Michael Scott Palanza's Obituary
Obituary
On October 9th 1973 a bright light and adventurous spirit came into this world. Michael Scott Palanza found excitement in each day. He was full of life, had the greatest sense of humor and loved his family and friends fully and completely. He was constantly on the go from the moment he learned to crawl.
Michael was a gifted artist; he designed the eagle's head etched onto the Veteran's Monument at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco, Maine while only a 7th grader at Saco Middle School.
He was a creative force and after graduating from Old Orchard Beach High School in Maine and Plymouth State College in New Hampshire, Michael began his stellar, life-long career as a graphic designer and creative director. He worked for WCJ in New York before moving to Frederick Maryland where he continued in this role at HZDG, working on campaigns for such companies as Volkswagen and The Washington Capitals. HZDG was acquired by Burson Cohn & Wolfe, an international public relations and communications firm headquartered in NYC where Michael remained as creative director until taking on a career in freelance, working from home to care for his girls and help them with their homeschooling during the COVID pandemic.
He enjoyed many travels shooting stills and video for his clients; however, no place was ever as important to him as his home state of Maine. He loved the ocean, surfing, working alongside his uncle, John Butler, on his lobster boat. There are many funny stories to be shared about his time as a high school lobsterman. Michael enjoyed hiking and skiing mountains in Maine and Colorado. He was an athlete who worked out daily, biked and ran marathons for charity.
Most important to Michael was his family. He is survived by his children, Alec and Arden, of Albuquerque NM, Finley and Mila of Frederick MD. His sister, Rosebeth Wilson of Arundel Maine and his two brothers, Adam and Matthew Wilson. He always said his mother and father, Pam and Wayne Wilson of Old Orchard Beach, Maine were his rock.
Family gatherings were important and always fun for Michael. It is with great joy we remember a special Thanksgiving in Maryland with family: his parents, nana, aunt, uncle, cousins, cousin-in-law, his sister Rosebeth, Alec, Elizabeth, and a total of four dogs.
Family ski trips to his Aunt Bonnie's and Uncle Blaine's at Sugarloaf Mountain were always a good time for all.
His final visit to Maine was in August 2022. He wanted to share his love of the community he grew up in with his girlfriend, Monica DeMariano. The family gathered at the True family home in Saco and together with his sister, his Aunt Karen, Uncle Tim and his cousins, to whom he was very close, Ryan True of Scarborough, Krystin True of Saco and Laurie Webber of Biddeford, there were many laughs and memories made.
Michael had a special bond with his grandparents: Nana, Bubba, Gram and Pa who pre-deceased him.
Elizabeth Piazza, of Albuquerque NM, the mother of Alec and Arden has remained Michael's confidant and friend. They shared many adventures in their years together.
Michael continued his life’s adventures when he met Jocie Binette Palanza, the mother of Finley and Mila. They shared many happy years together. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, many cousins and friends.
On October 9, 2022, 49 years after his birth, this light of our life was unexpectedly taken from all who love him leaving an emptiness in the lives of many that can never be filled.
He was a wonderful man who loved his life. He will be deeply missed. There is no doubt he has brought his quick wit and sense of humor on this next adventure.
A service will be held in Maryland on Monday October 17, 2022, beginning at noon, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 9501-B Catoctin Mtn. Hwy (U.S. Route 15 North), Frederick, Maryland, 21701.
There will be a celebration of his life in Maine at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to L/A Arts, 221 Lisbon Street Lewiston, Maine 04240; (207) 782-7228; https://laarts.org/
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
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