Michael James Pinnelli, 52, of Elgin, passed away peacefully at his home on December 7, 2025.
Michael was born on January 20, 1973, in Park Ridge, Illinois, the son of Ralph and Beverly Pinnelli. He graduated from Schaumburg High School and went on to build a successful 28-year career in the auto/motorcycle industry, specializing in finance. Michael loved entertaining—grilling, cooking, and hosting countless gatherings for the people he cared about. He was deeply passionate about Harley motorcycles.
Known for his huge heart and quick wit, Michael brought laughter and warmth wherever he went. He was a loving son, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend, and he will be missed by all who knew him. He also is survived by his dog Coach and is reunited with his dog Brady, who passed away earlier this year.
Michael is survived by his mother, Beverly (Tom Noesen) Pinnelli; his brother, Jason (Kim) Pinnelli; his nieces and nephew, Anthony, Bella, and Gianna; his aunt and uncle, Jean and Steve Wilson, and his cousins Laura and James. Michael was also survived by many other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph, and by his grandparents, James and Marie Baker and Ralph and Phyllis Pinnelli.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. service at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10850 Main Street, Huntley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Tiny and Tall Animal Rescue in St. Charles, Illinois.
For further information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or visit www.defiorefuneral.com to leave online condolences.
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Mrs Pinnelli and family, my deepest condolences. Mike was my neighbor for 20 years and was known for his cookouts, gatherings and riding his harley. He was always so full of life, didn't take life to seriously, took time to talk with others, and loved his two precious fur babies - Brady and Coach. Mike is and will be missed and the neighborhood won't be the same without him. May your memories of Mike sustain you during this difficult time.
What a loss to have a child die my heart goes out to you my fears go with you. My hope goes to you. I will be away visiting my daughter in Virginia and knowing she is in her 50s as well I will hold her close knowing that you cannot hold your son, please be safe And know that I will be thinking of you.
HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS
In Loving Memory of Michael Pinnelli Known Smart Ass. Master Griller. Lifelong Menace (Beloved). Pinnelli, who I’ve known since seventh grade—back when we were all feral and thought sarcasm was a personality—has decided to leave us. Rude, honestly. Pin loved three things deeply: 1. Grilling (year-round, regardless of weather or common sense) 2. His friends, always, they were everything to him. 3. Being a smart ass (an Olympic-level one) If you ever heard Pin say something “out of pocket,” just know he absolutely meant it… and also loved you very much. His humor was sharp, his loyalty was real, and his ability to talk trash while flipping burgers, grilling steak or his dysfunctional friends & family Thanksgiving - was unmatched. FACTS!!! He was the kind of friend who showed up, talked shit, fed you, and somehow made everything better—usually while standing next to a grill he took way too seriously. Pin leaves behind a lifetime of inside jokes no one else will ever understand, a group of friends who are better for having survived him, and at least one grill that will never emotionally recover 😭 Rest easy, Pinnelli. Save us a seat, keep the grill hot, and don’t worry—we’ll continue roasting you forever. ❤️🔥
Our team is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Michael. He was an amazing guy, who always made us laugh when we were around him. He stayed in touch with us after adopting Coach, who he adored dearly, and would host fundraisers through his job for us for other dogs in our care. He had such a big heart. We are sending our love to his family and Coach during this difficult time. Rest in peace Michael, you will be deeply missed by all who knew you.
My deepest condolences . I’m so sorry for your loss. Michael J was a wonderful person with the most infectious smile. He will be missed by so many
Our sympathy and prayers. May he rest in peace in peace and rise in glory.
You will be missed !