Michael Lee Paduano

Michael Lee Paduano, 70, quietly left our lives on Jan. 18, 2017.  He was born on Dec. 11, 1946.  Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Vera Paduano,  his father, Michael Paduano II and his first wife, Kay Paduano.  He is survived by his loving sister, Jill Jamieson, beloved godson, Taylor Everts and cherished stepdaughters, Trisha Balderrama and Lisa Mederaris.  He also leaves behind a great legacy of many life-long and treasured friends and loved ones.

Michael’s father passed away when he was just 3 or 4 years old, and consequently was very spoiled by his mother. Being a boy in a tight-knit Italian family, he was also spoiled by uncles whom he said would slip him cash at family gatherings.  When he began to act up, he was sent to military school.  He ran away and was later sent to forestry camp which he thoroughly enjoyed, and where he found the loving discipline and mentor/father figure that he needed.  He later graduated from Lincoln High School.

Since 1969, Michael was the hard-working and highly-respected owner of Spotless Sign Co.. His beautiful signs displayed throughout Seattle and beyond remind us of his brilliant artistic talent, flair for design, interesting color combinations, exceptional skills and eye for detail.  His endless list of talents included hand-sculpted letters and old-school hand-painting and leafing, and he was equally capable of making glamorous, upscale signs, or his personal favorite, distressed-looking signs.

His artistic talent, love of color and appreciation for the unusual carried over into other aspects of his life, including his treasured and eclectic decor, clothing, cars, friends and most of all, his colorful personality! He was truly ONE OF A KIND! His Cheshire Cat grin and devilish personality, infectious laughter, huge heart and sense of fun drew people to him like a magnet!  Even when he was a merciless tease and prankster, one could not help but love him.

Over his lifetime, he had countless fabulous cars and hot rods, the most memorable probably being “Proud Mary,” his 1949 Chevy panel truck. It was more of a “rat rod” – low key (but cool) on the outside, built to the hilt under the hood.  Many friendships revolved around working on or restoring cars together.

He had a talent for remaining great friends with nearly everyone he dated or was married to.  That says a lot about a man.

Michael loved to travel to exotic, sunny places like Belize, Mexico and New Zealand.  He also loved a good road trip.  He enjoyed a good concert and nearly all types of live music.

Many adjectives have been used to describe Michael: LOVABLE, brat, lovable brat, loving, traveler, road-tripper, endearing, stubborn, “little shit,” courageous, fun-loving, “Peter Pan,” button pusher, buddy, generous, talented, life of the party, artist, good dancer, obnoxious, merciless tease, kind-hearted, stylish, handsome, risk-taker, devilish, designer, practical joker, GREAT FRIEND,… the list goes on.

Toward the end, Michael said, “I’ve lived a charmed life!”  Michael Lee Paduano, you charmed all of OUR lives, and you are TRULY UNFORGETTABLE!  In your own words, we’ll  “SEE YOU SOONER THAN LATER.”