Michael James "Mike" Pinter

Michael James “Mike” Pinter, 74, of Rockford passed away Thursday, December 15, 2016. Born January 19, 1942, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the son of Matthew and Cecilia (Keenan) Pinter. He graduated from St. Mary Springs Academy in Fond du Lac, went on to earn his Bachelors in Education from University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh and his Masters in Administration from Northern Illinois University. Michael married Mary Ellen Harra in 1964 in Oshkosh. He started his teaching career at Franklin Middle School in the Harlem School District, then became the Dean of Boys at Harlem High School. Michael served as Principal for RPS 205 at Kishwaukee, Rolling Green and retired in 1994 from Church School. In retirement, he worked for the Regional Office of Education and administered GED tests. Michael loved his wife, daughters and grandsons and never missed his grandsons sporting events. Growing up in Wisconsin, he was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan and spent many happy times at the cottage in Wisconsin. Michael was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. He always had great compassion and empathy for others.
Lovingly survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; daughters, Debbie (Gary) Sarmiento of Rockford, Susan DeCastris of Rockton and Katie Pinter of Los Angeles, California; grandsons, Jacob Sarmiento and Frankie DeCastris; sister-in-law, Nancy Mather of Oshkosh, Wisconsin and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his parents and in-laws, John and Marian Harra.
Funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, and will continue at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Entombment in Lake View Memorial Park Mausoleum, Oshkosh, Wisconsin on Friday at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Michael’s name to Shelter Care Ministries or Carpenter’s Place, both of Rockford. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.