Michael David Buongiorno, born on June 12, 1961 in Albany, N.Y., passed away on January 29, 2026, at home in Heber City, Utah, after a courageous fifteen-month battle with stage 4 colon cancer. He spent his early childhood years in Libertyville, Illinois, with summers in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, creating long lasting memories at the beach before the family moved to Southern California when he was age ten .

Mike's passion for life was evident not only in his professional career but also in his love for family and the great outdoors. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Construction Technology from California State University, Long Beach, which laid the foundation for a successful career. He began working at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort during college, where he fostered a love for skiing. After college, Mike spent nine years as a project manager at Coan Construction before joining Barr Engineering, his family's business, eventually rising to the role of Vice President of Operations. After 27 highly successful years with the business, he retired in Utah where his adventurous spirit led him to work at Deer Valley in the ski and bike rental shop, as well as the Olympic Park, sharing his enthusiasm for skiing and biking with everyone he encountered.

As an avid skier and mountain biker, Mike found immense happiness in the mountains, where he spent countless hours. Most treasured were the moments shared with his son, Trevor, as they went go-carting together, adventuring on various bike trails and the family weekend trips to Mammoth where Trevor became a competitive ski racer, a feat which made Mike incredibly proud. Mike also served as a little league baseball and junior basketball coach while also volunteering at Trevor's ski races as a gate official. Those experiences brought joy to his heart and reinforced the strong bond between them.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Vickie Buongiorno; their son, Trevor Buongiorno; his sisters, Patt Hood, Mary Christensen; and his brothers, Pete Buongiorno and Dann Buongiorno. Though he is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Mary Buongiorno, and father, Santo Buongiorno, his memory will undoubtedly live on through his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mike's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with the threads of love, resilience, and adventure. Mike was known for his easy-going nature, a trait that endeared him to everyone around him. He had a remarkable ability to find joy in simple pleasures and nurtured a deep passion for skiing, which he enthusiastically imparted to his family. As we remember Mike, let us carry forward the legacy of his spirit. His love for family, his passion for life's adventures, and the simplicity of a shared smile on a snowy slope will be reminders of a life well-lived, now nestled in the memories of those who loved him.