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Sue Sacco
August 13, 2021
Reading about Fr Mike's career and life brings back all good memories to me. He was a light in my life. Back in 1975 he opened registration of St Thomas Aquinas HS to Our Lady of Peach Parish, Fords (we were previously not allowed). That had a huge positive impact at a time most needed by many of us who had the pleasure of attending-it made a positive impact on my life forever. Going on school retreats with Fr Mike in charge was also a wonderful experience that I remember with joy. Fr Mike is still loved and missed. God Bless. xo
Tom Mangan
September 12, 2009
Father Mike was my favorite teacher at St. John Vianney in Holmdel , and was very helpful a generation later when my son Jack was in the NICU at St. Peter's for several weeks . What I read last month after his passing was clearly true - he was not a "back slapper" , but clearly so sincere, and I noticed when I first attended a Mass he concelebrated back in 1975, the Eucharist was so very important to him.
Ted Appignani
September 8, 2009
Monsignor Alliegro (Father Michael)was a kind and friendly person. He was the pastor at St. Barts when my wife and I were first married, he made us feel welcome and at home in our new Parrish. He was a special man that will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace and to his family, I am sorry for your loss.
Kathy Burke Bachman
August 29, 2009
I, like so many others, have been honored and blessed to have known Monsignor Alliegro. Our friendship goes back to 1973 when he was my 7th grade religion teacher at Our Lady of Peace Church in Fords, New Jersey. At that time he became aware that my mom, who lost my dad three years earlier, was very ill.
She looked forward to their weekly visits, where Fr. Mike gave her communion, prayed and talked with her.
Ultimately,three years later, he came back to Our Lady of Peace and said her funeral mass. My family and I will never forget the love and support he gave to my mom and all of us during a very difficult time in our lives. My deepest condolences to the Alliegro Family. I hope you find peace and comfort in knowing how many lives Monsignor changed for the better. Thinking and praying for all of you.
Mary Ann Chevalier
August 29, 2009
My daughters and I will always be indebted to Monseigneur Alliegro for his gentle manner, especially the kindness shown at the time of my husband's death. Monseigneur came to the funeral home and prayed with us in both English and French making the service so meaningful to our family and friends. He never failed to greet me in French with that great smile when I returned to Saint Bartholomew's after I moved from the area. I was truly saddened to learn of his passing when I returned this week; it is such a loss.
August 27, 2009
Monsignor Alliegro
Whenever we met you greeted me with a smile and asked how I was feeling. When I was in the hospital you apologized for not visiting me, but said your doctors did not think it was a good idea. I remember you in he confessional where you made me feel like a true child of God. When you talked about the early church, saints and other religions I was overwhelmed by your knowledge and tried to read every book you mentioned. I am sure youou will get to meet all the wonderful people you taught us about in heaven. You are in my prayers every day. Rest in peace.
Theresa Kelliher, Monroe Twp., New Jersey
Hap Phillips
August 25, 2009
He told me when he became a Monsignor that it was a very nice “prize”. For 17 very short years he was our prize at St. Bartholomew Parish in East Brunswick. Not long after he arrived, I was sitting comfortably on the sidelines when he asked me to help him lay the groundwork for our first parish council. “Just come to the meeting”, he said, but what he didn’t say was that I would inevitably be drawn for the rest of my life to this man of time-tested faith. He kept his distance in order to maintain a deserved level of respect, so that when we needed him to be there, be that at our daughters’ weddings, the revelation of a incurable disease, a school play or a quick visit to our house for each of our five St. Bart’s graduations, he would be the one to bear our burden; to lean on for his soft-spoken affirmation and guidance. He was quiet and never boastful, but on the flip side, he did enjoy putting on one incredible performance after another. With a flair all his own, he would begin his sermons from the center isle with a measured joke - to disarm you and to set the stage for his impeccably crafted message. On his feet, without notes, he never disappointed you. His words were clear, to the point and carefully chosen from his wealth of knowledge. To explain his line of reasoning, with relative ease, he would take you on a ride through medieval history, the flawed ideology of Nazism, every corner of the Bible, a devilish face on a painting in the Sistine Chapel or his boyhood home in Fords. From his heart, with conviction and eloquence, he spoke the words you needed to hear – that God is good, that everyone is always welcome in his house, that as a Christ-like community working together, we can make our parish and the world a better place. Yes, all good things must come to an end but losing Fr. Mike in the prime of his life is a truly painful irreplaceable loss. Just once more, we wish we could hear him explain his own passing to make it a little easier for us to bear. Instead, the tears keep coming and they will not stop until we see our friend, our tireless good shepherd, again. With luck on my side, I hope to one day to hear him say as only he can say it, “The Hapster!”, with strong emphasis on the long drawn-out “ster”. In the meantime, his warm and caring light will continue to shine bright in the hearts of all who knew him. His many messages were clear – show interest and give support and encouragement to everyone, especially children, in all of their efforts and accomplishments; have patience with the old because you will one day be old, too; be humble, gentle and selfless; learn how to tell a good joke; have true compassion for the weak, the sick and for those who mourn over the loss of a loved one; see the good in everyone; be the spark that helps people discover hidden talent and strength in themselves; be fearless and courageous; teach others to do good by your own spotless example; do not be quick to judge or take sides; work and play hard; make time for your family and friends; turn off the TV; read a good history book or P.J. O’Rourke; at your own peril, resist installing a security system in your home (or rectory) so that all will know they are welcome; show people you care by memorizing several thousand names… and his final message… live life as he lived his and you will never, ever, go wrong. May my friend, jokester, safe harbor, teacher, mentor, priest’s priest – and if he still had his health – Bishop for sure and maybe even Cardinal and Pope, rest in peace. We love you Fr. Mike. We were fortunate to know you and we miss your wink and warm smile. For 19-years, at the right time and place, you were the best chapter in our lives.
Mary Ellen Allocca
August 25, 2009
Monsignor Alliegro was a very special man. His homilies were so moving and we loved how he also told us a story during his homily. He loved to talk about his family and this made his homilies so relevant because we could relate to them.He also always there if you had a problem and he made you feel so important.My family will miss his sense of humor and his wonderful ways he served our church,St. Bart's.
Robert Lyncheski
August 24, 2009
Father,
you were a special priest and a special friend. You introduced me to leading song at OLP and encouraged me for 25 years or so after that.
Our children respected you and what you stood for - a real Catholic leader
We will miss you . May God take you into HIS LOVING ARMS
Bob and Agnes Lyncheski
Laura (Lyncheski) Barlie
August 23, 2009
The lives you touched could never be counted. The depth to which you impacted our lives may never be recognized. But, as just a person who knew you...I want to say that you have both touched me and impacted my life in such a profound way. You were there for me, my family, when my grandfather passed, though you didn't have to be. You guided me through my teenage years at STA, when I was lost and unsure. You knew me and stood by me and assured me of Christ's love through tough times. I am grateful to have known your unconditional acceptance, your kindness, and sincerity. You were a special gift from God. You are and will forever be missed.
August 23, 2009
Dear Msgr. Alliegro,
God has called you home, you have completed your mission with class, Godspeed!!
Brian K.
Lynn C
August 23, 2009
Father Mike,
Thank you for being a part of our lives, we are better for having known you. A wonderful priest a beautiful man who made everyone he spoke to feel welcome and loved. We will never forget you. Rest in peace.
father thomas g. rainforth
August 23, 2009
dear mike,
thank you -memories of mount st. paul college in waukesha wisconsin. the salvatorians gave a great foundation in our freshmen - college as the final session of the vatican council was staring as we began our studies to the priesthood . remember your dad'd tragic death.glad to see you at keith cervine ordination to priest in may .full circle. peace. father tom rainforth diocese of paterson
August 22, 2009
Dear Monsignor Alliegro,
Instead of talking about you, I am going to talk to you, because I know you are listening. Thank you so much for being such a part of my family's life. In 1973, you would visit my very ill mother with communion all the time. I attended your first mass at Our Lady of Peace, and remember your beautiful mother, holding the hands of your two baby sisters. We would always talk about that. Then when you performed Mass on TV, and your homily was about my very sick blind mother, your words touched our hearts. When my uncle passed, you were kind enough to perform his mass. For my family, if God couldn't be there, we would ask you, Father Mike, because we all knew you had an extremely close connection to Him. Later, when I asked you if you would perform the wedding of my nepher in Newport, RI, you never hesitated. I remember you saying that you would drive up because you didn't like to fly those "puddle jumpers" for such a short flight. You made that day so memorable. I didn't realize even then that you were sick. You are now with the Lord, and I know all those, that crossed your path during your life, are privileged that they had a chance to know you. You are the best, and I thank God for knowing you.
Peggy (Burke) Franks
August 22, 2009
We moved to Ohio many years ago and prior to Msgr. Alliegro joining Saint Francis and regret that we never had the chance to meet this wonderful man. Our hearts are with our former Parish and our love stays with all of you. To Rosemarie, our Pre-Cana Group and all of our friends - we shall never forget you and the love we received through your kindnesses. Though a large Parish, we felt so loved and at home at Saint Francis. Our new Parish is Holy Trinity in Struthers, Ohio. We continue in Pre-Cana while Drew sings and I am a lector and EM. We celebrated our 25th Anniversary in February 2008. Rosemarie kindly sang for us - again, thank you, angel voice. We will never forget you. I think it was your first wedding!
Our prayers are with our family at Saint Francis. We will keep you beloved Pastor in our Prayers.
Lovingly...Drew and Carol Hirt
Christine Hinds
August 21, 2009
Father Mike, you had such an impact on my life, I remember when you were ordained at Our Lady of Peace, and when you were my principal at St. Thomas Aquinas all those years ago.
You were a shining star to many of us, you saw potential in us that none of us ever saw.
You will be sadly missed by all of us who had you in our lives.
Jennifer M
August 21, 2009
Father Mike, I always found your homilies to be so engaging, intelligent and poignant. I didn't know you personally, and sadly never told you so, but I am very grateful to you for making God so present to me through your sermons. God bless you and your family.
eileen defino bolduc
August 21, 2009
Father Mike, you meant so much to our family and many others.
Eileen Defino
Sr. Susan Porvaznik
August 21, 2009
Heaven's gain is our loss. We will miss you, Father Michael.
August 20, 2009
Mikey, A light has gone out in the world and that light went out when you left St. Joseph Church in Bound Brook.
You will never know how you impacted my life and my faith. Every homily you ever spoke was a healing for someone and always for me. I know where you are Mikey and I ask you to please give Jesus and Joan Panierello a hug for me.
Until we meet again,
Sally and Bruno Doganieri
Philip Gaid
August 20, 2009
Fr. Mike brought me into the OLP rectory during the early 70's and was a great friend to many of us there, taking us to movies and treating us to Ferraro's pizza! When I had the opportunity to attend one of his Masses at St. Bart's in 2006, he invited my sister and I to the rectory for coffee and cake afterwards, even though he had somewhere else to go that day. Although it had been twenty something years since I had last seen him, he was the same Fr. Mike, truly a great friend and priest. I wish I could be there to attend the services this week, my sincere condolences to the Alliegro family and Fr. Mike's many friends.
Bill Dellicato
August 20, 2009
Monsignor Alliegro was such a wonderful man and a truly great priest. I grew up in St. Bartholomew's parish in East Brunswick, NJ. Msgr. was present at so many of my significant life events. He presided over the weddings of my two best friends. He officiated at the baptism of my godson. There was always meaning to the weekly masses that he said. Finally, he was such an incredible source of comfort during the funerals of both my parents. The words of his homilies remain with me to this day. Like many others, he had a great impact on my life and I send my condolences to his family at this difficult time.
Kathy Vass
August 20, 2009
Fr. (Msgr) Michael will be missed. I am saddened by the news of his passing. I knew Monsignor from St. Bart's in E. Brunswick. He was a kind and gentle man with a big heart. When my dad passed away 7 years ago; Monsignor sent consolances to me and prayed for my family. He is surely one of a kind and will never be forgotten. My sympathy to his family for their loss.
Christine Zatonski
August 20, 2009
Even though Monsignor Alliegro was only at St.Francis for a short time he had such an impact on me and im sure the rest of the congregation. He was such a lovely and peaceful man and will be missed.
Fr. Dennis Corrado
August 20, 2009
The Fathers, Brothers and Laity of the Brooklyn Oratory of St. Philip Neri send their prayerful condolences.
Michael was a brother in Christ and in the joy of St. Philip.
Ad Lucem per Crucem
Madeline Celiberti
August 20, 2009
I am heartbroken over Msgr. Alliegro's death. He was a gentle, pious, loving man. His homilies were always intersting, informative and inspiring. His contributions to the diocese and his parishes were a blessing for all of us. Monsignor, May you rest in peace. Madeline Celiberti
Laura Stivala
August 20, 2009
Msgr. Alliegro,
What a special person he was to our family. He listened patiently to us through our tears when we suffered through years of infertility. He rejoiced with us on the birth of our two sons and baptized them. He was there during sickness in our family and prayed for us, baptized our God child when she was so gravely ill. He was there when we suffered through the death of our beloved Grandmother, praying for us and celebrating her funeral mass, he wrote such an eloquent eulogy that brought tears and smiles to all who attended. He will be forever remembered, and always missed.
With all of our sympathy and prayers,
Raymond, Laura, Victor and Raymond Stivala
Mary Beth Hager
August 20, 2009
My families thoughts and prayers are with the Alliegro family at this very sad time. Msgr. Alliegro was a real human being who especially helped me when my dear Mom died l-l/2 years ago.
Whenever I would see him, he would always ask how I was doing, in spite of his own illness. As a parishoner of St. Francis for over 35 years, I knew him for a very long time. God bless him. He will be truly missed by me and my family.
Sue Fay
August 20, 2009
As a dear friend, spiritual advisor, confessor and all around great person, Monsignor will be missed by many including myself. From our vow renewal in our backyard to the dinners and laughs shared over the years our loss is heavens gain
Ayo Fasoro
August 20, 2009
Msgr. Alliegro,
Thank you for your support to my family, particularly my sons, Patrick and Philip. You were a good shepherd in the image of the one at whose altar you served and in whose bosom, you now rest. Adieu.
Senia Katalinic
August 19, 2009
I met Monsignor Alliegro for the first time at the confession few days before Christmas last year. He made a great impression on me. What a beautiful caring and gentle soul he was! I thank God for him. God bless his soul.
Elizabeth Levine
August 19, 2009
Monsignor Alliegro was a man of rare courage, elegance and scholarship. He was a man of leadership and vision. His great dignity and gentility was something that evoked a sense of the past. He touched my life in countless ways and was there for me during some of the most difficult challenges of my life. He influenced me tremendously and shaped me into the Christian I am today. Monsignor was a private man but clearly had a deeply personal intimate relationship with Christ. The most enduring lesson he taught me, among hundreds, was the importance of praying the following words every day...."I ask you for so many things Lord, but please grant me one more thing, a grateful heart." He will be greatly missed and we are deeply saddened by the loss of this pillar of strength and loving service who worked his entire life on behalf of the Kingdom of God. Monsignor, I am eternally grateful for YOU.
Lorna Henderson
August 19, 2009
Monsignor Alliegro married my husband and I in 1987 at Saint Joseph Church in Bound Brook. I remember him as a kind soul. God bless him.
The Hendersons
Carol Goodman
August 19, 2009
Msgr. Alliegro was the reason I chose St. Thomas (now Bishop George Ahr) high school. He was the Principal at the time and made he made a huge impression on me. What a wonderful man! He will be greatly missed. I was saddened at the news today. My thoughts and prayers go out to his immediate family and his larger family of the Diocese of Metuchen.
August 19, 2009
Monsignor Alliegro married my husband and I on 11/28/08. We felt so honored and blessed.
He made us feel so comfortable and special.
We will miss his sermons and his cheerful smile when we would see him while giving us communion or outside after mass.
Rest in peace Monsignor Alliegro.
You will be greatly missed.
Ted and Jean Grabowski, Metuchen, NJ
Pat (Bartfai) Brooks
August 19, 2009
My deepest sympathies to the family of Msgr. Michael Alliegro. He performed my marriage ceremony in June 1972. I believe he was still a deacon then.
August 19, 2009
My deepest sympathies on a wonderful priest, very supportive, kind to me and my family when my husband passed away - he will be greatly missed.
D. Romancino
Jim & Dorothy DeGeorge
August 19, 2009
I remember one of Msgr. Alliegro's early homilies at St. Franics...it was about "humility." He told of a time when he first became a Msgr. and how proud of himself he was, until he had visited an elderly parishioner in a nursing home. He told the administrator that he was looking for a particular resident and that his name was Msgr. Alliegro. The administrator brought him to the woman's room and said (paraphrasing), "Did you call for the Msgr?" The woman replied, "No. I ordered the chicken salad."
He said it was a very humbling moment for him; one that changed him.
That was my experience with Msgr. Alliegro, albeit too briefly. He was a very humble, devoted servant of God, first and foremost. A funny man with a great sense of humor. A font of knowldege.
We will surely miss you, Msgr., at St. Francis! Rest in peace.
julius & family belowsky
August 18, 2009
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
F Waga
August 18, 2009
Monsignor you were truly an angel from the heavens and while we mourn your loss here on earth you have been called back to be with your maker by his side. I will miss you and I thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life as well as being a true inspiration to mine.
John, Meredythe, Jack and Lily Alliegro
August 18, 2009
Uncle Mike, We miss you and love you. You were such a positive influence in all of our lives and we loved all of the time we spent with you. You shared your love of life with us and all of the people whose lives you have been a part of. It is difficult to write about how much you meant to us but we will carry on knowing that you are watching down on us and will forever remain in our hearts.
Love,
Walter Colgan
August 18, 2009
Our sympathy goes to Msgr. Michael's family. He was a wonderful priest. Walter and Patricia Colgan
August 18, 2009
We were so saddened to hear of the loss of Msgr. Allegro, or as we knew him, Father Mike. I believe we were one of the first couples he married at Our lady of Peace Church back in 1973. He touched our lives and will always be in our hearts. God Bless you.
Robert & Angela DiNicola
Edison, NJ
Cindy Bonfiglio
August 18, 2009
My sympathies go out to Father Michaels family, friends, and parishioners. He will be missed always.
Tom Glenn (Sr.)
August 18, 2009
Although I never had the opportunity to say it directly to Msgr Alliegro, I will now. Thank you Msgr Alliegro, you saved me from walking away from Christ. After more than 50 years going to church every Sunday, everyday during Lent, and trying to be the best Christian I could, my life changed.
I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, then separated from my wife, and was disowned by my daughter. And, to make matters worse, it seemed the only rock in my life (Christ) was turning his back on me.
I then went to what I thought was the last mass I would attend. I was done with Church. I had given up on believing that Christ was my Shepard because it seemed the only sheep welcome in the Church were the ones that didn’t require a Shepard. I concluded the Church was no more than a place for nonsinners to gather.
And there he was. By the grace of God, Msgr. Alliegro was celebrating one of his first masses at St. Francis (and at 7:30am). His homily brought tears to my eyes. Although I don’t remember the details, I will never forget the message. His message was “all are welcome” --- especially those who have strayed, those who have sinned and seek to repent. Those who walk in late to church, and those who might come only on Christmas; all are welcome.
It truly seemed that Christ himself was speaking directly to me through Msgr. Alliegro and reaching his hand out to me in my time of need. And what he was saying is that I was welcome in the Church by the Lord our Father.
Thank you Msgr. Alliegro. Thank you for extending your hand in the name of Christ to bring back lost sheep.
The Goss Family
August 18, 2009
Look down upon us from heaven Msgr.Alliegro. We will miss your presence at St. Francis. God Bless You.
J & K & R McCobb
August 18, 2009
Msgr. Alliegro we miss you so much! You have been the guiding light for all of us at St. Bart's for many years. It was after hearing one of your sermons early on that we decided to join St. Bart's and enroll our son in your school. You always made time for everyone and for my parents in Scranton, Pa especially, they hold dear memories of you visiting my dad at St. Peter's Hosp. when he was very sick. We were so so sorry to hear of your passing and are forever grateful for all you have done for our diocese collectively, but most of all what you have meant to our family, personally.
Susan Gallagher-Sacco
August 18, 2009
Some of us are just meant to profoundly touch the lives of others. That was our Fr. Michael. You were my religion teacher and priest at OLP, you positively changed my life by offering the opportunity for OLP students to attend St. Thomas Aquinas. You were the priest/principal/friend I looked up to and was guided by at spiritual retreats. There are not enough words to express what you have meant to me and my family. May the Lord Bless you and keep you. You were my Angel here on earth and now in Heaven. Your memory will live on forever.
August 18, 2009
When Father Michael was a young priest, he played a big role in our family's lives. Father enrolled Susan in St. Thomas H. S. when she was having problems at St. Mary's H.S. Father married Hughie and Linda; he also married Maureen and christened her son, Stephen. We send our special thanks to him for all he did for us. We offer our sincerest condolences to his family. God bless you, Monsignor Michael Alliegro. We will pray for your soul.
The Hugh Gallagher, Jr. Family, Fords
Gary and Sue Kuntz
August 18, 2009
We've all lost a very dear friend! How beautiful and great was this Man of God, called Msgr Alliegro!
Susie and I both had the privilege and the honor of hearing so many of Msgr's homilies over the years and for that we are grateful! When he spoke, it was if he was speaking directly to you....you couldn't help but listen.
When Msgr and Susie were both sick a few years back, each with cancer, he was such a dear friend to Susie.
Rest in peace, dear friend....rest in peace. God Bless You!
Angelo Agnone
August 18, 2009
Monsignor Alliegro,
you will not be forgotten.
Edie Borawski-Presti
August 18, 2009
Father Michael was a dear friend of our family and he hepled us with some hard times when my sister Allison was so very ill at a young age. My brother Buzzy was also a close friend of tony. Our family sends our deepest sympathy to all. He will be surely missed. Edie Borawski Presti.
ROBERT CASTELLANO
August 18, 2009
With our deepest sympathy in the passing of Monsignor Allegro. He was God's gift to the people of the Diocese of Metuchen.
Bob & Kris Castellano
Peter Alliegro
August 18, 2009
Uncle Mike i will miss you for all my remaining days and cannot wait until we meet again. You were a great uncle, you always were there for me when ever i was upset. You married my two brothers and my uncle and baptised many of my family, i am upset that you won't get to marry me when im older. I will be praying to you, nd will always miss you
Love
Maureen Pollock
August 18, 2009
Father Mike will always be my favorite. He always watched over my Grandfather, and married me and my brother also, and Christened my son, Stephen. Father Mike also helped my sister get into St Thomas Aquinas... He will always be a part of my family. He will be missed and always in our hearts. xoxo Maureen Gallagher-Pollock
Stacey Cashin
August 18, 2009
My deepest sympathy to you, your family and the whole congregation at St. Francis. You will be deeply missed. May God Bless you and keep in his arms for all eternity.
Stacey Cashin
Parishioner
Mary Nowak-Sturkie
August 18, 2009
God's gift of your life cannot be adequately summarized with words. You did good! The Lord bless you and keep you Monsignor, you will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.
Fr. Guy Selvester
August 18, 2009
The prayers of the Diocesan Eucharistic League, all the people who worship regularly at the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Raritan, as well as my own prayers, are offered for the repose of the soul of Monsignor Alliegro. His advice, counsel and support to this ministry and to me personally will be greatly missed. Along with the rest of the staff of the Office of Worship I mourn his loss and pray he will rest in peace.
August 18, 2009
Sincere condolences on the loss of a wonderful priest, Monsignor Alliegro.
Mary Jean Belsky
Lorraine Jakubczak
August 18, 2009
I attended and graduated from OLP with Fr. Michael. Even back then we knew he would be a wonderful priest. He was very popular with all his classmates. He will be greatly missed. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
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