“A true Gentleman, who loved God and his Family.” Michael E. Pantaleo, age 73 went to be with the Lord on Saturday May 15, 2021. How do we begin to put into words the life of a man who gave of his all to everyone? There wasn’t a selfish bone in his body. Michael always put God first and God in turn gave him the time for everyone else. His family was the heart’s drive for his life. He shared wisdom, love and himself at any moment of opportunity he could find. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 56 years, Susan (Costroff) , daughters Anna Pantaleo and Ashley (Alex) Ricciardi, who was like a son to him. 5 grandchildren, Rachel, Alex, Lexxi, Rocco and Aston. His sister Linda (Vincent) Marengo and numerous relatives and friends who loved him dearly. He was a very hard working, honest man of integrity who gave his all to the companies he worked for including The Philadelphia Navy Yard, United Engineers, Salem Nuclear Plant, Crane Valve, Henze Corporation, Hydrotite and Integra Technologies, then retiring in 2015. We were recently told by one of his competitors that he was a “True Legend in the industry“. Michael served as a Councilman for Elk Township for two terms. He graduated from Deptford High School and continued his education ending with his Masters in Business from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Michael was always challenging himself to learn new things and at age 70 he took karate lessons with his brother in law Vincent. At age 72 he went to school and earned his Realtors license. He attended Calvary Chapel Gloucester County until his illness of Mesothelioma made it impossible for him to attend. Hobby’s he enjoyed were woodworking, stock market trading, target shooting and talking on the phone with his “Goombah”, Mike More’. His grandkids loved gathering around him as he would quiz them and challenge them on many different subjects! He was an avid learner who surprised everyone with his knowledge of every topic. He was the person everyone would go to for wisdom and advice. He also had the wonderful ability to remember anyone’s name he met making them feel special. He’d always introduce himself to anyone, “Hi, I’m Mike Pantaleo, glad to meet you”. He called the men he loved “Brother”, and meant it from his heart. We could go on forever about this wonderful man, but those of you who are taking the time to read this already know the man Michael was and the legacy he left behind. All are invited to visit on Saturday, May 22, 2021 from 8:30-10:30am at Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main St, Mantua, NJ with a funeral service beginning at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Tunnel to Towers.