Michael James Vacchiano

Michael James Vacchiano passed away very unexpectedly on June 17, 2024, at the age of 40 at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, NJ. He was born on June 27, 1983, in Long Branch, NJ. In 2014, he met and fell in love with Meghan (Stropoli) and in December of 2017, they married. He has left behind two beautiful children, Tessa (5) and Nicholas (18 months) with shattered dreams.

Mike lived most of his life in Wanamassa and was a high school graduate of Ocean Township High School (2001) and later graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor's in Liberal Arts (2010).

A man of simple pleasures, Mike was always ready with a pop culture reference or witty pun. He enjoyed date nights with his wife which often consisted of a movie and popcorn, without extra butter. His love for Batman and WWE was evident and he enjoyed attending shows with his "bruddahs" whenever possible.

One of his greatest pleasures in life was being involved in various fantasy football leagues. He always enjoyed it, but loved it even more when he won! Mike often contributed commentary on his favorite podcast, "The Bob Culture Podcast", which was a venture started by his best friend, Rob Crowther, IV. He was also a staff writer for the digital pop culture and entertainment magazine, "The Pop Break". Being a huge TV and movie buff, he was very excited for the opportunity and loved to write an honest review about the shows and movies he saw.

He was a long-time employee (16 years) of the Long Branch Board of Education as an Instructional Assistant at Long Branch High School, focusing one-on-one with specific students with learning disabilities. Mike was also a keyholder at Ocean Wine & Spirits for 12 years.

Mike adored his wife and two children, but working two jobs took away a lot of quality family time. On his days off, he would bring the kids to a local park and had plans to spend time at the community pool in their neighborhood throughout the summer.

While he loved his entire family, he held a very special place in his heart for his niece and three nephews who have referred to him as "Yayo" from the time they could speak.

Mike is survived by his spouse, Meghan, his children Tessa and Nicholas, his parents, Denise and Frank, his sister and brother-in-law Maria and Daniel Joyce, his nephews Frankie, Danny, Joey, his niece Giuliana, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, childhood friends, co-workers, students and customers. Mike has left his memory imprinted on each and every one of them.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Russell and Jeanne Bodine and his paternal grandparents, James and Vina Vacchiano.

Services for Mike will be held at Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by the funeral service at 10:30 AM on the same day.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Sharing Network Foundation at 691 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ 07974, web https://www.sharingnetworkfoundation.org/contribute,  by contacting (908) 516-5566 or email at contactus@sharingnetworkfoundation.org.

Rest in peace, Mike. Your memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved you.

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