JACKSON – The sound of laughter once echoed through the Jackson home where Michael “Mikey” Gioia lived for the last seven years. Now, the air is quieter, filled with memories and a mother’s struggle to accept the loss of her youngest child. Most days still feel surreal, as if Mikey might walk through the door at any moment.
The sixteen-year-old died following a crash on October 8, only minutes from home. Though tragedy took him far too soon, Mikey’s kindness, humor, and heart left an imprint on everyone who knew him.
The Boy With The Bright Smile
When friends and family talk about Mikey, they almost always begin with his smile – wide, contagious, and capable of lighting up a room. “He was goofy in the best way,” said his mother, Danielle Gioia. “He loved to make people laugh, sometimes at the dumbest jokes. He just had this energy that made everything better.”
Danielle raised Mikey and his brothers, Santino and Giovanni, largely on her own. “He was my baby,” she said softly. “No matter how old he got, that’s what he’d always be.”
Mikey had a quiet side, but his friends saw the funny, mischievous version who loved making everyone feel included. He was the kind of friend who noticed when someone seemed down and would text out of nowhere: “Hey, you good?”
“He was that person for so many kids,” Danielle said. “A lot of teenagers deal with heavy stuff. Mikey wanted to help them through it.”
That empathy extended into the classroom. Mikey began high school at Jackson Liberty, then transitioned to Jackson Township High School after the district merger. He was known as respectful, hardworking, and genuinely kind, always greeting classmates with a smile. He consistently made the Honor Roll, balancing school, football, and a part-time job.
“He set his own alarm, packed his bag, and made sure his work was done,” Danielle said. “He was responsible in ways that made me forget he was only sixteen.”
Even as he excelled in school, Mikey dreamed about helping others. He told his mom he wanted to become a therapist or counselor, drawn to listening and guiding others through hard times. “He could sense when someone wasn’t okay,” Danielle said. “He didn’t just ask what was wrong; he really listened.”
Mikey also used social media to lift people up, filling his pages with affirmations about gratitude and perseverance. His brother Santino, 21, reflected that same spirit in his eulogy. “He never took anything for granted,” he said. “Mikey gave his heart to everyone he loved.”
Santino urged those who mourned his brother to give thanks in his memory. “Be grateful to be tired from work. Be grateful to be scared about the future. Be grateful to wake up every single day.”
In sharing his love for his late brother, Santino spoke of Mikey’s special bond with their brother Giovanni, his appreciation for their father, and referred to Danielle as Mikey’s “rock and support.”
“Mikey was also super close to his sister, Allie,” Danielle said. “She is 34 and he liked staying at her house and spending time together.”
A Personality Larger Than Life
Born June 5, 2009, Mikey grew up in Staten Island before moving to Jackson. He played youth football, then for Jackson Liberty, and was a dedicated fan of fantasy football and the Pittsburgh Steelers. At home, he was happiest with his cat, Chloe, and dogs, Rocket and Minnie.
But his true obsession was sneakers. Mikey had an eye for design and could identify new Jordan releases before most people knew they dropped. He took pride in keeping his shoes spotless, each pair carefully arranged like trophies.
Danielle laughed remembering the day Mikey borrowed a pair of sneakers from her long-time partner, James Carapella, even though they were too big. “He shoved paper in the toes just to make them fit,” she said. “He didn’t care; they were the ones he wanted to wear.”
Fashion, to Mikey, was self-expression. “He was always so put together,” Danielle said. “Whatever the new trend was, Mikey knew about it, but he didn’t copy anyone. He made everything his own.”
She smiled remembering their playful banter. “I’d tell him, ‘Michael, that looks ridiculous,’ and he’d just shake his head and say, ‘Mom, you don’t get it. You’re not cool enough.’”
“The truth is, he was cool,” she added. “He could wear anything and make it look effortless. He didn’t follow the crowd; he created his own look.”
Mikey’s style extended to scents, too. He had a collection of colognes, each for a specific season. “He said certain ones were for summer and others were for winter,” Danielle said. “It was news to me.”
A Sudden Loss
According to police reports, the crash that took Mikey’s life occurred around 5:55 p.m. near East Veterans Highway and Westlake Court, when an eastbound pickup truck crossed the center line and struck the 2009 Nissan he was driving head-on. Witnesses pulled him from the burning vehicle and performed CPR until first responders arrived. Mikey was taken to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, where he was pronounced dead.
The 18-year-old driver of the pickup and her passenger were treated for minor injuries. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Jackson Township Police continue to investigate the crash.
Danielle learned something was wrong when her phone lit up with a critical crash alert from Mikey’s cellphone. She arrived within moments to find first responders fighting to save her son. “They were performing CPR,” she said quietly. “It didn’t seem real. He was just a minute from home.”
The tragedy shook the community to its core. The Jackson School District activated its crisis team to provide grief counseling. Superintendent Nicole Pormilli called it a heartbreaking loss and encouraged students to reach out for help.
Hundreds of classmates and friends shared messages with the family – memories of how Mikey made them laugh, listened when they needed someone, or helped them feel less alone. One friend brought a teddy bear that plays a recording of Mikey’s final voice message. “Hearing his voice is something I’ll treasure forever,” Danielle said.
Gone, But Never Forgotten
Mikey’s short life left an enduring legacy of joy and kindness. He is survived by his mother, Danielle Gioia, and James Carapella, who loved him as his own; his father, Anthony Gioia and his fiancé, Quianda Dyer; and his siblings Santino, Giovanni, Anthony Jr., Alexandria, and Jennie Gioia.
“The mayor came to his funeral,” Danielle shared. “She was so kind and understanding. I’ve asked the township to place a memorial sign in his honor, and I’d love to see a bench at one of the schools, with positive affirmations, where kids can sit and think.”
