Michael Allen Pao

Michael "Mike" Allen Pao passed away unexpectedly on September 11, 2017 in Modesto, California at the age of 66 years old. He is survived by his father Alvin Benjamin Pao and step-mother Pat Pao of Valley Springs, California, his daughter Michaela Nieblas and son-in-law Leo Nieblas of Hollister, California, his son Nicholas Pao and daughter-in-law April Pao of Aptos, California, 5 grandchildren - Gavin, Dylan and Chase Nieblas and Benjamin and Allison Pao, sister Jo Ann Pao Pogue of Ripon, California, and his beloved Pug dog "Chang". He also has a large extended family including nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his life partner Darlene LaMantia, his mother Mildred "Millie" Boteilho Pao and his brother Thomas Bryan Pao.
Mike was born on February 24, 1951 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Alvin and Mildred Pao. He moved to the Mainland (Niles, California) when he was 4 years old. He was in the first graduation class of Moreau High School in June 1969 and was senior class president. Mike spent time in the seminary with the hopes of becoming a Catholic priest but that was not to be his path in life. He attended Notre Dame University in Belmont, California. He joined the Air National Guard in 1969 as a communications specialist.
Mike married Cheryl Lynn Duarte in August 1971 and they resided in Boulder Creek, California. They welcomed their daughter, Michaela Alexis Pao in September 1978 and their son, Nicholas Scott Pao, in June 1981. They started their own business, Pao's Interior Design. As years passed Mike lived in different cities and held various occupations including working in sales. After his unfortunate accident he was forced to retire and relocated with his life companion, Darlene LaMantia, to Modesto, California in 1993. He served as a volunteer Ombudsman and worked with other organizations during his time there.
Mike was known for his big heart and his willingness to help anyone who needed it. We will always remember him for his laughter and sense of humor. He always wanted to "talk stories". He enjoyed reading, gardening, cars and his many Pug dogs. Of course, no one will ever forget his undying love for music, dancing and singing. Ohana was the most important thing to him.