Michael J. Gagliano, 68, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Friday, October 7, 2016 at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY. Born in North Adams, MA he was the son of the late Michele and Mary (Rosier) Gagliano.

Michael's love for his country led him to a lifetime military career that spanned over forty years. He began proudly serving in the U.S. Army from May 28, 1965 until May 27, 1968 when he transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves. He later served in the N.Y. National Guard from the mid 1980's to the early 1990's and continued serving in the Army Reserve with Units DET1, 9th BN, 98th REGT, 4th BDE, 98th DIV (IT) in Buffalo, NY from 1993 until retiring as a Staff Sergeant on January 31, 2008.

On June 26, 1976 Michael married Johnina (Laughlan) Gagliano at Fort Drum, NY. He worked in the Shipping and Receiving Department of Diversified Manufacturing for thirty years until retiring. Michael enjoyed completing puzzles, watching NASCAR, and reading Tom Clancy books. He was also an avid coin and knife collector, but he will be remembered most for his generosity and regularly donating to various charities particularly veterans groups and cancer research foundations.

In addition to his wife of forty years, Michael is survived by five children Wendy (William) Ferro, Michele (Robert) Gardner, Stacey (Richard) Stachewicz, Georgina (Michael Horne) Clarkston and Joan Gagliano; nine grandchildren William, Ashley (Jonathan), Erica (Derek), Nichole, Adrienne, Angelo, Allison, Cameron and Andrew; one great grandson Nicholas; one sister Dianne (Kun-Sik) Pyon, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Friday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. at the
M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. Interment and Military Honors in Acacia Park Cemetery, North Tonawanda, NY. Memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094.