A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date for 78-year old Michael Pascale Sr
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Wounded Warrior Project or charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to 441 Battle Mountain Ave, Hot Springs, SD 57747.
Online condolences may be left at www.chamberlainmccolleys.com
Michael LaVern Pascale Sr was born on September 23, 1945 in Washington, D.C. to Benjamin and Elizabeth (Butler) Pascale. He died unexpectedly in Rapid City, South Dakota at Monument Health on Feb 1, 2024.
Mike graduated from Chadron High School in 1964 and joined the U-S Army. He went to basic training and then went on to Airborne training at Ft Benning, GA.
Mike served in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and was awarded the Purple Heart in 1965 and an oak leaf cluster in 1966 for wounds received in action. He also received the Parachute Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.
Mike was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1967, then joined the Nebraska National Guard where he served for 22 years, reaching the rank of E7 Gunnery Sergeant.
He married Diana Van Vleet on Sept 19, 1968 in Huron, SD, and the couple resided in Chadron ever since. Mike and Diana were blessed with two sons, Michael Jr and Casey, and eventually granddaughter Jade.
Professionally, Mike worked at the Nebraska Dept of Roads for 10 years, then for the Burlington Northern RR for another 10 years. He finished out his working life as an over-the-road truck driver, retiring finally in 2011.
Mike’s children remember him as a man who would always welcome you with a hug and a kiss. He was a man of few words, but he was never afraid to say what was on his mind. He was tough and larger than life to his children and grandchild. He loved deeply in his own way.
Mike was passionate about his family, his coffee group, and going to the Chadron Senior Center for coffee and lunch. He was also passionate about NASCAR, football, golf, and listening to music. (He loved AC/DC!!)
Mike was a dedicated member of the community. He was a Chadron Volunteer Firefighter for several years in the 1970s and often volunteered at the Chadron Senior Center
Mike is survived by his wife Diana; children Michael( Sandy Meyer) Pascale Jr of Hot Springs, SD and Casey (Corinne) Pascale of Firestone, CO; granddaughter Jade (Carlos) Davis of Flowery Branch, GA; and his favorite dog and best friend Sarg.
He’s also survived by his siblings Thomas (Rose) Pascale of Sacramento, CA, Richard (Wendy) Pascale of Alliance, NE and Lillian Gibson of Los Angeles, CA; sisters-in-law Paulette (William) Burnside of Tunkhannock, PA and Susan Van Vleet of Hot Springs, SD; and 8 nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Pascale of Chadron and father Benjamin Pascale of Astoria, Queens, NY; and his sisters Louise, Florence and Rita.
The family would like to thank the Chadron Police Dept, Chadron Volunteer Fire Dept and Rescue Unit, and the Nurses and Doctors at both Chadron Community Hospital and Monument Health in Rapid City for their efforts and care.
Arrangements have been placed under the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.