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ST. CLAIR SHORES — Following biblical promises and a strong commitment, Michael Agnello said he feels obligated to bless others in the way he has been blessed.
Agnello, the owner of Michael Agnello Jewelers, said he’s been in his business on Harper Avenue for 48 years. He trained in the store for 21 years before he opened his business at the same location in 1996, according to the Michael Agnello Jewelers website.
There were opportunities later for him to move to other areas, but he ultimately decided to stay in St. Clair Shores.
“I’ve been here my whole life and I said, ‘You know, I’m going to invest in St. Clair Shores. I want to stay in St. Clair Shores. I want to make this my home for my business,’” Agnello said.
Agnello supports many things in the Shores, including the fireworks, the farmer’s market, the social district, parks and recreation, Lake Shore Public Schools, and a lot more. He also supports things outside of St. Clair Shores, including Faith Christian Schools, where his grandchildren attend classes.
“I really feel a commitment to always give back,” Agnello said.
Part of his strong commitment comes from Bible verses, including Luke 6:38, which promises, “Give, and it will be given to you.”
Agnello said he’s seen the promise fulfilled in his store.
“I do challenge other business owners all the time to say, ‘Look, I’ll show you what happens when you give it away,’” Agnello said. “Give it away, and it will come back every single time.”
He also said he doesn’t like to tell of the good deeds he does when he donates or supports different causes, saying “the right hand is not supposed to know what the left hand is doing.” He tells others he doesn’t want any plaques or trophies for the work that he does.
Agnello’s parents still live in the Shores. He said his father, John Agnello, was responsible for starting the Memorial Day Parade and was a part of it for close to 25 years. John was honored as a special guest at the most recent Memorial Day Parade. John is 93 and Agnello’s mother is 90.
“That was a volunteer thing that he did,” Agnello said about his father’s involvement in the parade. “He did not get paid to put those parades on.”
Agnello graduated from Lake Shore High School with the Class of 1973 and recently spoke at the commencement ceremony for the school’s 100th graduating class. He told the students about biblical promises and the feeling volunteering or helping others could give you.
“What can make you feel better than doing something for somebody else and expecting nothing in return?” Agnello said. “It’s the coolest feeling you could possibly do.”
Agnello gave a few examples of what can make a person feel good about volunteering. They include cleaning up the beach or something as simple as slipping money under the door at the home of someone who is struggling. He also emphasized not expecting anything in return.
“Nothing is a better feeling than giving and having the opportunity to give away,” Agnello said.
Another Bible verse that inspires him is Luke 12:48, which promises, “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.”
“I’ve been blessed hugely,” Agnello said. “And by being blessed like that, you have an obligation to go and bless others.”
