Michael J. Mauro, 70, peacefully passed away after a short illness at Riverview Medical Center on Thursday afternoon April 20th. Born in Elizabeth, his family moved to Colonia before finally settling in Colts Neck. As an adult, Michael relocated to Lincroft, where he remained a resident for nearly four decades. He worked at Mauro Motors on Amboy Avenue in Woodbridge—a family Chrysler dealership started by his grandfather, Michael Mauro which spanned three generations—his whole career.
Together with his partner Alfred, Michael started a small antique business late in life called Bradley Pagano, named in honor of their mothers, at Riverbank Antiques, a collective of dealers in Red Bank. This provided Michael with an outlet for one of his great passions: antiquing and the thrill of the hunt. Every weekend brought exciting road trips to destinations both far and near in pursuit of finding wonderful treasures, which he sometimes could not part with. Michael had many passions—he was an avid traveler and had many adventures in Europe; a joyous gardener; an excellent cook who always contributed to family holiday dinners; and he cherished his four Scottish Terriers.
More than anything Michael will be always remembered for his wonderful sense of humour, his kind nature, and his giving heart. Those who knew Michael would attest that he had a very generous, compassionate spirit and always put the needs of those he loved before his own.
Michael was predeceased by his parents, Angelo Mauro and Cecelia Pagano Mauro. He leaves behind his beloved partner of thirty-five happy years Alfred Juska and his brothers, sisters and their spouses Rosalie Bennett (Robert), Janine Guderian (Chris), Sal Mauro (Janice), Thomas Mauro (Valerie) and his many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at Saint Gabriel’s in Marlboro, NJ.
