Michael “Mike” Pasterchick Jr., of Monmouth Beach, passed away April 7, 2022, in Jupiter, Florida at the age of 68 from complications due to long-haul COVID-19.
Mike was born April 30, 1953 in Wall Township. He graduated Wall High School and then Monmouth University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Mike was a dedicated professional and a talented leader and investigator who spent more than 39 years in three different law enforcement agencies, a profession that brought him experiences and friendships across the world. His career path included nearly five years as a special agent with the Internal Revenue Service’s New York Division and nearly 23 years with the Drug Enforcement Administration, as a special agent assigned to the New York and New Jersey divisions; Group Supervisor assigned to the New Jersey Division and Special Operations Division in Newington, Virginia; Section Chief of State and Local Programs at DEA headquarters; and Assistant Special Agent in Charge in both the Philadelphia and New Jersey divisions. He then served nearly three years as the Special Agent in Charge of the New Jersey Division before retiring from the DEA in January 2006.
Upon retirement, Mike was hired as the Chief of Detectives for the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office until his retirement from law enforcement Sept. 1, 2017.
Mike will be forever remembered as an “agent’s boss.” No matter what rank he rose to, one would never know from the respect and kindness he showed everyone, whether he was talking to the President or a stranger on the street. His humble personality, revered professionalism, unwavering willingness to help anyone in need, and quick-wit sense of humor would light up a room.
But above all else Mike was a dedicated and loving father, husband and friend. Mike cherished life with his beloved wife of 27 years Judy and their adored twins Michael James and Madison Jade. He was a talented fisherman, avid golfer, trained pilot, and enjoyed time on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. In the summers you could find him out on his boat with friends and family or grilling on the deck in his backyard. In the winters he could be found at his home-away-from-home in Jupiter, Florida, enjoying the retired life with his many friends, golfing with his wife and children, taking a dip in the pool, or driving along the ocean with his best friend Koba (who would always be found in the passenger seat no matter who else was in the car) and his “sweet girl” Amber, the family dogs. He had a passion for travel, love for crabbing, and most of all spending time with his family. Mike will always be remembered as one of the most kind, caring and compassionate souls whose vocabulary didn’t include the word “no.” He will be deeply missed by the countless people whose lives he touched far and wide.
In addition to his beloved wife and children, Mike is survived by his cherished brother John Pasterchick, sisters Linda McGuire and Kathy Gaertner, father-in-law James Post, and many dear brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his mother Beatrice and his father Michael.
Visitation and services were April 28 at The Great Auditorium, Ocean Grove. Arrangements are under the care of Orender Family Home for Funerals, Manasquan. To send condolences please visit orenderfamilyhome.net.
The article originally appeared in the May 5 – 11, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
