Mike Pasciullo, the SVP of Marvel Television & Entertainment, Marketing & Publicity, died this week at age 50, Marvel reported. Pasciullo was a key figure in Marvel’s live events space and marketing efforts. But more than that, he was a beloved figure by those who knew him (myself included), a large and yet still larger than life presence whose friendship and sense of humor was unstoppable.
Marvel Entertainment President Dan Buckley remembered his cose friend in a statement: “Mike was truly a lifelong Marvelite. His marketing savvy, commitment, creativity, humor and kindness were on display every day for friends and fans alike. He understood that for any fan, each convention might be their only one, and he personally laid the foundation to make sure they walked away not just happy, but elated.
“Mike was a close friend to us and so many others, and I will miss him every day. I count myself lucky to have called him a friend.”
Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski wrote: “Sometimes you meet someone and immediately know you’ll be friends for life, which is what happened the day Mike Pasciullo burst into mine. From our shared love of Marvel comics, ’80s metal bands and Philly cheesesteaks, we just clicked. While Mike always preferred to work more behind-the-scenes, Marvel would not be what it is today without him. His legacy will carry on forever, and for those of us who knew him best, Mike will always live on in our hearts, wearing his Penn State hat, rooting for the Eagles, and trying to convince us Poison was the greatest band of all time.”
Twitter and Facebook were full of remembrances as well, filled with photos of Pasciullo in his native habitat: having fun and making people smile.
https://mobile.twitter.com/jpalmiotti/status/1539747637808734208
Jimmy Palmiotti wrote:
Mike Pasciullo was my friend. I loved him. Anyone that met him felt the same. He was one of those special people that everyone wanted to be around. Amanda and I have so many great memories with him. He will always be a part of our lives. Rest in Peace, brother.
Frank Tieri recalled an anecdote from Pasciullo’s time helping plan and build out Marvel’s SDCC presence:
It was the SDCC before Ant man came out. They were preparing to do a panel or some other promotional whatever the hell for the film when my friend Mike Pasciullo, wearing a Philadelphia Flyers tshirt, backwards baseball cap and shorts, introduced himself to Michael Douglas. “Hi Mr Douglas. I’m Mike Pasciullo. I’m Senior Vice President of Marketing for Marvel ” Douglas looked him over. “Well”, said Douglas “ you certainly don’t look like the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Marvel “.
He often didn’t. Mike was a regular guy who drank Miller Lite, rooted for the Eagles, listened to Poison and was way too into the Rocky movies.
And he loved Marvel.
The average comic fan won’t recognize his name… but they’d certainly know his handiwork. Been to a con during Mike’s 25 plus years at Marvel where they had a presence and enjoyed yourself? You have him to thank for that. Mike was as much a part of the place as Spider-man or Stan Lee or any of it.
And he was the type of guy you wouldn’t forget if you met him. Dude was a big, happy go lucky sort, like a Great Dane brought into human form. And yet he was as positive as they come, as good as they come. Mike wouldn’t give you the shirt off his back. He’d find out your size and go buy you another one because he’d be afraid his shirt wouldn’t fit you. He was that kind of guy
I have been blessed with many friends over my lifetime. He was as good a friend to me as I’ve ever had. To say I’ll miss him is an understatement
See ya on the other side, brother. Have a couple of miller lites at the ready. RIP Mike Pasciullo
Joe Quesada praised all the above and showed that “Pooch” as he was known, was also an excellent dancer:
