William "Michael" Ladner

William "Michael" Ladner, 55, of Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026. He will be remembered as a man whose warmth and humor left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Michael was known for his goofy personality and natural ability to make people smile. He was honest, hardworking, and deeply thoughtful. He always cared about how others felt and did his best to make sure they were treated well. Michael had a unique way of seeing the good in people and rarely had anything negative to say. He chose kindness and understanding instead of resorting to resentment or judgement.

Michael shared a life filled with love, laughter, and companionship with his partner of 8 years, Laura Perniciaro. Together, they valued family, closeness, and the simple joys of life. Michael was a devoted brother and cherished the special bond he had with his younger brother, Billy Ladner. For the last 7 years, Billy shared his home and countless memories with Michael and Laura.

Although Michael did not have children of his own, his love for his nieces and nephews was endless. He also held a particularly special place in his heart for his “bonus” kids and loved and supported them throughout their time together. Michael will be remembered for being a steady presence full of patience, playfulness, and unconditional love in his role as Uncle Mike, “Daddy Michael”, and “PawPaw Michael”.

Michael was the proud owner of Ladner’s Friendly Inn which was a place that reflected who he was at heart: welcoming, genuine, and full of life. When he wasn’t busy working on renovations, he could often be found there gathering with friends over a game of shuffleboard, watching the LSU Tigers play football, or enjoying boiled crawfish. Michael was the center of the community built around sharing stories, laughs, and good times at Ladner’s Friendly Inn.

Michael will be remembered for his authenticity. He never tried to be something he wasn’t or meet anyone else’s expectations. He was determined to make the best of every situation and never let setbacks keep him from enjoying life.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Lois Ladner; sister, Anna Lisa Ladner; and nephew, Jeremy Paul Fountain.

He is survived by long-time partner, Laura Perniciaro; sisters, Belinda (Tyrone) Fountain and Glenda (Harold) Bounds; brothers, Alton (Christy) Ladner Jr., August (Monica) Ladner, Willie "Billy" Ladner, and Wendell (Cathy) Garcia, often lovingly introduced by Michael as his, brother-from-another-mother; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; two bonus sons, Brennan (Maddie) Perniciaro and Trevor Perniciaro; bonus daughter, Molly Perniciaro; bonus grandson, Raidyn Bennett; and numerous aunts, uncles, and friends.

Services will take place at Edmond Fahey Funeral Home, 110 S. Necaise Ave. Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520, on Friday, January 9, 2026, with visitation from 9:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m., funeral at 12:00 p.m., and interment to follow at Bayou LaCroix Cemetery, Bay Saint Louis, MS. When services are concluded, friends and family are invited to celebrate Michael’s legacy by attending a reception at Ladner’s Friendly Inn.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Michael Ladner.