Michael J. Gagliardi Jr. of Buhl Boulevard, Sharon, passed away at 4:04 a.m. Sunday (11-14-10) in UPMC Horizon, Farrell, after a brief illness. He was 54.

Mr. Gagliardi was born Aug. 6, 1956, in Sharon, a son of Michael Joseph Gagliardi Sr. and Lillian L. Bono Gagliardi.

A lifelong area resident, Michael graduated in 1974 from Farrell High School. He had been an insurance representative for Western Southern Insurance Co. for more than 15 years.

Michael was a familiar face at American Legion Post 299, Sharon, where he was currently serving as commander of Sons of the American Legion. His friends at the American Legion will surely miss him, as he was always there to help out in a time of need.

He leaves: his daughter, Marcie A. Gagliardi, Farrell; his two sons, Michael J. Gagliardi III and his wife Alissa, New Castle; and Jeremy R. Gagliardi and his wife Kim, Hermitage; his sister, Delores Green and her husband Tom, Sharpsville; and his two granddaughters, Bella and Ava Gagliardi.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Calling hours: 4 p.m. to time of service Friday (11-19-10) in The Valley Church, 1957 Pine Hollow Blvd., Hermitage.

Condolences may be sent to his family by visiting the website www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Service: Memorial service at 6 p.m. Friday in the church with the Rev. Morgan Proudfoot, pastor, officiating.

Cremation: In J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.