Michael, you were my best friend and the love of my life. Your unconditional love, amazing strength and positive attitude have forever changed me. You were and will always be my better half. We had a wonderful life together and I would not have changed one second of it. I wish we'd had more time together but I know I was truly blessed to have the time we did. I will keep your spirit alive every day by sharing my memories and stories of you and our life together. Remembering your beautiful smile.....Until we meet again. 
Love always Claudine xxx

     I could never put into words just how much my brother Mickey meant to our family.  Many of you knew him as Michael, but to our family he was Michele or Mickey.  Michele was the first born of Vincenzina and Agostino and therefore, held a special place in their hearts.  To his nieces and nephews Michael, Deanna, Megan, Daniel, David and Paul he was Uncle Mickey, the teller of stories who was so very proud of their accomplishments and loved them so very much.  All his nieces and nephews both from the Pelaggi family and the Lapointe family were so dear to him because he and Claudine had never had children of their own. To me, Jenny, Uggi and Natalie he was our big brother, Mickey.  As such, he guided us, taught us and protected us.  He did this to the very end.  When he was in the hospital I was helping him while he was on dialysis and I accidentally spilled a glass of water on the lines.  I told him that the nurse would be mad at me and he said, "Don't worry.  I'll tell her I did it."  He was always the big brother, always looking out for us.  No matter how many difficulties he was facing, he always worried about our well-being.  Mickey was also dearly loved and respected by his brothers-in-law Rick and Allan and his sister-in-law Milva who considered him a brother.
     Michael was a loving and caring husband to Claudine.  They were married for almost 14 years and their love and devotion to one another was evident every day.  Their bond was so strong because they had been through so much together.  Michael was fortunate to have married into the Lapointe family because they loved him as much as we did.
     Mickey endured a lot of challenges in his life, but never complained.  He simply made the best of whatever life threw at him and kept going.  Mickey was never bitter or resentful.  Instead, through all the ordeals and setbacks he always had a smile on his face.  Everyone who met him always commented on that smile because it could light up a room and brighten your day.  Mickey also had great charm and quickly won over everyone he met.
     Mickey was a fighter and never gave up.  Even when the odds were against him, his determination usually pulled him through.  He was greatly admired for his strength and courage and was an inspiration for us all.  Mickey had a strong belief in the power of prayer and it was this belief that helped him remain optimistic in the face of adversity. 
     My family and I will carry Mickey in our hearts forever.  He will always be the son, big brother, uncle and husband who loved us unconditionally and whom we adored.
     Mickey we will miss you more that words can ever say.  You will always "shine on" in our memories and we will remember you "here, there and everywhere".  Your smile, gentleness and courage will never be forgotten.
Eulogy given by your loving sister, Lisa

In loving memory of Michael - such a wonderful and courageous brother-in-law and uncle. You will be missed by us all. Through all your troubles, you always had a smile on your face, and were always interested in what we and the kids were doing. You were always there to help and offer support. Thank you for brightening our lives and bringing happiness to Claudine. Whenever we hear a Beatles song we will think of you, and that's a good thing! May you rest in peace until we meet again.
Love Ross, Angela, Aidan & Kyra.

Mickey was a great brother and friend to both Al and me, and a loving uncle to Michael and Megan.  He had a special connection to each person, in a unique way that made us feel special.  He shared in every important milestone event in our lives. 
 
Michael remembers how, as kids, they waited all week long to hear an Uncle Mickey story; and Mickey would be working on it all week knowing they were expecting it.  I remember Mickey telling stories to as many children as could fit on his lap.  All of them were totally engrossed in what he was saying and he, in turn, was fully engaged with them. 

Megan remembers Uncle Mickey as being so supportive and always truly interested in what they were doing.   He took Michael to his first ever Blue Jays game at which I believe they spent more time eating than watching the game. In turn, when Michael was in university he took Uncle Mickey to a hockey game in Toronto. He was the first person Michael thought of to give his extra ticket to. 

Mickey had a great love for music, especially oldies and country. Each year I made a special CD for him of songs that I knew he would like.  He always enjoyed these CDs and listened to them every Sunday morning.  He and I shared a special bond over Beatles music which he introduced me to at a very young age. I remember playing Beatles trivia games with him while he was in the hospital to keep him entertained, with Al as our question and answer reader.  ... And Christmas wasn't Christmas without a new Beatles Calendar for him.

One of my fondest memories as a teen was the summer when Mickey and I were home together.  Each day the two of us went into the garden to pick the biggest, ripest tomato we could find and make a tomato salad with as much juice as we could get from it to dunk our bread in.  Those were my favorite lunches, mainly because of the time we had together.

Al remembers him as having an amazing recall of the stock market and prices.  He would read the newspaper in the morning expecting to impress Mickey later that day with his up to date facts, only to find out he was out of date before he even left the house, as Mickey was always one step ahead!

Mickey will always hold a special place in our hearts.   We love him so much and will treasure these memories forever.

Natalie, Allan, Michael and Megan

Mickey was a great brother-in-law but mostly a wonderful big brother that I never had. I see so much of him in my sons Daniel, David and Paul. It brings me great comfort that they have some of his wonderful qualities. You taught us all to be strong, never give up and always end the day with a big smile. I will always treasure our talks, dinners together and the advice you gave my sons. You are our special Angel. 
Love you always and forever.  Milva

I first met Michael (“Mickey”) Pelaggi in 1983, under somewhat stressful conditions – it was my first and “the” meeting with Jenny's family.  Over the next year and for the twenty-nine (29) years that followed Mickey became a treasured friend, brother and uncle and godfather to Deanna.  He was and will always be “special” so much so that in 1984 Mickey was my best man at our wedding – in the rarest of instances where the bride's brother was actually the groom's best man! My dad, who tailored the suits for our wedding, maintains to this day that Mickey's suit fit him the best among all of us.  He was a demon for fashion – plaid and suspenders became his signature!    
He was generous and giving of his time and although diminutive in stature his presence was “large” and magnetic.  Mickey had a quiet resolve and “strength” about him that I have yet to witness in anyone … period!  In all of his trials and tribulations (and there were many and for extended periods of time) he remained stoic – never once did he complain or pine about the cards he was dealt – and was the glue that held us all together.  He had a zest for life and never knew the word “quit” – he fought… and fought... and fought… relentlessly right to the very end never believing that the odds were stacked against him.   Quietly, I am sometimes saddened and angered by experiences that were beyond our control, my control, but I find resolve in knowing that Mickey would not have wanted that … it was not who he was!  I will always remember his infectious smile and contagious laugh; he loved a good joke and I loved telling him jokes … it was something that he and I enjoyed.  I am reminded of the lyrics, “good friend why did you have to go”, but believe and know in my heart that someday I will get to share, face-to-face, with my friend and brother that one last joke that I'm saving!
Until we meet again … Rick

Mickey was a wonderful and special brother. He was always willing to help others and ask nothing in return. I am thankful that I had him in my life. He was an inspiration to all of us and I feel blessed to have had him as my brother. Each day that passes I miss him more and more. He will always live in my heart and I will never forget the  memories and laughs we shared.
Love Agostino

Mickey was a great brother and friend.  He was a brother to Rick and Deanna's godfather.  Here are a few memories shared with him.  
Mickey was the best man at my wedding. He always used his shirt pocket as his filing cabinet for important documents, so when it came time for him to give his toast, he reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a little piece of paper that contained his speech. All of us laughed.
Mickey loved his family very much, and one of the many ways he displayed that was through his stories.  His biggest audience was his nieces and nephews, Michael, Deanna, Megan, Daniel, David and Paul. Every Sunday, when visiting with my parents the kids would ask Uncle Mickey if he had a story to tell them.  He would smile and tell them that he ‘almost had one', and they would wait anxiously for the story to magically sort itself out.  Mickey had this way of telling you a story in a story, so he would keep the kids entertained for a long time. These became fondly known in our family as ‘an Uncle Mickey story'.
Mickey faithfully watched the business news whether he was at home or in the hospital.  He would have long chats with the nurses about the stock market.  
Mickey was an avid Beatles fan right from the early sixties.  I remember him coming home all excited from Sam the Record Man holding a big poster of the band.  He followed their music over the decades through good times and listened to their music as an inspiration through tough times.   
All through his life, despite his health issues, Mickey lived his life to the fullest and fought right to the end.  He graduated from university, worked as a laboratory technologist at the hospital, got married, and loved to travel. 
He was an inspiration to us all.  His memory will shine on in our hearts forever.  Love always Jenny, Rick and Deanna

Mick, I thank God every day for the time we had together. I treasure all my memories of you and admire and respect you so much. Your strength and courage were an inspiration to us all. Your sense of humour and warm heart drew everyone to you. I'll especially miss our bond over everything Beatles related. Losing you has left a huge void in our family's life but we are trying to go on as best we can as I know you would have wanted. I'll miss you forever and for always. Rest in peace my beautiful big brother until we meet again as I know we will. All my love, Nata xoxoxo

Jenelle and I will miss Uncle Michael dearly. He was such a kind and compassionate person.  A wonderful listener who always made us feel special.  
Love Daryl & Jenelle

Michael was a wonderful son-in-law, and we loved him dearly. He was always a pleasure to be with. We will miss him very much, and we think of him every day.  He is always in our prayers.  Much love, Mom and Dad.

Although Michael will be forever missed, he will live in our hearts forever. We think of you every day and our memories give us comfort.  Love Lisa, Joe, Bridget, Anthony and Andrew

Dearest Claudine, 
I was extremely saddened to hear about Michael's passing. Rick and I were on vacation and we were not able to attend the viewing and funeral mass. Brenda was so kind to pass on Michael's information to me. I know how very difficult this time is for you right now!  My mom passed in August and her passing still hurts so much.  Know that you and Michael are in my thoughts and prayers.  My deepest sympathy and I share your sorrow.  Michael is in paradise now and his wonderful smile and laugh are brightening heaven right now and forever!  Much love, Terri Rybacki-Anisko

Dear Claudine – Laurie and I were very saddened by the news of Mike's passing.  Please convey our sincere condolences to Mike's family, huge hugs to you, Lisa, Jenny, Natalie and Ug.  I only have two people from my younger years that I really keep in contact with and Mike was one of them.  He was a great friend.  I had the pleasure of knowing him and his wonderful family… I was introduced to homemade wine and pizza that I have never experienced before and haven't had since … Mike is truly a great fellow who I will dearly miss seeing again.  Over the last holidays, I google mapped your house, I was planning on visiting when I retire.  Every year… I thought about you and Mike when we received your wonderful Christmas cards.  I will always have great memories of our years at the University of Waterloo, seems like just yesterday, I can recognize Mike's laugh today and I'm hearing it right now.  Please drop me a quick line, I would love to meet with you in person and visit – with heavy heart, Jerry, Laurie Takeda and family

Hi Claudine

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Michael. I was unable to attend because I was away on vacation for the past 2 weeks. I'll be thinking of you and praying for you in the coming weeks as you adjust to his being gone.Let me know if there's anything else I can do to help.

Linda Benson

Please know that you have my deepest sympathy on the loss of Michael. I know that there is little I can say to console you at this time but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this tragic time.

 Claudine, my heartfelt condolences are sent to you and family.  You will be in my heart and prayers, 
Take care, Jean Toews

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Michael. Time does heal. Stay strong Claudine.
Wanted to share my condolences personally,but fighting a cold. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.  Jim

Dear Claudine and Family
So sorry to hear about the passing of Michael.  May the love of family and friends and all your cherished memories carry you through this  difficult time.  Thoughts and prayers are with you,

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God continue to give you and your family the strength to go through this difficult period. 

Ruth Cumberbatch
Joan Hall
Arturo Amurao
(LAB)

My deepest condolences Claudine.
Sharon Bernat

May You Rest In Peace Michael!  You are in my thoughts and prayers Claudine during this difficult time.  God Bless.

We were so terribly saddened by the news of Michael's passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you, Claudine, at this incredibly difficult time.

To The Pelaggi Families: You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Lisa
My deepest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Michael. He has been a dear friend of mine for more than 25 years and he will be greatly missed. Condolences to his wife Claudine and family. Love Patty

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Our deepest sympathies sent to your family. Always in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Claudine & Family,
We were shocked and saddened to read about Michael's passing in today's paper.  Know that we are thinking about you and send our love and prayers. Unfortunately, due to medical issues, we are unable to attend Michael's service but know we will be there in spirit. RIP Michael.

Love & Hugs, June & Brian, Brenda & Alan XOXO

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. 
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Cousins are usually the first friends we have as children.
No one will ever understand your CRAZY FAMILY like your cousins do! 
You will be missed but not forgotten. XOX
Lots of Love: Natalina, Angelo, Vanessa and Alyssa

Funny how, after 50 years, a wrong number, dialed by your nephew connected us again. You were a true gentle friend as boys growing up; and a true gentle man. My sincere condolences to Claudine and the Pelaggi family. Rest in peace Mickey, my old friend. By the way Mick, we really deserved to win that talent contest in Montrose Park!

I and the entire Pediapharm team wanted to express our deep sympathies to the family and wife of Michael Pelaggi. Although none of us have ever met Michael, but we know so much about him from his brother Agostino, who cared and loved him so much. A loss for Gus is a big loss to all of us. 
Ashok Bhaseen

OBITUARY

Michael Pelaggi

May 8, 1951 – January 23, 2014

Delmoro Funeral Home

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