Michael Joseph Malagise, Jr. 1965-2025

Micheal was born on October 27, 1965 in Norwalk, CT. to Brenda and Mike Malagise Sr. Michael faced many challenges early on, as he was born with Down Syndrome; however, he never let Down Syndrome slow him down or define him.

Michael attended Norwalk public schools and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1984. Throughout his time in Norwalk, Michael attended S.T.A.R. Inc. where he participated in numerous activities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

After moving to Sebastian, FL in 1994, Michael attended ARC of Indian River, where he met many wonderful friends; both clients and staff. At one time, he was a spokesperson for ARC. Michael participated in Special Olympics, excelling in swimming, as well as bicycling, bowling, tennis, golf and track. He proudly earned literally hundreds of medals and ribbons for his athletic accomplishments.

What a kind, loving, and funny person he was! He brought smiles to everyone's face with his kindness and loving ways and lit up a room when he entered it. Michael hung out with his sister and brother in law on visits to Clearwater, where he rode on motorcycles, played pool in dive bars, and drank beer with his brother in law. He was always up for a good time!

Michael was gifted with a wonderful sense of humor, even playing jokes on friends up until the last few weeks of his life. He loved to listen to music, and he had a CD collection with literally hundreds of CDs, many of which he burned himself. Many of the CD's had no labels, but Michael knew what each and every CD was. He loved rock and roll music and later, he fell in love with country music. One of his favorite songs was Lee Greenwood, God Bless the USA. Michael was patriotic; he loved his country. He would sing every word to that song. We have a favorite video of Michael very articulately reciting the pledge of allegiance.

He loved to dance and flirt with pretty girls; he was the life of the party! Michael met celebrities like Chubby Checker and got to dance with him on stage. He was not shy! He loved watching wrestling matches and met a few wrestling

celebrities, like Sgt Slaughter, and many more. Speaking of celebrities, Michael was spotted at Dodgertown several years ago, sitting with Pete Rose, and several other baseball celebrities, just chatting it up as though they were life long friends. Michael lived a full life, and we are very grateful and blessed for all the wonderful memories we have of him.

Michael J. Malagise, Jr., passed away on May 4, 2025, at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Florida surrounded by his loving family.

Michael is predeceased by his father Michael J. Malagise, Sr. He was also predeceased by his Stepfather George Rosian and Stepfather James W. Wood, cousin Jason Wathey, and his beloved grandmother, Florence Morley.

He is survived by his mother Brenda Malagise Rosian-Wood, his sister Cynthia Runyon and her companion Jason, his niece Crystal (Andre) Maldonado, their children Abigail Senese, Aidan Senese and Liam Maldonado. His nephew Keith (Danielle) Lynch, their children Brysen and Everleigh. His uncle William (Patrice) Morley, cousin Karen (Romania), their child Jaxon Morley. One of his many wonderful cousins, Raymond (Gill) Wathey, Simone (Bemnet) Berhane, Stepsister LeaAnne (Vince) Cerverizzo, her children Stephen Craig, his daughter Jaimee L. Craig, Amanda (Jeff) Humphrey, her daughter Harper J. Humphrey, Stepbrother James W. Wood, Jr., and Stepbrother Lawrence M. Wood. Michael had many cousins in Connecticut; Donna Mathieson, Michael Cocchia, MaryAnn (David) Allen, Lisa (Bob) Bassett, Anthony Cocchia, as well as the Malagise cousins, Randall, Michael, Christopher, and Ralph and good friend Linda Robinson.

We want to thank everyone for all the support you have given to our family.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Michael's life will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at The ARC, 2449 5th Street, SW, Vero Beach, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the ARC of Indian River County, 1375 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960.