De Robbio, Michael Paul

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Michael Paul De Robbio, known to his loved ones as Big Mike, passed away on March 18.

Mike had a larger than life personality, bringing joy, comfort, laughs and love to his many friends and family. Mike’s roots began at St. Agnes and the old Atlantic Highlands neighborhood and grew to his beloved Mater Dei High School Class of 1975. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in communications at Villanova University in 1980. His upbringing blessed him with loving, lifelong friendships that transcended more than five decades — friendships that he deeply treasured and memories on which he often reminisced.

Mike was a devoted father, brother and uncle. He coached his son’s sports teams, never once missing a game. He proudly supported his daughter’s acting career, attending every recital, show and event. He always exuded pride in his children and had hoped to see them graduate college and lead extraordinary lives serving others. Both of them commit to doing so in his honor.

A renaissance man of his own accord, Mike was a huge music and sports fan, often found jamming to his favorite groups, Steely Dan and the Eagles; or cheering on the Yankees, Raiders and Villanova Wildcats.

He sparred lovingly with his son over current events – which Big Mike always won – and shared in his daughter’s love for the arts and theatre.

Mike is predeceased by his grandmother, Gertrude Donnelly; parents, Francesco and Joanne De Robbio; and in-laws Matthew and Margaret Ludak. He is survived by his children, Michael Matthew and Daniella Leigh, and their mother, Michel Ludak; his brothers Raymond, Paul and John De Robbio; many nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends, many of whom were classmates stemming from as far back as St. Agnes School.

Visitation was held at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown, March 27, followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on March 28.

In lieu of flowers, Big Mike would have appreciated donations to his beloved charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.