MICHAEL GERARD PACINO

Michael Gerard Pacino, 47, of Gray Street, Amsterdam, passed away Saturday evening, November 28, 2009, at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany. Born in Amsterdam on November 12, 1962, he was the son of Joseph and Marie Colistra Pacino. Mike received his elementary education at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, where he was involved with many of the school's activities and functions and was a graduate of Amsterdam High School. He also attended Paul Smith's College of Environmental Science in Paul Smith's, New York, and graduated with a bachelor of science degree from New York State College of Environmental Science at Syracuse, NY. Mike was last employed as a civil engineer for Laberge Engineering Company in Albany and previously for URS Corporation Engineering, Albany office. Mike was a parishioner and communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. He was also a member of the Sacandaga Boating Club. Mike was a loving, giving, caring and compassionate person to everyone he knew and was always willing to help others in their time of need. He loved being on the water, boating and was an avid skier, beginning at the age of three. He also loved to cook and make food for others. Mike is survived by his parents of Amsterdam; two sisters, Patti Petrosino (Danny) of Amsterdam and The Village of Florida, FL, and Shelli Pacino (Tim Fuller) of Amsterdam; his loving fiancee, Lee Ann Valachovic of Charlton; one niece, Jessi Petrosino and her fiance, Trevor MacMeekin of New York City; also the Villa, Colistra, Whelly and Mercadante cousins, aunts, uncles and many friends. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be held on Tuesday morning, December 1, 2009 at 9:15 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 39 St. John Street, Amsterdam. Interment will be in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Amsterdam. There are no calling hours. Memorial gifts in Mike's name may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are by the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.