Michael Paladino Bekman

Michael Paladino Bekman, 57, of Forest Hills, Queens, NY was beloved by so many.  A computer hardware technician by trade, he was so much more by love and friendship.  Michael was born August 14, 1967 to Carolyn Paladino and Kenneth Bekman in Hempstead, NY.  Two years later, his sister Jennifer was born into the family and Michael was a devoted big brother.  After the divorce, Michael was lucky to have more wonderful family in the form of stepfather Thomas Cronin, stepmother Linda Bekman and siblings Nicole Bekman, Lauren Bekman Hamilton and Kenneth Bekman, Jr.  Michael was especially close with his maternal grandparents, Michael and Emilia (Babe and Emi) Paladino and had great memories of their unconditional love and affection.  Michael was a reader, a science fiction aficionado, and a gamer, enjoying lifelong friendships over tabletop, roleplaying and video gaming.  Michael loved to travel, drink tea and listen to an eclectic mix of music.  Michael was an amazing friend, retaining nearly everyone he met as a friend, from ex-girlfriends, to former coworkers and everyone in between. He was nice to everyone, giving the benefit of the doubt at all times and to every person he encountered.  He loved dogs, particularly English bulldogs, but would stop to visit with any friendly canine on the street.  In 2013, Michael met the love of his life, Lisa Gesson.  They were married a year later and enjoyed 11 years of simple happiness, marred only by the need for recurring treatments for Michael at Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center.  Despite the incredible interventions of his oncological team, Michael's cancer, diagnosed nearly 15 years ago, finally became insurmountable and he died on November 30, 2024.  Michael died peacefully in hospice at Calvary Hospital, surrounded by close friends and family.  Lisa held his hand and told him she loved him as Michael's life ended.  

A memorial service for Michael will be held Monday, December 9, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Schwartz Brothers-Jeffer Memorial Chapels, 114-03 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375.