Obituary of Michael A. Raganelli

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death of Michael A. Raganelli, 57, of Manhattan, on October 13, 2018 at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Michael was born on October 18, 1960 in Jersey City, NJ. He graduated from Marist High School in Bayonne, NJ, in 1978. In 1984, he moved to New York City and began a career in commercial real estate appraisal, working most recently for East/West Bank as the manager for East Coast Due Diligence. Michael held a "Liberal Arts Degree" from New School University in New York City and a Degree in Business Administration from Pace University. Michael was awarded several designations: MAI in 1993, MRICS in 2015 and AI-GRS in 2016. He was a certified and approved Appraisal Institute Instructor and an Expert Witness in real estate matters, recognized in New York State and Florida. He had previously served on the faculties of New York Real Estate Institute, Baruch University Steven L Newman Real Estate Institute and Fordham University. Michael created and wrote "In Layman's Terms", a column for the New York Post, which ran from 1996 to 2001. Michael is survived by his wife, Nathalie, who was his best friend and life-long partner. He was also survived by his father, Vito A. Raganelli, of New Bern, NC, his aunt Anna Fratantuono, his aunt Carol Patrick along with many, many, well-loved cousins, nieces and nephews from all over the world, his beloved mother-in-law, Colette Biju-Duval of Aix-en Provence, France, his brothers and sisters-in-law, Luc and Carmen Biju-Duval and Bruno and Annie Biju-Duval. Michael and Nathalie were introduced by Roger and Lisa Rubin, who were unaware that a blind date would result in an amazing love story. Michael had a great love of family, and was well loved in return by family in the United States, France and Spain. His family was forged not only by blood, but by love and true friendship. His "brothers", Nicolas and Tony came to him later in life. His beloved pets were also family to him: Tess, Rosie, Dino and Charlemagne. Michael was larger than life. He loved to cook and gather with people around a table with a good glass of wine and/or a Dirty Martini. Michael has a true "joie de vivre" and wanted everyone around him to experience that feeling. He was a positive person who never looked back. He always moved forward in good times and in difficult times, as well. He enjoyed engaging in political discussions and was a massive Jets and Mets fan. Michael loved his cars and particularly, his Cadillacs. He was a builder, an architect, a designer and was amazingly innovative with great ideas. He loved his house and his community in Goshen, NY, and particularly his association with the Elks Lodge in Middletown, NY (Lodge 1097). Michael was a strong proponent of education and was actively assisting his High School Alma Mater, Marist, in Bayonne, NJ, with real estate and financial advice. A Service will be held on Friday, October 26, 2018 at 12:30 pm at the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., 82 South Church Street, Goshen, NY. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Marist High School Michael Raganelli Scholarship Fund. Marist High School 1241 John Fitzgerald Kennedy Blvd, Bayonne, NJ 07002. 1 201-437-4545