I just heard the news of Mike’s passing and am so heartbroken. I taught his son, Michael /Mikey in Kindergarten (KG2) at ACS in Abu Dhabi. Mike was a devoted dad to Michael, always with a smile on his face and proud of his son. I remember seeing them riding scooters to school, and how much Michael would light up each time his dad would join him for lunch in the cafeteria. All he cared about was if Michael was being kind to others and was happy. Michael is such a sweet kid and I am always here to write or call if he ever wants to talk to his old teacher. Sending love to all the family and know Mikey has a guardian angel watching over him. Lots of love, Mary Fuglie (Mary.fuglie@gmail.com) 

Mr Petrosino,

Where can I start? You were an amazing support teacher! Your jokes, sarcasm, and presence just light up everyone’s day with your big goofy smile. I loved that you helped me with school and gave personal advice  to me with Stephanie Palanca. There are no words that you’ll be deeply missed in the SAS community. Mrs Petrosino and family, I’m so sorry for your loss, your heartache, and your sadness. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.

I had this teacher in seventh grade and he was a remarkable and uplifting to be in the classroom with. he was so much more joyful than the other teachers, and cheerful all the time. i didn’t get to spend much time with him, but he really was someone who’s kind spirit left a mark on me.

I have been deeply impacted by Mike's passing. We began our new jobs together, training together. He would always greet me with a radiant smile and show me kindness. His enthusiasm and curiosity to learn new things inspired me. I will miss seeing him everyday. My prayers for God to comfort his family, friends and loved ones as only God can. 

There are too many ways to describe how Coach affected all of our lives. But one thing was true no matter who you were, Coach made you a better player, a better student and a better friend/teammate. He made you a better person. 

And for that we thank you. You will be missed by all of us. 



This hits me very deeply… my time with Coach Petro continues to be one of the most influential experiences of my life. I do not have all the words. I just had a conversation with my brother over Christmas remembering how great and impactful of a human he was to us and those lucky enough to cross paths with him. 

He had a unique ability to make everyone feel seen while simultaneously pushing them to be their best selves. He always stood up for the underdog, the bullied, and the marginalized. He never gave up on anyone. 

He taught me grit, perseverance, and discipline, and his presence in my life continues to live on through me today. 

Love and condolences to the family and all the pupils he helped so dearly. 



We just got back from a bike ride in Assisi.

My daughter Kenna's first real friend was Little Mikey. I was drawn to Petro because of his passion. He would spend hours organizing and constructing these fun, unique, and creative experiences and activities for our kids.  Petro went out of his way to connect with my kids, and I appreciated that so much. I should not have been surprised as I saw him do this on a daily basis as an educator. Mike would always find that student that needed care, love, attention, and help and he would find a way to make sure they had it.  

My heartfelt condolences to all the Petrosino Family. Rest in Peace Petro. 

I was not fortunate enough to know Michael as much as everyone on this website.  We lived in the same complex in South Amboy.  I met him on my worse day at the time, his first week at the complex.  He was my neighbor/friend. Our meeting was so random.  He just had such a personality and smile and light around him.  I just forgot about my situation at the time and laughed so hard.  We actually had an inside joke at the time bc I am so bad at names, so I just called him random people names every time we saw each other.  I obviously knew his name.  It was just funny.  In a short amount of time, I always smiled and felt so blessed seeing him and laughing.  He is and was so special to me.  I wish I would’ve checked on him more often.  I remember how he made me feel as someone that literally had no reason to do so.  He was kind.  He was a joy for me to be around.  We had so much in common as far as the different countries we lived in and shared at the same time, experiences we shared around the same time but never met during that time.  I was happy to know him in a second vs how everyone knows him.  I’m heartbroken and sad and in shock.  My condolences to everyone who knew him and loved him.  His smile is contagious and always made me smile.  He is a phenomenal, unique individual and I feel blessed to even have the opportunity to know him.  My heart aches.  Condolences.  



He was an amazing teacher. He helped so much to my  daughter and motivated her. We are devastated to hear  his passing.  Our deepest condolences to his family and loved once. We will always remember him with gratitude. 
Inci Atilla Mina Korkmaz 

Please accept our condolences. 
Attached is a letter we wrote 5 years ago. Every word was true.

To whom it may concern

Singapore December 17, 2018

Dear Madam/Sir,

Our daughter is a sophomore student at Singapore American School where she has been enrolled since her schools start.

She had endured a tough Middle School, but a diagnosis of ADD had helped addressing the issue in a constructive manner. Needless to say, we were concerned parents upon her entrance into High School, but the school had been incredibly supportive throughout every stage giving us assurance and comfort.

Michael Petrosino was her Learning Support teacher in her freshman year. He embodies all the values, standards and excellence of Singapore American School, but on a personal level with the student, he is exceptional. His empathy and unique understanding of the individual student’s needs and idiosyncrasies is second to none. His impact on our daughter’s academic progress is evidential in her improved grades, but it is her transformation as a person of maturity, grit and joy that is the most impressive. It is paramount for us as parents to convey the significant role Michael Petrosino has role in this achievement. 

To further cement his stellar reputation as an educator, Michael has continued to reach out to our daughter in her sophomore year offering support and advice when needed, demonstrating his passion for teaching and his continuous concern for his students.

We recommend Michael Petrosino, both as parents, but also on behalf of our daughter. Her success and progress will always have his signature going forward. That must be the highest accolade a teacher can strive for. 

Birgitte & Kim Rosenkilde





Mr. Petro was my favourite teacher back at SAS. He also practically saved my life when I was going through the worst years of my life.  He was my favourite human being in the whole world back then because it felt like he was never judging me when ever we spoke. He was also a comedian. Whenever I was anxious I’d walk into his class room and it would all go away. He’s had a huge impact on my life for the better and if he didn’t help me o would not be in the place I am both mentally and physically. He was an amazing man and I miss him every day 

- Viktoria Rosenkilde 

Dear Mr Petro, 

During my time at SAS, you were one of my favorite teachers, friends and a mentor of mine. I remember the first time we met i was a brand new kid at the school and you went out of your way to make me feel special. Throughout my high school career, we had moments that made both of us laugh and smile, while there were others when you were with me during hard times. I truly believe that you deeply cared about every student you touched and would go to extraordinary lengths for each one. I always loved when Mr Walthall would come visit our classroom and hang out with us and share some laughs during the day. I will always remember you and all those good times we had together!

Your favorite student,

Ryan Walz

Dear Mike,

My neighbor in Marasy and colleague at the American Community School of Abu Dhabi.  We had our professional run-ins and conversations and I respected your dedication and advocacy to your students.  However, my strongest memories are of us talking as fathers.  My youngest son, Callum, and Mikey were about the same age and I appreciated our trust in one another to just talk as dads although we had not yet built our friendship to a major degree.   

To all of your loved ones, thank you for sharing him with us for the time here in Abu Dhabi.  God Bless.

Robert Lee Pfeiffer IV

Mr Petro was my oasis teacher in seventh grade at ACS. He always loved deep chats about everything and anything and was often someone I could trust at the school. I have never met a teacher who was able to create such a deep connection with so many students but to Mr Petro it seemed as though it was second nature. He was a kind, caring, funny, and amazing teacher. May he rest in peace. 

We had some great time at the racetrack in Singapore. 🐎🍺

Mr Petro was my teacher in 7th and 8th grade and during those 2 years I learned a lot from him. He helped me a lot when I was struggling in middle school and needed support. I connected with him a lot and he was always a teacher that I could trust and ask for help. He was such a nice guy who you could trust and he always made me laugh. My favorite thing was that he connected with many people in the school and always talked with everyone. He really made 7-8th grade better for me, I will always remember him and his kindness towards me, my prayers to him and his family. -Hadi Sabbour

I am shocked to hear this news! During his stay in Abu Dhabi, I knew Michael as a supportive colleague and as a doting and very involved father to little Mikey, who was a student in my class. He was a lively man and he genuinely celebrated the successes of people around him. Rest in Peace, Michael! 
Dear Barbara and Mikey, my heartfelt condolences! 

Mr. Petro, I can't believe you're gone - I can still hear your voice as you'd say, repeatedly during our seventh grade oasis time in Abu Dhabi that you just "didn't understand the world sometimes", didn't understand how and why we had to struggle through that covid year of uncertainty and disappointment and grief.  Mr. Petro, I don't understand the world.  I don't understand how it could take you from us.  I'm so grateful to have known you, Mr. Petro, and so lucky to have had you in my life.  I'm so proud to have been one of your fire breathing rubber duckies.  And every time Dance Hall Days comes on, I'm going to smile a little and think of you.  Thank you for everything, Mr. Petro.  May you rest easy in those Dance Hall Days forever.  


The Petrosino Family,
I'm not sure what to say.  I'm not sure how my condolences could ever ease your pain.  I'm not sure my grief could possibly help you heal.  But I'm forever grateful for the year I got with Mr. Petro, back in Abu Dhabi at the height of covid.  I'm forever thankful for his huge smile and his neverending optimism and the faith in humanity he instilled in all of us.  I'll never forget how proud he was of his son - he was always so excited to tell us Mikey's story antic or relay his latest joke.   I know it probably doesn't help to know so many of us mourn Mr. Petro with you, but know that there's a little village halfway across the world that Mr. Petro raised; and know its members would do whatever we possibly could for you, always. 

Mike and I worked together at the American Community School in Abu Dhabi, and although he was in the MS and I the HS, our paths frequently crossed in the hallways and the library/media center. Mike always had a smile and brightened the world around him. He was kind and easy to talk to, and I have missed seeing him at ACS. My deepest condolences to his family and friends; I pray that God comforts you in this time of heartbreaking loss. 

Big Mike P. with big Mike T. 
Will miss you dearly my friend. 
Always  truly enjoyed your visits to our PE office. RIP 😞🧡

Both myself and my sons  are struggling to find words to express our sorrow. Mr Petrosino was much loved by the entire ACS community. Thanks to his charismatic and warm personality, and his friendly and easygoing attitude, he was always able to connect with all students in middle school in a meaningful way. My sons (Mattia and Paolo Molinari) couldn’t have more respect for him and are both struggling to process what happened. 
Dear Barbara, my most sincere condolences. 

With much love, 
Serena Carnevale 

This was taken at the American Club in Singapore in 2018. 

Mr. Petro and I have shared a lot of lasting memories and laughters throughout my high school years at the Singapore American School; though I never had him in a class, I've had the chance to not only  spent a memeroable week with him in 2018 but also having him asa sponsor for my service club after school.  He always had a contagious  smile that would light up the room and cheer up the people around him.  He was also a very empathetic person that always  went out of his way to help with whatever people are struggling. I will cherish the laughs and stories we shared together and the impact that he has made on me as not only one of my favoirte teachers but also as a freind. Please accept my deepest condolences to his family and may Mr. Petro rest in peace.

Mr. Petro has always been a charismatic, kind and awesome teacher that has inspired many students to do their best (including me). Although we did not have any official classes together, he was always such an inspiration to me, especially during one of my toughest years in middle school. My condolences goes out to his family and may he rest in peace. He will always be remembered.

My deepest condolences to Mike's family. In our brief time spent together at American Community School in Abu Dhabi I loved our hallway chats and deeper conversations after school about the things that Mike loved; his family, his students, and  Italian cuisine. I'd love to be sitting with him now talking all things Tuscany.  A loyal colleague, friend, family man, and father. Again, my  sympathies to all hurting from this loss.

Mr. Petro was my teacher assistant in 7 th grade at ACS and was such an amazing and inspiring teacher. I am so deeply sorry for Mr. Petrosinos family and the great loss of such an incredible person. I will always remember him and his kindness and dedication to all his students. 

I have never seen a teacher connect with so many students that were not in their class until I met Mr. Petro. I met him when I was in middle school at ACS Abu Dhabi, after my friend introduced me to him. From that point everytime I ran into him we would have a brief conversation about anything on our minds. I trusted him, and went to him for advice a few times when things were not going my way. He lit up the school with his cheerfulness and he always, always had my back. I’ve missed him since leaving Abu Dhabi, he is a role model to me, and so many other students. 

Mike and I were teaching partners while at ACS Abu Dhabi. I am gutted hearing this news. To his family, please accept my deepest condolences. He was a loving teacher, an amazing father and a wonderful friend to so many. Gone too soon. 💔 

Mr. Petrosino was such a kind-hearted, loving, and caring person. He always advocated for the success of his students and his boys on the basketball team, and he always showed up to school with a positive mood. For the people that knew him I am so sorry and I send my love and condolences to his dearest people.

My heart goes out to Mike’s family. I’m so very sorry for your loss of a father, friend and family member. Petro and I taught at ACS together. We had an epic #pandemicschoolyear co-teaching grade 8 Humanities online and in person. Petro was compassionate and empathetic, he was kind and thoughtful. He always thought of the kids and put them and their needs first. He taught me about humility and putting aside ego and focusing on the needs of the students. His easy smile, generous laugh and kind heart made a difficult year a little more manageable and bright. Please accept my deepest condolences to his family and friends for your loss. 

This news made my heart sink today.... My path and that of Mike's rarely crossed in the few years we were working at school together, but every time it did, we connected, laughed, and chatted. I am not sure why Mike had to leave this world, but he will leave many fond memories.  My thoughts are with you and yours..


Although i didn’t have many classes with Mr Petro while he worked in ACS, i’ll never forget his charisma, advice, his ability to always bring up the mood and most importantly - his ability to see more in us than we could see in ourselves. May he rest in peace 

Mr. Petro was my advisory teacher in 7th grade at the american community school abu dhabi, he was an amazing person and he would always find a way to cheer our class up. He motivated me to keep playing basketball and was a person i looked at when i needed help with either school or even basketball. He won’t be forgotten and he made an impact on many students. - kerem edepli

Mr.Petro was my teacher in acs he taught me many valuable lessons in life even though i was never a good student he always made sure that I tried my hardest and put a belief in me that i will be successful in life he was always my favorite teacher and I cherished every moment with him I am so sorry for your loss to anyone that knew him and knew how much of a inspiration and kind hearted person he was gone but never forgotten-laith al jamal

Mike was a charming colleague , with a permanent , enlightening smile on his face. He was always yelling my name “ Françoise !!!!!” when meeting in the hallways, any place where our paths were crossing. He and Barbara were my neighbors at Pearl Plaza.  He was enjoying life, truly.  We had several opportunities to share good food, wine, laughters. I’m very sad today.
Barbara, I hope we will meet again .
Please receive my most sincere condolences and my deepest sympathy for Mike’s passing.

Im still under shock as I’m writing these lines .
Rest in Peace, Mike ! 

To even let the words rest in peace be written for you makes me heart break. You always had the biggest smile on your face. Every time you seen me you always said “make good choices”. That replays in my head every single day. I’ll never forget that & I’ll never forget your smile. I know you’re up in heaven watching all your students make the good choices you told them to make. Including me. Words can’t describe how heartbroken I am. To say I’m hurt is a huge understatement. You’re forever in my heart Mr. P❤️. Thank you for the little memories you gave me. Rest In the Sweetest Peace.

Sure you enjoyed our Italian Summer dinners!!! we really feel lucky we had  the chance to cross your path 
Miss you so much
Cesare&Federica
Assisi - Italy

Thanksgiving 2007. One of the best Thanksgivings we ever had. 

Everyone called him Petro, but to me he was Mikey. He was a big part of our Hawaii ohana( family). Many shared laughs and late night conversations. My love and aloha go out to his friends and loved ones. He and the memories we shared will always be in my heart.

I’m just  going to remember you like this.   Full of life.  A smile that lit up the sky. 

Deepest sympathies to the entire Petrosino family.  

See you later Moses! Talk to you soon Bozak! Never Goodbye! Dreading saying goodbye these next two Days Petro! Stories of your and our exploits will forever make me smile! Skip The Apps! Bucca The Plate! Where'd you go to College Mikey? 🤣  We'll never embrace again but you're forever in my Heart! 7970! Love You Petro!  💙 🤍Moses

Amy, Mike, Vin and I were a little pack in junior high. Crazy water fights in the pouring rain in their neighborhood, watching horror movies in Amy’s basement. He was my first kiss and I never got over it. Chased that boy for years. I truly loved him. What’s not to love? He was that floppy, puppy dog making everyone laugh but he was also deep. He was thoughtful, perceptive and cared so much for all his friends and family. He was my shoulder to cry on many times. He’s taken a piece of all of us with him. It’s a devastating loss to the world that he’s no longer in it.

To say he will be missed is the deepest understatement. My husband Joe Moe will never ever stop hurting over loosing Petro, I just can’t stop crying he’s gone. Joe shared some of the greatest times of Mike’s life with him and his Falcon Family. To all of the family, friends, those who cared about Petro, my sincere Condolences. 
This recent video was the last time Mike #79 was on his Wagner Home Field for their Reunion. Petro was the only guy who Joe would ever gratefully want to wear his #79 🏈💔🙏🏻 
His beautiful handsome smile, will remain forever in our hearts and minds. I hope little Mikey one day can know some of the greatness of stories his Dads friends have to hold on to. 🙏🏻
We love you Petro, Judy, Joe, Nicolas and Joseph

Our thoughts are with you and your family. You never failed to stop and say "hi" and were always so kind-hearted toward our students. You will be missed immensely.

My sincere condolences to the Petrosino family. I know Mike from high school, he will truly be missed. His smile brightened up a room.  

My sincere condolences to everyone who was blessed to know Mike. Though I have only known him for a short amount of time here at the high school, he was a ray of sunshine every time out paths crossed. He always made it a point to say hello and have a chat in the hallways during our free time.  His smile always brightened my day. He will truly missed <3

I am truly sorry for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I worked with Michael  and will forever remember his beautiful smile.

You brought life and laughter to all of the family gatherings. We will miss you terribly.

No words to explain what a special and loved part of our home you were.  Most of all, how much you meant to your bestie Elle.  We love you Petro. 

Trying to come up with words to describe my feelings for Mike (Petro) is incredibly difficult. He was the little brother I never had. 1000's of memories, all of them bring a smile to my face despite the tears. We had our own language! So many inside jokes. Laughs to last several lifetimes. My deepest condolences to The Petrosino family, as well as the legions of friends who felt the same way about Petro as I do. He will be tremendously missed forever. They say only the good die young! Petro wasn't a good one! He was a Great one! I was blessed to call him my friend. Rest In Peace Petro! I Love you Guy! Forever Joe Moe 

I send my dearest condolences to the Petrisino family.  May you find any comfort during this difficult time.  Mike will definitely not be forgotten.  He is a Wagner Falcon brother of mine.  May we all celebrate his life and legacy that the whole "1992" team will never forget.  As we tread through these tough times, I can assure the Falcons spirit will never forget. 

Love, until we all meet again. 
Jeff Danish 

I will keep you in my heart forever and cherish the time and memories we had!!

From one of the many Thanksgivings we celebrated together in Singapore.  I’ll cherish these and many other memories my dear friend.

From our guys trip to Bali reaching a mountain summit after a long hike.  Him and my friend Ankit were winded since they smoked, but the view was worth it.  

You will be missed my friend. You've left us way too early.

Love you my brother.
Rest in peace.
Randy

OBITUARY

Michael D. Petrosino

February 23, 1975 – January 9, 2023

Casey Funeral Home

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