Michael Joseph Pergola, died unexpectedly of a vascular event compounded by drowning while on vacation in Georgia on July 15, 2022.  He was 62 years of age.

Michael is survived by his wife , Suzanne Marie Yates, and their 11 children : Matthew (Jeni), Jason, Taylor (James), Vincent, Kathryn (Derek), Michelle, Marianna, Giordan (Elizabeth), Regina, Dominic, and Anthony. They had 6 grandchildren : Gabe, Slade, Olivia, Jax, Gage, and Evan. His 5 living siblings and their 2 children are: Richard, Nancy (Rick, Alex), Angela, Nicholas Jr., and Joseph Sr. (Joseph Jr.). He was preceded in death by his parents Nicholas Sr. and Kathryn; and his sister Mary. He was born on February 6, 1960 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The family moved shortly after and Mike grew up in Berlin, New Jersey.

He inherited fierce passion from his father and deep compassion from his mother. He had special memories with each of his siblings. Building WWII airplane models with Richard. Sharing a love for the beach and sports with Nancy. Taking Angela places, especially shopping. Watching the Rocky movies with Nick. Competing in sports with Joe when they were younger, especially hockey. His favorite foods from childhood were his mom's lasagna and stove-cooked popcorn.

He attended Camden County Vo-Tech High School for Electronics Technology and went on to graduate from New Jersey Institute of Technology with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and then obtained his Master's degree in Business Administration from Florida Institute of Technology. He was employed at Globalstar as a Product Assurance Engineering Manager. His children attest that Mike was their favorite geeky nerd and maybe (definitely) inherited some of these traits.

Mike met Suzanne on Valentine's Day 1989 on the tennis courts at Cross Gates Fitness Club in Slidell. Their children describe this meet-cute moment as worthy of being in a Rom-com movie. He was a passionate sports fan, both watching and playing. Mike was a talented drummer and lover of music. His loves for hockey, skating, outer space, wood working, dad jokes/puns, traveling, and a good cigar has been passed down to his kids. Michael could always be found working on his yard, manning the grill, crafting wooden Christmas presents, and talking to his dog, Bandita.

Michael was a selfless, faith-filled, generous, and loving man. He was always thinking of his family and made sure to let them know how much he loved them every day. Mike had the gift of gab and never met a stranger. He was loved by many and put intentional effort into each of his relationships. He was a great man who will continue to be dearly missed.

A Funeral Mass for Michael will be celebrated at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 910 Cross Gates Blvd., Slidell, La., on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 12:00 o'clock noon.

Visitation will be at the church on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. until service time.

It will be immediately followed by a graveside burial ceremony at St. Joseph's Abbey in Covington at 2:00 p.m.

A celebration of his life will follow from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Family Life Center of St. Luke's Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate Masses said for the repose of his soul but also know that Michael would appreciate your support for a Pro-Life cause in your community.