Michael Picciano

WEEDSPORT | Michael Picciano, 83, of Weedsport, passed away peacefully Friday evening, June 22, 2018, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Auburn, the son of the late Pasquale and Domenica Carbone Picciano and was an area life resident. Mike graduated from Port Byron High School, where he excelled in football and was inducted into their sports hall of fame. He would then serve our country honorably as a Navy veteran during the Korean War Era. Mike continued his education, receiving a bachelor’s degree in education at SUNY Oswego State College. Here he would become a standout athlete, playing baseball, tennis, and basketball. His talents in basketball would earn him MVP in the state tournament and eventually into the sports hall of fame at Oswego State. Mike also earned a master’s degree from SUNY Cortland.

He was a communicant of Our Lady of Snow Parish in Weedsport and Port Byron. He spent more than 40 years in education, retiring as superintendent in Greene, N.Y. Mike started as a history teacher in Auburn, was an assistant principal at Auburn High School and high school principal for Lansing High School. Mike was involved in countless organizations, was former board president for Pupils Benefits Plan where he continued to serve for many years, board member for Weedsport Library, and Town of Brutus assessment board member to name a few.

Mike also enjoyed golfing (Meadowbrook member), and was an avid New York Yankees sports fan. Mike’s love for sports had played a big role in the success of his children’s achievements on the playing field. He cherished the time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family members. Mike was a “true” legend that will forever be in our hearts.

He is survived by his loving family, daughter, Denise (John) Longtin, of Skaneateles; sons, Michael (Meghan) Picciano, of Auburn, and Paul Picciano, of Weedsport; brother, Pat Picciano, of Auburn; sister, Joanne (Mike) McGraw, of Saratoga; nine grandchildren, Tom, Scott, and Nicholas Longtin, Mia, Luke, and Chloe Picciano, Lauren, Matthew, and Sophia Picciano; two great-grandchildren, Ava and Jack Longtin; brothers-in-law, George and David Kowatch; sisters-in-law, Jan Kowatch and Joan (Henry) MacDonald; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues.

In addition to his parents, Mike was predeceased by his wife, Marion (Kowatch) Picciano in 2016; daughter-in-law, Marsha Picciano, and brother-in-law, Jack Kowatch.

Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. this Wednesday at Pettigrass Funeral Home, 196 Genesee St., Auburn. Friends are invited to join the family at 10 a.m. on Thursday in St. Joseph’s Church (Weedsport) for Michael’s Mass of Christian burial. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to The Mike and Marion Picciano Memorial Fund to help further the development of the area’s educational or athletic advancements. These donations can be sent to Beardsley c/o Michael Picciano, 64 South St., Auburn, NY 13021, made payable to The Mike and Marion Picciano Memorial Fund.

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