Michael J. Pietroniro 1986-2007

Feeding Hills- Michael John Pietroniro, 21, Ascended into the Journey of Everlasting Life on Sunday at the Boston Children's Hospital, following a long illness, in the care and comfort of his very devoted family.
Michael faced each day of his illness with a brave perseverance and cheerful outlook. He became the inspiration for the Western Massachusetts Epilepsy Awareness Committee, which for ten years, helped raise funds for the illness.
His goal had been to join the ranks of his father, and grandfather as a third generation fireman. His interest drew support from the local Agawam Fire Dept. and the Boston Fire Dept.
Michael's love of such simple tasks as cutting grass and trimming shrubs endeared him to a friendship with Dave Miller, grounds keeper of Boston's venerable Fenway Park.
On a recent tour at the White House, he was allowed to trim shrubs and he received special recognition from President George W. Bush. He was also made Honorary Assistant Chief for the Washington, D.C. Fire Dept.

Michael was a student at the Gengras Center, West Hartford, and a parishionerof Sacred Heart Church, Feeding Hills.
Michael was born in Springfield, beloved son, of Vincent A. and Carol A. (Kerley) Pietroniro. He is also survived by his beloved brother, James Pietroniro at home; two beloved sisters, Kimberly Pietroniro of Waterbury, Ct. Jennifer Pietroniro of Quincy, Mass. ; a cherished nephew , Dakota Pietroniro at home; loving maternal grandparents, Everett and Rachel Kerley of Chicopee; loving paternal grandmother, Maria Malacria of Springfield; his special uncles and aunts, Michael and Elaine Kerley of South Hadley, Donna Kerley of Chicopee, John and Gina Kerley of Kingston, Ma., Steve and Brenda Kerley ofHopkinton, Ma., Joe and Margaret Pietroniro of Springfield, John and Maria Pietroniro of Feeding Hills, Josie and Augusta DeSousa of Ludlow; and many dear cousins.

May 29, 2007

DC Fire Department

Attn: Capt. Sean M. Green

1018 13th Street Washington, DC 20001

Fellow Firefighters,
Some people come into our lives, leaving footprints on our hearts, never to be the same...
Vinnie and I wanted to take this opportunity to somehow come up with the right words to say "Thank you "for the unbelievable kindness you all showed our family on May 10, 2007 during our trip to the White House,   We were all so impressed with the professionalism and brotherhood that you bestowed upon our very brave son, Michael! We will be forever grateful for the wonderful memories that you have given to us through our son 's wish.
Michael 's strength and courage are not measured in victories and medals that we achieve, but with the struggles that he has overcome his entire life! He continues to amaze all with his resilience. He has taught us so much with his innocence and we will forever hold him dearly in our hearts, as will all who know him.   Michael has little hope of ever leaving this hospital as he deals with his pain with nothing but dignity.   We continue to pray for Mike to be at peace and to soon be pain-free, as he has suffered more than any child should ever have to.
Thank you once again for showering us with such respect for our son!   Your thoughtfulness will never be forgotten.
A friend is a piece of heaven lent to us, to make this earth a better place to live - author unknown.
The Parents of one of the "BRAVEST",
Carol
Vincent and Carol Pietroniro
You may follow Mike 's journey on his website - www. carepages. com (Type in michaelpietroniro with no space between his names)