Michael Pecora

Pecora Pecora, Michael, 51, one of the nation's most well respected, and highly recognized experts and authors in the banquet business, died Tuesday, April 29, 2003. Pecora, a native of South Florida, was considered a "giant in the banquet/catering industry". He was the founder of Signature Catering, and creator of Signature Gardens and Signature Grand, the largest banquet centers in South Florida. Both businesses were for social and corporate events, and set the standard for enabling thousands of couples to afford sophisticated, highly upscale weddings. Pecora had recently completed a book, "Behind the Scenes; The Insiders Guide to Planning Your Wedding", which has been described as the most comprehensive resource in the wedding banquet business. A graduate of Miami Killian Senior High School, and Florida International University, School of Hospitality Management, Pecora was a quiet, unassuming gentleman with a keen sense of business acumen. In addition to his success in the business arena, Pecora was actively involved in a number of philanthropic ventures. Last year, The Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Miami named Pecora to the organization's Hall of Fame. He is survived by his beloved wife of twenty-three years, Arlene; his mother, Mary Pecora of Broward County; and two sisters, Maggi Pecora of Tallahassee, and Marcy Gordon of San Francisco. He will also be greatly missed by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. His late father was Emil "Mickey" Pecora, a South Florida entrepreneur. A funeral mass will be held Monday, May 5, 2003, at twelve noon at St. David Catholic Church, 3900 South University Drive, Florida, followed by a reception at the Signature Grand. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Miami.