Mike Aurelio

Michael (Mike) John Aurelio, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on November 26th at 50 years old. Mike is survived by his wife Nina, daughter Eloise, parents Francesco and Sandra Aurelio, brothers Daniel (Kristen) Aurelio, Nicholas (Alexis) Aurelio, and sister Michelle (David) Adams. Mike was a graduate of Elgin High School and alumnus of NIU.
A true romantic, Mike fell in love with his wife Nina after hearing her sing before he even met her. Their life together started in 2001 and they were married in 2013. Together they created a venture in collectables that reflected their shared passion and keen eye for treasure. Mike and Nina’s love was a force that saw Mike through many of the challenges he faced in his life. They had one beautiful child together, Eloise, on a surprising December day in 2016.
Mike’s relationship with his daughter Eloise was the heart of his world. He was a master storyteller who could weave narratives so vivid and magical that they would transform an ordinary moment into an extraordinary adventure. He was able to make her laugh like no one else could. It was beyond just humor. He created a space of pure joy and unconditional love. Every story he told connected their hearts, and their laughter was the music of that special connection.
Mike was also truly a strategic genius. He was always several steps ahead when it came to chess, world events, and football, anticipating outcomes with remarkable insight and a keen intellect. He was the best partner you could ask for when playing a game, and a dedicated player in any sport he played, including football and baseball. You were always winning with Mikie on your team.
Mike was a lifelong Cubs fan, thanks to his grandfather, LeRoy, and went to many Cubs games, cheering them on through all their many ups and downs. When they won the World Series, it may have rivaled the birth of his child as one of his best days. He was a wonderful cook and had a love of Italian cooking due to his doting grandmother, Caterina. One of his favorite visits with her was when he brought her pizza he had made, and she said it reminded her of her own recipe.
He was a generous family man, always ready to protect his family and friends, and stick up for the underdog. As a true defender of the innocent, he was a great lover of pets and children and they all loved him just the same. If you needed a happy baby, all you had to do was hand it to Mikie. He cared so much for the children in his life including all his nieces and nephews and treated them as he would his own children. He was a kid at heart and had so much fun using his time to make generous gifts or create fun moments for everyone around him, especially for his wife and daughter.
As Gandalf, a character dear to Mike’s heart once said, “End? No, the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take.” Mike understood journeys from living a life of resilience, loyalty, and unexpected courage. His life was full of hurdles, but his legacy is not measured by the time he had here, but in the profound love he shared and leaves behind – especially in his daughter Eloise, who has so many of her father’s remarkable qualities.
What a joy it was to know Mike Aurelio.