Michael John Pipino

Jan 20, 1949 -

Apr 29, 2026

On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Michael John Pipino passed away surrounded by loving friends. Michael was born on Jan. 20, 1949. He grew up in Clifton Park, N.Y., and moved to Soldotna, Alaska, in 1977, when he was 28. Having worked in construction in New York, he quickly found work around the Kenai Peninsula. In time he became a General Contractor and built a successful business, MJP Construction, doing new construction and remodeling projects.

In 1977, he met the love of his life, lifelong Alaskan Sharon Pace, and on June 30, 1979, they were married on the lawn of their Soldotna home. They remained there until 1986, when they sold everything and bought a fifth-wheel trailer and for the next several years they traveled the country. They wanted to do this when they were young and healthy and could enjoy it. They stopped to work odd jobs when they needed money and then headed down the road to their next adventure. Longer stays included the Florida Keys and upstate New York.

As often happens, Alaska called them back and, in 1990, they returned not to Soldotna, but to the thriving metropolis of Anchorage. Michael quickly found work and eventually started a new General Contracting business, MJP Enterprises. Michael found a niche market, building and remodeling homes to make them ADA accessible.

Due to health concerns, he retired - not happily - in 2011. Once retired he had the time to revisit some old hobbies such as brewing beer, playing guitar and gardening. Michael was preceded in death by his daughter, Meredith; wife, Sharon; and parents, Mary and Al Pipino. He is survived by his stepdaughter, Kimberly Pace; daughter-in-law, Sheri Heritage; newest addition to the family, Beth Fischer Comstock; eight younger sisters and brothers and their respective partners; longtime dear friends, Teresa and Ted Tyrcz and their son Jacob and daughter-in-law Natasha; and the best chocolate chip cookie maker ever, Suzanne Marshall.