts & prayers are with you during this very difficult time......

Shana, Mia, Jeremy, our thoughts and prayers are with you always. We are so saddened by the passing of Mike. You are so blessed to have so many people in your life that care and love you and the kids so much. May you find peace and strength in the love that surrounds you.

Gunny Passaro, the Marines guarding at the gates of Heaven are awaiting for you, a warrior and a hero. I did not know you personally, but I do, thanks to the conversations, that I had with your dad, Tony Passaro. Semper Fi

Gunny "Pipes" Passaro, a true Gunfighter legend! A real Man,a stellar Marine, and never to be forgotten.

I'm so sorry for your loss.  I knew Mike when he was living in the Chicago area.  He was a great man.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Pazzaro family. Michael was part of our family. My dad recruited Michael into the Marines and Michael was like a brother to my sister and I. He is now watching over everyone he loved. Rest In Peace Michael. Denise Lee Armstrong, Top Lee's daughter

Mike Passaro was everyone's best friend and always had a place in his heart for everyone.  I first met Michael when he was in grade school.  I also met his family (or should I say clan) at the same time.  Mike could discuss things with his peers and adults at a very early age with that beautiful smile always on his face.  I recognized that he was a born leader even before he knew it himself. He was a dedicated young man that excelled in everything he did.  You have only to meet Mia and Jeremy and see that they were raised by a wonderful father and mother. It is wonderful and precious that we all have known Mike in our lives. I am better person, and I speak for my family too, to have been blessed to have known such a wonderful person.  The world is a better place because Mike walked upon this earth.  He sacrificed and served America for over 20 years, but he looked upon his time in the Corps as an honor. Mike, I am honored to have known and loved you for so long and your beautiful family.  I will see you again, till then, Rest in Peace with that smile.

A great mentor and a true friend.  Mike... So many memories from our time in the Gunfighters brother.  And after I left in late 96, you were still ALWAYS available for guidance, mentorship and friendship whenever we crossed paths.  Your contagious smile will be missed by many.  Your name and character will be immortalized in many a sea stories as I have plenty with you as the main character to tell.  Rest well brother... I will miss you.  My prayers are with the entire Passaro family.

Mike...I can not find the words that express how I'm feeling. You lived life with passion and direction. You taught me so much. I'm glad we had closure, I will always miss you "forever" Semper Fi

Mike, you are going to be missed so much. You meant a lot to so many people. The times we all shared while you were at Glenveiw. What a great man. My heart goes out to your beautiful family.

Not sure if my last posting went through.
To all who have written a message in this book and expressed your heartfelt condolences to the Passaro family.  
We are most grateful for your pouring out of love and prayers and expressing how Michael touched your lives. 
Michael's father, Tony, eulogized him at his memorial as being "Outstanding".  He was gifted in many ways but, he will be remembered by most as being a great Marine,friend, husband, and father. He had a great love for his family, country and life. He lived life with  great passion and compassion. 
As his mother, I am very grateful for the many wonderful memories I shared with him throughout his life. He was a great blessing. I will miss everything about him, his beautiful smile, great hugs, and our long talks about family, life and God. He rose to all occasions ready to serve in anyway he could.  "What more can be said for a gift that's so rare...the time is now that we all should care." (a quote from my fathers eulogy) Love one another and don't be afraid to let them know it.  Michael lived, he loved, he laughed, he cried..and he is now home, in our Fathers House, a room He had prepared for him. 
God bless all who served alongside Mike and all who continue to serve in our military and their families.  Sempre Fi  With love..Mike's (Pipe's) Mom

Mike, it was an honor to serve with you. I looked up to you, considered you a friend and a true brother.

A true American hero. Please accept my deepest sympathies. You are all in my prayers. May the Lord give you comfort during this time~

To the Family, 
Our hearts are broken at MCAS New River.  Mike was loved by more people out this way than you can imagine.  We trained together, fought together, and will always be brothers in arms.

Semper Fly!

Hey bro, Just got back to MN from CA and I want you to know I will forever be here for Shana, Mia, &Jeremy. I am so very grateful to have the good memories of times shared together with our families. Thanks for all the incredible advice you've given me through the years. You helped me raise my children to be the confident & grounded young adults they are today. Not sure what this life has in store without you. I miss you so terribly. What I would give to hug you one more time. In fact I think I freaked a few people out at your Memorial Service with all my hugging. I must of hugged atleast 100 people. Some better huggers than others but none like yours. I will cherish that I knew you your whole life & pass all I can on to Mia & Jeremy. Please give Thomas a hug for me.  You both gave life your all. With love that knows no limits - RIP my dear brother. Till we meet again <3 Your loving sister - Theresa

"Pipes", It was a honor to serve and fly with you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

"It was an honor serving with you, brother. You will be missed. God Bless the Passaro family." Steve & Brooke Turner.

Shana, Mia, and Jeremy.... We are truly sorry for the loss of such a great husband, father, friend, coach, and Marine. We feel fortunate to have befriended Mike these last 7 years and really got to share some great times with our families. Our home is always open to you all no matter what time of the day. We wish we still lived down the street to be closer in these hard times. Tiffany and I will never forget the loving and caring words that Mike gave to us when we had hard days of to just love one another and don't take anything for granted. Mike's big hugs will be missed by Aiden and Danika and his booming laugh will be missed by all. We love you Mike with all our heart and Gunny I will see you again when I report for duty to guard our Lords gates and streets of heaven. Semper Fi Brother!

Shana, Mia and Jeremy,

My heart hurts so very much for ya'll right now. Mike was a great friend and my memories of him run deep. I know he loved his family very much. My prayer is that God will ease the hurt you feel and replace your grief with His comfort and peace.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  At yesterday's memorial service I learned more about what a wonderful man and dedicated Marine Mike was.  It was an honor to know him.

Pipes, you are a true credit to the Marine Corps.  A consumate crew member, you always made the cockpit better.  You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.  God Bless!

Pipes, You were one of the hardest working Marines that I have had the pleasure to serve with. The Passaro will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Shana, Mia, and Jeremy please accept our deepest condolences.
I will miss you Bro. Meat

Although I did not know Michael, I want to say Thank You for your service to our country. It's men like you who sacrifice so much for our freedoms. Blessings to your family.
Carty Emmons (Patriot Guard Rider)

My prayers go out to the family and friends for our fellow crew chief.  Semper Fi

Shana, Mia and Jeremy and the Passaro family - our hearts are filled with sorrow but also lots of love for you all - if you ever feel like you need to talk or just need some help (Shana) - we are here for you - Mike was always such a big help to us and Mariah loved him like a dad - Rest in Peace Mike - Hugs, Denise, Megan and Mariah

Shanna, from our home to yours, our deepest sympathy. Mia, and Jeremy, let these pages be a forever reminder how great of a man your dad was. Pipes, "thank you" can never mean what I want it to, but I know you get it.
Semper Fi, Gunfighters Rule.

Gone too soon...my thoughts are with the family.

My condolences to the Passaro family.  I went to Jr High and High School with Mike and he always had a smile on his face.  He was an amazing person.  RIP my friend.

Please accept my condolences.  Rest peacefully Gunny.

You are so very missed Pipes...You’ve affected my life and my career more than you could ever understand. I thank you and could never express a value high enough for your guidance and mentorship. We meet people in this life that come and go with little thought investe...d beyond that initial brief insignificant encounter. Then there are friends who we enjoy and consciously devote time with, who join us in our daily journeys and are often there for mutual support. However, there is a third type of special individual who we instantly bond with and subsequently become family. Those significantly selfless heroes not only motivate us to accept nothing less of what we are capable of becoming, but further inspire us, through their personal example and altruistic spirit, to always lend a hand and never turn our back on a friend in need. This exceptional person is a beacon of light through which the rest of us enjoy the luxury of consistently turning to in a pinch and who would unwaveringly go out of their way to assist us. You are this type of person Gunny. You’ve touched every person who has ever been graciously afforded the opportunity to know you. I’m finding it difficult to digest that you’re gone. Caught up in my own selfish naivety, I always assumed you’d be here. In my mind, you were larger than life and indestructible. I find myself heartbroken at the prospect I will never be able to return even a fraction of what you’ve given me. However, I also consider myself quite fortunate to have ever known you; one of the lucky many who benefitted from your benevolent soul. I don’t have a single negative memory of you. As I look back, every solitary thought I have reveals you displaying that huge contagiously cocky smile. You were always bigger in spirit than anyone in the room. You displayed a confident leadership and competent decisiveness that commanded attention. I would have followed you anywhere and done anything for you. In my simple mind, I cannot fathom an adequate excuse for your absence. I can only believe in my heart that God required you for a larger mission that only someone with your strengths and capabilities could accomplish. It appears as though this promotion was supplied with unaccompanied PCS orders to a forward area; those of us in the rear are left behind and miss you dearly. I can’t wait to see you again brother, you’ve touched my life forever and for that I am eternally grateful. I hope to one day meet again and attempt to somehow begin returning the favor. I love you, Semper Fidelis and “Gunfighters Rule!”

My memories have always been and will always be the fondest. You were always a friendly ear when I needed to talk and a helpful mentor when I needed to learn. Thank you for all you did to help me navigate my way through the Corps. 
With much love and prayer,
Paige (Blades) Hanley

To Mike's family, 

Please accept my heartfelt condolences.  I was fortunate to have served with Mike 20 years ago in Glenview, IL.  Mike touched many lives here and we were lucky to have been able to call him our fellow Marine and our friend.

RIP Gunny...Our prayers are with your family!

      
        
        
      It was an honor serving with Mike.  Our deepest condolences to the Passaro family. Our prayers go out to everyone that called Mike a friend. God rest and Semper Fidelis.

Skid community, and Gunfighter legend, especially among us crew chiefs. I know I'm not alone when I say I feel blessed, to of had the privilege of being a student, and flying with this legend. RIP Pipes

I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was a personal hero of mine. I shall never forget him and what he taught me; in the Marines and in life. Please know that your family will be in my prayers. RIP Mike. Richie Bean, New Orleans, LA.

Shana, Mia, Jeremy and all of the Passaro family. 
I pray for strength and encouragement through this difficult time.Keep the good time in your spirit that will help you continue to smile. Evelyn Campbell (Vista, Ca)

prayers and deepest sympathies  to all of the Passaro family.  God bless you all

Thank you for being there for me when I needed your help.  So many years later, I wish I could have repaid the kindness but you would never hear of it.  That was your way.  I know I'll miss you!  Rest in peace, Gunny!

Rest easy, Pipes.  We will miss you.  Our heart-felt prayers to the Passaro family.  Greg and Bonnie Wagaman; Fallbrook, CA

A man among men.  What can I say?  Thank you for showing many of us the way.  You made your mark.  I'm honored to have been there for part of it.
Gunfighter Salute-

God bless your family. I know there is nothing I can say to help with your grief. Mike was a great man, who taught me alot about life and the corps! Thanks for everything. Semper Fi!!!

Our thoughts and prayers are with Shana and the Kids.  Hold each other and tell each other that you love each other every day.  God Bless and stay strong.  Helen & Jim auBuchon

Rest in piece Pipes. It was an honor to have served with you.

May you rest in peace brother....You all are in our hearts and prayers.  Love and hugs from Japan - The Gates Family

Mikes Mom,
I really don't know how to start this. Do I talk to Mike or do I talk to everyone else? I will miss Mike very much. We spent a lot of time together in highschool and went to bootcamp together. We didn't talk muck after that, but he was one of those friends that I will never forget. He was a friend that I will think about daily for the rest of my life. I will never forget his smile..
Ms. Passaro, I am James Freeman. If you ever need anyything, please contact me.

Rest in Peace!  You will be missed.  Semper Fi!

Semper Fi Gunny, you will always be remembered.

We know not why He called Michael home.  Yet, sometime, in His wisdom, God asks hard things of us!   Fear not, for Michael is with Him now, and suffers no more. Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you.  We will never forget him.  All our love...

Mike, you will be deeply missed by all . Your family and children will always be in our thoughts and prayers .You were always 1 cut above everyone and gave so much , thats why you were so special and loved by many . I will miss you my friend  and will see you on the other side .  Don , Natalie Helf and the boys

My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. Pipes, thank you for all the intangible gifts I was taught by you. Semper Fly, Soup

I wish to extend my condolences and prayers to the Passaro family, this tragic event was unexpected and Mike will be missed. Daniel & Rhonda Sherfy

God bless you guys, and take solace in knowing how loved and appreciated he was.  I regret not seeing him enough,but remember fondly all the time we did share and feel lucky to have had it.  He gave me my wings, and tought me so much more.  What a great friend, what a terifffic guy.  Semper Fi.

RIP Pipes. A Marine's Marine and a true brother in the Marine family. You will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you Shana, Mia, Jeremy and all of Mike's family. Semper Fi bro.

Pipes was the Finest example of a Marine I know he had courage and strength beyond most I know he was the guy you wanted next to you when the chips were down a MAG-39 legend. We all owe pipes a debt of gratitude. May he rest in peace. He will be missed by all.
GySgt USMC retired

Mike, you were like a brother to me and everyone I know from the old Glenview days.  You were the real deal my friend.  Funny, smart, dedicated, compasionate, and loyal; the All American.  I wish I had taken up your offer to come your way.  To Shana, I am so terribley sorry for your loss.  Mia and Jeremy, just know that your Dad was a real hero, and how much love he gave and how much love there is comming back.  God bless Shana, Mia, and Jeremy.  Godspeed Gunny Pasarro, Semper Fi.

Paul F Mackey

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Love you Shana!

You will be missed by many. We are all left with a sadness that can't be described knowing you've gone.  Your smile could light up a room and your personality filled it.  Thanks for all the laughs and memories. My thoughts & prayers are with Shana, your children, and ALL your family. May you forever rest in peace, Mike.

Shana, please accept my deepest sympathies.

Passaro family, please accept my sincere condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers. It was a privilege to have known "Pipes" and serve with him. RIP my Friend.

Please accept my deepest condolences. Words can't convey the feelings that accompany the loss of a fellow Marine and Gunfighter like GySgt Pipes; you and your family are in my thoughts... 

Semper Fi

Mike, thank you for your service to this country. You will be missed, may you rest in peace now.

Shana, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Mia, Jeremy and your entire family.

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. RIP, Mike, You will be truly missed by many!

please accept our condolences on your loss are prayers are with you at this time. retired marine 1st sgt donald crenshaw and family.

Pipes,you will always be remembered and missed. I will never forget the fun times we had at Flood Ex in 1991 with HMLA 369.

"Ever so softly whisper your thoughts your Angel hears and embraces your dreams close to his heart..." What are Angels.. angels are like our intuition.. we cannot see see our intuition, but we know it's there.  Listen to you heart and you will hear your angel speak..let your angel be your bestfriend and they can teach you to laugh instead  of complain.. On their wings they can deliver rainbows for every storm.. Just Ask...Angels can give us the direction we seek, but we must be willing to follow our hearts and dreams.. Angels can speak to us everywhere we go.. listen closely to your heart, to hear an Angel speak.....  RIP Michael and please protect and watch over those you love and loved you!

Pipes, Rest in Peace buddy. Your family will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. You will be forever missed.

I cannot put into words the grief that is felt with the loss of a fine Marine and even finer man.  Rest in peace Mike, my prayers are with you and your family.

Semper Fi Pipes!  You will forever be in our thoughts as that inspirational figure who never met a challenge to big.  I have no doubt your spirit and passion will live on.  I will always cherish your friendship.
Shana, Mia and Jeremy...All the best wishes and prayers to you.

To the family. 
I served with Mike for a short time, but only knew him as someone who can always bring out the best in people. Me and my family have continued to pray for you and your family. Mike.... until we meet again. Semper Fidelis, brother.

To the families of Mike, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

RIP Mike.  Passaro family, please accept our condolences and prayers.  Semper Fi Blair Woody Locust Grove Va

Mike will truly be missed by the hearts he touched.  God, I pray you will bring peace, wisdom, and understanding to Mike's family and friends.  Please take them into your heart and comfort them.  It's in your name I pray. Amen.  Jo Lena Duelm-Lancaster (LHHS 1987)

I was lucky enough to serve under Gunny Pipes in 2003 when I was TAD to HMLA-369. He was a great NCOIC and all his Marines looked up to him and they always will. I was lucky enough to be one of the Marines that got their Combat Wings pinned on by him and that memory will always be with me. Pipes was not only a legend among Gunfighters but also among the entire Huey Crew Chief community.  Everyone knew who he was and all looked up to him.  
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. As you know he was loved by many and he will always live on in our memories.

Rest in Peace Pipes.  You will be sorely missed in the Gunfighter Family.  Our thoughts and prayers go to Shana, Mia, and Jeremy.  G.R.
Michael and Monique Johnson (Gunfighters 97-03)

 It was an Honor serving with you GySgt. You are a fantastic Marine and a great mentor. My thoughts and prayers go out to Shana, Mia and Jeremy. Mike you will be missed dearly. Semper Fidelis!

Pipes, I will never forget the early days, deployments, UDP's and times we spent in HMLA-369! We were young NCO's to Senior Staff NCO's and you were supervising the phase crew and running the Flight line shop. Our adventures on deployment and timeless brotherhood of Marines will be sorely missed but never be forgot! See you on the other side my friend!

 S/F 
Michael Z. Austin
MSgt USMC (Ret)

I knew Mike as far back as the 7th grade. We ran in different crowds and he was never uncool to me like the rest of the popular crowd, I always appreciated that. Mike and I went to Marine Military Academy in 1983 for summer camp. I stayed for the 83-84 school year and he went home to Forest Meadow Junior High for the 9th grade. I wished he’d stayed at MMA that year, but we became better friends after that summer. Semper Fi, Mike, I really appreciate the service you provided our country.

Mark Cohen
Marine Military Academy & LHHS 1987

You were the big cousin everyone always looked up to when we were growing up. I remember pictures from your weight lifting competitions and how Grandma freaked out when she saw how much weight you could lift!  Your accomplishments in life as a Marine, father, husband, and friend have made your family proud.  You will be missed.  I know that God has a special place in heaven for you and He will open His arms to welcome you  home. "May the road rise up to meet you.  May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; The rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand." Rest in peace sweet cousin.

Pipes, thanks for showing this dumb nugget how to do the job the right way. How to be the right leader. And how to be the right friend. You will be missed.
GySgt Paul Brayton

Rest in Peace Pipes. My prayers go out to you and your family. Semper Fi.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

There just aren't words that could describe either the sorrow we feel for Shana, Mia, Jeremy and their families, or for the loss we feel personally. No words. Prayers to all of you. Gunfighters Rule, and Semper Fi! RIP Pipes. Love, Squirt, Christy and Darcy Stover

Mike had a such a big heart. He touched the lives of so many and will be sorely missed. Shana, Mia, and Jeremy, I am praying that God gives you strength during this difficult time.

OBITUARY

Michael E. Passaro

September 1, 1968 – February 3, 2011

Eternal Hills Mortuary & Crematory at Eternal Hills Memorial Park

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