Michael William Backlund

Our beloved Michael, aged 68, passed away in his Hawthorne, New Jersey home on or about the night of January 16, 2023 of an apparent heart attack.
Michael was born on October 16, 1954, to Paul William Backlund and Ruth Eleanor Crowley, both of Buffalo, NY, in Torrance, CA. He was the second of three children, older brother, Patrick and younger sister, Sherry.
His father's work with American Airlines took the family to Arizona where Michael attended Loloma and Tonalea Elementary in Scottsdale. He studied two years at Coronado High School excelling in gymnastics and 'shenanigans', then joined his God parent's family in CA graduating in 1972 from LaVista High School. After high school he joined Energy West then relocated back east where his cousin Jimmy Meyer helped him secure employment with Avro Auto Parts in Buffalo, NY.
In 1980 Michael married his high school sweetheart, Patricia DeMartino, assuming also the care of her daughter, Joleen. They made their home in NJ where Michael secured employment with Empire Chauffeured Limousine Services, eventually working his way up to Executive Chauffer. He thoroughly enjoyed the never-ending company of interesting clients. Family matters prompted their return in 1983 to Phoenix where he worked with Revlon Cosmetics. Their daughter, Glenda Michelle, was born the same year. Still longing for the east coast, they returned to NJ and Empire Limo. In 1990 the couple welcomed their daughter Emily Ann into the world. Divided as to where to raise their family, the couple separated and divorced in 1991. Michael returned to NJ in 1992 where he remained until his passing. In 2020 he joined Buick GMC of Mahwah where he worked part time in sales. He also remained a loyal and well-regarded employee of Empire, satisfying that constant sense of adventure and freedom on the road that he loved so much.
Battling heart disease since his late 20's, he remained proactive health wise and with a positive attitude lived life to its fullest. He was very active in his parish, Sacred Heart, as a well-respected lector and member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also an avid hunter and loved his motorcycles, many times building his own. He never met someone he didn't fully engage with, leaving a lasting impression and always garnering an affectionate smile. Hard core believer in God and country, Michael was a true patriot.
Although Michael's immediate family has lived on the west coast, he was simply happier in Jersey and made lifelong friendships with many families. He was and always will be "Uncle Mike" to so many. His "west coast" family will always be grateful to them for bringing him into their circle and treating him as their own. Heartfelt condolences especially to Mallery, Samantha and Robert DeVuyst, Tami Jo Sackett, Heidi Bishop, Natalie Wells, Megan Walsh as well as Gail Artola and the Sacred Heart community.
Michael was predeceased by his father, Paul (Bill) in 1973; mother, Ruth in 2013, step-father of 38 years, Steve Demos in 2019; and Patty, his former wife and mother of his children, in 2011. He is survived by his immediate family, sister, Sherry and husband, Frank Cornell of CA; brother Patrick, beloved daughters Glenda Backlund and Emily Backlund of AZ and very special to his heart, his granddaughter, Annabella Ybarra, daughter of Glenda. He also leaves behind his god-brother Greg (Joanne) Steiner and nephew, Sherry's son, Justin Backlund of LaQuinta, CA. Cousins Robert, Russ, and Joey Crowley, Judy (Jimmy) Meyer and Sharon (Wes) Ries of NY, Annette (Craig) King of AZ and Brigitte Faulkner of CA as well as the John "Mike" Cornell clan in Phoenix who share in our loss of a very special man in our lives.
Visitation - Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 113 S. Farview Avenue, Paramus, NJ on Friday, January 27, 2023 between the hours of 5:00-7:00 o'clock p.m.
Services: Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 12 Terrace Avenue, Rochelle Park, NJ, led by Father Rich Kelly, on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 10 o'clock a.m.
Final Resting Place, Paradise Memorial Gardens, Scottsdale, Arizona.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church.