Michael’s Bio

Born January 24th, 1949 in New Brunswick, N.J., Michael J. Pellowski is the oldest of five children born to Michael Pellowski III and Charlotte Novack Pellowski. He is of Russian and Hungarian descent. Four of his uncles on his father’s side served in various branches of the military during WWII, and his uncle Charles “Muscles” Pellowski had a distinguished record in the Navy’s Silent Service (Submarine).

Michael grew up in an impoverished, broken home, which for a time had no heat and barely enough food. His father was seldom present, and the early death of a sibling (John), due to illness, later affected him greatly. When the neighborhood Michael’s family lived in evolved into a rough area, the lure of juvenile delinquency became a magnet too strong to resist. Years of fights, alcohol abuse and trouble with the law ensued. After being arrested and placed on probation, Michael discovered books and sports.

Michael’s talent for athletics and creative writing helped him successfully endure his parents messy divorce and the splitting up of his siblings. Success in academics and athletics changed him from a teen labeled as one of the “worst troublemakers in school,” to a class president and the best graduating athlete of his class. He was recruited by numerous colleges and universities, including many Ivy League schools.

Michael is a graduate of St. Peters Elementary School, Franklin High School, and Rutgers College (University), all in New Jersey. Michael has been married to Judy Snyder Pellowski, his former high school sweetheart, for 48 years. Together, they have four children: Morgan, Matthew, Melanie and Martin.