Toy Association Mourns the Passing of Michael P. Albarelli, CEO of Amloid

August 16, 2018 | The Toy Association and its members mourn the passing of Michael P. Albarelli, III, CEO of Amloid, who tragically passed away August 13 at the age of 38.

The family invites industry colleagues and friends who wish to pay their respects and celebrate his life to a memorial service on Saturday, August 18 at 11 a.m. at Delbarton School (230 Mendham Rd., Morristown, NJ 07960). A reception will follow at the Black Horse Tavern & Pub (1 W. Main St., Mendham, NJ 07945).

The following statements and obituary were shared with The Toy Association by Albarelli’s family:

“It’s a hard day today to start the remaining journey without my beautiful son Mike, but my son Joe and I will forge ahead, as Mike worked so hard and gave so much of himself to improve our lives,” said Michael Albarelli, Jr., president of Amloid.

“My brother will be missed greatly, but we will continue to work to ensure his vision and passion for our business are kept alive,” said Joseph Albarelli, COO, Amloid.

Mike took the helm of the Amloid family business in 2007, though he was no stranger to the toy industry. Amloid was founded in 1916 by Mike’s great-grandfather and has seen four generations of Albarelli leadership over the last century – Mike had toys in his blood since the day he was born. He was excited to lead the fourth generation of the company and take Amloid into its next chapter. Though Amloid is 100-plus years old, Mike prided himself on the fact that the company today runs more like an entrepreneurial and rapidly growing start-up.

Under Mike’s leadership, Amloid has quickly risen to be the third largest player in junior construction, cemented powerful licensing partnerships with parent-trusted brands, and continued to innovate their product offerings while diversifying their sales channels globally.  

Those who have worked with Mike knew him as a man of the utmost integrity, a reliable and trustworthy partner, a genuinely good person, and dear friend. Anyone who ever heard Mike speak about his business immediately recognized his passion and sincerity and was instantly taken by his warmth and energy.

Mike was a respected leader and businessman, and his passion for the family business was only surpassed by his love of his own family. He was a loving and supportive partner to his wife, Shannon, of seven years, who he started dating in college and who Mike was always proud to say is a fellow entrepreneur. Mike was also proud to be called “Dad” by his two sons, who he played with and loved till his last living moments.

Mike is a graduate of Brown University and Delbarton School where he thrived in athletics and academics. He excelled in lacrosse and served as captain of the U-19 USA Team as well as captain of the Brown lacrosse team.  

Mike is survived by his parents, Michael Albarelli, Jr., and Susan; his brother Joseph and sister-in-law Kristin; his wife Shannon; and sons Sam and Will, 5 and 3.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s name can be made to Goryeb Children's Hospital in Morristown, NJ.