Michael Steven Realon

Michael Steven Realon, age 66, of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully at home on July 3, 2025, following a courageous three-year journey with kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma, RCC). Born on December 21, 1958, in Stockton, California, Mike lived a life marked by deep love, enduring passion, and a relentless drive to better the world through education, family, and purpose.

Mike was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, educator, mentor, teammate, coach, and friend whose passion was evident in every corner of his life and whose legacy is treasured by his family and the countless lives he touched. He is survived by his wife of 35 years and partner of 40 years, Nona Louise Patterson; their sons, Michael Santiago “Sammy” Realon (wife Linnea Bratten Realon) and Matthew Steven Realon (partner Maria Hernandez); and the grandson he adored, Micah Samson Realon, who lovingly knew him by his childhood nickname, “WaWa.” Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Molly Darlene Franklin (2000), his father, Gill Santiago “Sammy” Realon (1977), and his beloved uncle, Eugene Recolcol Realon (1991). He is also survived by his brothers, Gill Realon (wife Bev Perry) and Rod Realon (wife Julie Henderson Realon), who stood by him with love and support throughout his life and, most importantly, were sources of strength and care in his final months.

Mike’s defining characteristic was passion. Whether sports, fly fishing, cooking, education, friendship, or family—Mike threw himself completely into what mattered. If something didn’t align with his purpose, he let it go and moved forward with clarity and determination. He supported his wife with equal devotion to her passions, and together they nurtured a relationship that allowed both to grow—as individuals and as a family—grounded in shared values.

Nothing brought Mike more joy or pride than being a father. He was present for every game, every moment, and every milestone. He supported, listened to, and loved his sons fiercely—always making them his top priority. He loved pitching baseballs to them in Little League, going on vacations and adventures, gathering for family dinners, and simply spending time together. His greatest sorrow in facing death was not being able to witness the continued journeys of his sons and his grandson and their growing families—though he was at peace knowing they were capable, competent, and had what they needed within themselves. He believed in them with all his heart.

Mike built strong, lasting friendships and forged meaningful partnerships throughout his life. He deeply valued the bonds formed during his childhood and maintained those connections even after moving from California nearly four decades earlier. He often reflected on how the families and friends from his early years helped shape his character, values, and sense of purpose, and he carried those influences with him throughout his life.

He also cultivated powerful relationships with colleagues, school leaders who believed in his mission, business partners, and community leaders. He often said that without their support he surely would have been fired—but with their belief in his vision, they worked together to create real change in education and in the lives of countless students. Above all, Mike treasured the relationships he formed with students. Nothing moved him more than sharing stories of their growth and successes—often told with a crack in his voice and a tear in his eye.

Though education became his encore career, his journey began in the private sector as a senior executive, entrepreneur, and consultant. He began in association management with the National Hosiery Association, rising to vice president and treasurer, and later served as president and executive director of the Carolina-Virginia Fashion Exhibitors.

In 2002, Mike transitioned into public education—a role he initially thought would be temporary, but soon realized was his true calling. For the next 23 years, Mike was a visionary and a trailblazer, dedicated to creating career-based opportunities and forging meaningful partnerships that improved educational and economic outcomes for all students. He worked within a system often resistant to innovation and disrupted it—not with force, but with results and a clear vision. By forging meaningful partnerships with key local industries, he created career-based opportunities, apprenticeships, and other forms of valuable work-based learning. These efforts not only empowered young people to realize their human and economic potential but also strengthened communities by expanding the pool of skilled, knowledgeable talent for a 21st-century workforce.

Coming from humble beginnings as the son of a cafeteria worker and a migrant farm laborer, Mike understood firsthand the life-changing power of opportunity. He led with compassion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to student success. His legacy lives on in the lives he helped transform and in the colleagues who carry forward the practices and vision he inspired. Realon Academy, scheduled to open in Fall 2026, will carry forward Mike’s vision by integrating education with applied STEM learning. The school will feature a distinctive hands-on mentorship program in collaboration with local industries—including manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and finance—ensuring students are prepared with both knowledge and real-world skills to thrive in the future.

Mike’s work garnered national recognition, with features on CNN, PBS, NBC Nightly News, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. He received numerous honors, including the 2024 WFAE Equilibrium Education Leader Award, the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from North Carolina’s Steps4Growth Coalition, the 2022 Lowe’s Generation T National Educator of the Year, and the 2020 YMCA Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Ambassador Award. In 2024, he was inducted into The Order of the Trojan, a recognition program established by the Olympic High School Foundation to honor individuals who have profoundly impacted the school and the wider community. His innovative efforts have been highlighted in Ted Dintersmith’s What School Could Be, the 2023 book A Revolution in Education: Scaling Opportunity for All Students by Chris Unger, and the upcoming documentary The Death of Recess.

Sports were a defining part of Mike’s early life. Though short and stocky, he excelled in baseball, basketball, bowling and water skiing, eventually turning his talents to coaching and mentoring youth—once even leading a team to a state tournament victory. Over time, his passion shifted from playing to watching, often with unmatched intensity. He could frequently be found just inches from the TV, shouting instructions—or colorful expletives—much to the confusion of his wife, who never quite understood this ritual. Later in life, Mike discovered a quieter passion in fly fishing. He eagerly explored the rivers of North Carolina, Vermont, Tennessee, and New Mexico—each trip a source of joy, with many more dream destinations still on his list.

Mike’s passion also came to life in the kitchen. A masterful and adventurous cook, he expanded the palate of the woman who would become his wife—who, at the time, had a very limited range of foods she was willing to eat. He won her over with both his cooking and his love. For Mike, cooking was a pure act of love—one of the many ways he cared for his family and friends alike. His creativity in the kitchen became a cornerstone of family life, inspiring both sons to find their own joy in cooking and grilling. One of them even became an executive sous chef, proudly carrying on his dad’s culinary legacy. Mike was still giving Big Green Egg lessons up to the very end—though, as anyone who has tried it knows, mastering it comes with a learning curve.

Mike was also a devoted dog lover, known for spoiling his pups with the same love he showed his family. From his early companion Pierre (there were several Pierres over the years) to the family dogs Snookie, Max, Lucky, Baku, Peanut, and Lady, his dogs were constant sources of joy. He often sat outside just to keep them company; they were never far from his side.

In his final months, as illness gradually challenged his independence, Mike learned to accept help with grace. Surrounded by his wife, his brothers, and his sons, he was enveloped in unwavering love and care. He had given so much to others throughout his life—and in those final weeks and months, he allowed himself to receive.

Mike loved deeply. He lived purposefully and passionately. He will be missed beyond measure. His absence leaves an unfillable void, but his legacy endures—in every student or colleague he inspired, every friend he uplifted, and every family member he loved deeply.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Levine Cancer Center—especially Dr. Asim Amin and his dedicated staff—who compassionately oversaw Mike’s care throughout his three-year journey. We are also deeply grateful to Via Hospice for their support and guidance.

Memorial Mass – Stockton ,California:
A Memorial Mass will be held in Stockton, California on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) / 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) at St. Mary’s High Chapel. Father Matthew Isaac will preside. For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will be livestreamed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/eorn2koLv3w?si=4bNaPPU4Wm2mCMnv

Celebration of Life- Charlotte, North Carolina:
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the family home in Charlotte. All who knew and loved Mike or the family are welcome to join us in sharing stories, laughter, and remembrance. RSVP: nonapatterson@mac.com

In Lieu of Flowers:
In keeping with Mike’s wishes, memorial contributions may be made to Realon Academy, 11529 Wilmar Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273, or by direct wire transfer to Towne Bank, Ballantyne Branch, 13900 Conlan Circle, Charlotte, NC 28277.