Michael Gabriel Pilenza was a business teacher and Director of Athletics at Moorestown High School for 31 years.
Michael Gabriel Pilenza, a long time resident of Delran, passed away at his home on Thursday, Oct. 12, surrounded by his family at the age of 69.
Mike was a business teacher and Director of Athletics at Moorestown High School for 31 years. He began his teaching career in 1977 and immediately became involved in student activities. He was class advisor for many graduating classes, began the senior class trips to Disney World, ran the school store, was business manager for the school plays and musicals, announced games, supervised clubs and activities, organized and ran the concession stand for all sports, business manager for student funds, MEA President and chief negotiator for many years, integral part of the MEA grievance committee and part of the middle states evaluation committee.
Mike was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. When he wasn’t traveling the world with his wife, he loved being with his six grandchildren. Whether it was a wrestling match, piano recital, baseball, football or soccer game he was their number one fan. Sunday dinners were special family times with laughter and conversation.
He was the husband of Janyce and father of April (Sean) Theis, Michele (Alan) Wheeler. Grandfather of Sean, Luke, Lily Theis and Jackson, Bradley and Colette Wheeler. He is also survived by his sister, Donna (Andre) Intartaglia and their children Olivia and Anna Intartaglia. His sister-in-law, Ali Kaiza and her children Michael (Vanessa) Kaiza, Rachel Kaiza and her fiancé Davey Reese. His sister-in-law, Wendy Kaiza her husband Michael and mother-in-law, Olga Kaiza.
A viewing will be held on Tues, Oct. 17, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lewis Funeral home located at 78 East Main St. in Moorestown. A mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church located at 214 Nassau St. in Princeton. The burial will be at Princeton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the Pilenza families ask that a donation be made to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Moorestown team, Pilenza’s Peeps. These donations will help support cancer patient programs and ground breaking research. Donations can be sent to: 1851 Old Cuthbert Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.
Condolences may be left at www.lewisfuneralhomemoorestown.com
