"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."

Psalm 116:15

Dr. Michael John Anthony Magnotta, DDS was born in Albion, MI, January 24, 1972 to Jeanne and Alfonso Magnotta, Jr. He died in his sleep of a heart attack at home in Morganton, NC, December 24, 2023—early morning Christmas Eve.

Dr. Magnotta graduated from Albion High School -1990 and was student body president. As Operation Desert Storm was unfolding, he enlisted in the US Army, working as a dental specialist. He served from '90-'96 in Korea and Arlington, Virginia. After retiring from the military, he spent a brief time in New York where he gave his life to Jesus Christ. Thinking he was to attend Seminary, he pulled out a map, closed his eyes and blindly put his finger down, landing on Charlotte, NC.

Upon relocation, he met the love of his life, Katherine Ackerman. They were soul mates, sharing adventures and milestones. They had a mutual love of music, were always first on the dance floor and last to leave, and loved karaoke. They challenged one another, dreamed together, forged new paths, and even co-wrote a screenplay. They were the exception to the rule and enjoyed 25 years of marriage.

Once wed, Dr. Magnotta supported Katherine at her Rock-N-Java Christian coffeehouse, as house DJ and sound engineer. Katherine supported Dr. Magnotta as he returned to school, where he received a bachelor's degree from UNC-Charlotte. He furthered his education at UNC-Chapel Hill, graduating with high marks from the Adam's School of Dentistry. He earned his degree as a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2013 and was a member of International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

Dr. Magnotta and Katherine relocated to Morganton, where he opened Morganton Family Dentistry as Chief Doctor of Dental Surgery, known fondly as "The Smile Artist". He shared his faith and led many people to the Lord.

In addition to compassionate care, he dedicated his time to service oriented organizations, providing free dental services through Christian Medical & Dental Association and Doctors Without Borders. He worked alongside former pro wrestler Tully Blanchard/Ring of Truth prison ministries. He ministered to those in need, even becoming a Lamaze partner for a fellow soldier. His faith and desire for change led him to run for US House of Representatives. He allowed himself to be used by God in all aspects of his life and left behind a beautiful legacy of love and hope.

Dr. Magnotta is proceeded in death by his father, Alfonso Magnotta, Jr., step-sister Teresa Holzbach, and beloved fur babies Charlie and Oliver. He is survived by his wife Katherine A. Magnotta; step-children Eric and Shana Blake; mother Jeanne (Jim) Holzbach; brother Mario (Michelle) Magnotta; sister Micheline Magnotta (Paul Zarnoth); step-sister Sandy (Mike) Thomas; nieces/nephews Joshua and Mikayla Magnotta, and Grace and Audrey Thomas.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2023 at Zion Baptist Church (3394 Pea Ridge Rd., Morganton, NC 28655). The service will begin at noon and the family will receive visitors from 11:00-12:00. Funeral services are being provided by McCain Funeral Home and Cremations of Morganton. Ashes will be scattered at a later date.

I n lieu of flowers, the Magnotta family has asked that donations be made in Dr. Magnotta's honor to:

Mission Based America,

7482 S. Mountain Institute, Nebo NC 28761

Zion Baptist Church (address below)

Christian Dental Association

PO Box 7500

Bristol, TN 37621

http://www.cmda.org/dentist