Michael “Mike” Carmen Pignato, DDS, of Penfield NY, passed away suddenly on May 22, 2025. 

Mike was born to Francis and Philomena (Fedele) Pignato on December 3rd, 1952. He grew up in Penfield, NY and has been a lifelong resident of the area ever since. A 1970 graduate of McQuaid Jesuit High School, Mike excelled in football and track, still holding a Section V record in the 200-meter dash. After graduating from Niagara University in 1974 with a degree in biology, he spent one year in pharmacy school at St. John’s University in Queens NY. Then in 1975 he joined the dental school at New York University. Upon graduating in 1978, he moved back to Western NY and entered a one-year general practice residency at the Eastman Institute of Oral Health. 

Mike practiced dentistry in Western NY for over 40 years, at private practices in Penfield, Farmington, and Webster. In 2021, he joined the Harborside Dental Team and officially retired in 2024. For Mike, dentistry was not just a job, but a true calling. He treated his employees and patients like family, always taking the time to listen, to offer comfort, and to lift up those around him. His gentle manner and calm presence had a way of putting even the most anxious patients at ease. Beyond his practice, Mike gave back to the profession he loved by teaching at the University at Buffalo Dental School where he mentored young dentists. He also provided dental care to workers at the Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack. Never seeking recognition, Mike was driven by simply doing what he believed was right. His legacy lives on not only in the smiles he created, but in the lives he touched.

Mike's commitment to serving others extended far beyond the dental chair. He was a passionate volunteer and good Samaritan, always ready to lend his time, talents, and heart to those in need. For several years he adopted a platoon from the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, personally assembling care packages for troops overseas. Another organization he was involved with was the Remote Area Medical Services (RAMS), a nonprofit offering healthcare services to underserved areas in the United States. With RAMS, Mike volunteered his time to provide dental care for individuals living in rural towns in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. His passion for giving extended internationally. He travelled multiple times to Nicaragua with a local church group, and also worked with the World Health Organization to volunteer in a dental clinic at St. Jude’s Hospital in Vieux Forte, St. Lucia. Mike was recognized by the Seventh District Dental Society of the State of New York with the Robert E Parker, III Memorial Award for his volunteer and community service efforts. 

While always committed to his profession and volunteerism, Mike’s greatest joy came from his family. He was very close to his mother and inherited her love of cooking, generous spirit, and altruistic nature. He was the ultimate caregiver, not only for his parents, but for his aunts, uncles, and in-laws. In 1972, he was introduced to Diane by her cousin Marsha, and their relationship began through letters as pen pals. After months of correspondence, they began dating, and married in August 1979. Nine years later, they welcomed their daughter, Alyssa, who became the light of his life. Mike never missed a piano recital, volleyball game, track meet, or band performance. He was always her biggest cheerleader, encouraging her to pursue her dreams with confidence. Mike was proud to have his son-in-law, Vince, join the family in 2016. Shortly thereafter, he became a grandfather, which truly filled his heart with joy. His granddaughters, Natalie and Corinne, were his little buddies, bringing endless laughter, energy, and love into his life. 

In his spare time Mike loved taking family trips and spending summers at the family’s cottage in the Thousand Islands where he would fish, swim, and jet ski. Whether he was playing golf with friends, working on his vegetable garden, or cooking up a new recipe to share, Mike was not one to sit still. He was proud of his community and served as a long-time member of the Penfield Historic Preservation Board. Loyal to a fault, not only to his family and friends, but his pets as well, Mike had a soft spot for his family dogs, Cassidy, Sundance, Morgan, and Teegan. 

In addition to his parents, Mike is predeceased by his sister-in-law Nancy Connor. He is survived by his loving wife Diane, daughter Alyssa (Vince) Tutino, granddaughters Natalie and Corinne, brother James (Joy), sisters-in-law Christine (Richard) St. James, Joan (Daniel) Hurley, and Kathleen Cronin, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. 

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 30th, 2025 from 3-7 p.m. at Jennings, Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home, 1704 Penfield Road, Penfield NY. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church 43 Gebhardt Road, Penfield NY, 14526 on Saturday May 31st, 2025 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lollypop Farm (https://www.lollypop.org/ways-to-give/), Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org), or a charitable organization of your choice.