Mike "Big Papa" Deyulio

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"The most valuable lesson... is to appreciate those around you. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and just be human."

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When I first moved to Syracuse in June of 2024, I had no idea that a chance encounter at a Toys for Tots event would lead me to one of the most compelling stories I've ever had the privilege to document.

I was taking photos for Toys for Tots when I first met some members of Hades Hounds, a local bike club raising money for children in need. Among everything going on, one man stood out immediately—Mike, known as "Big Papa."

There was something different about him, he was charismatic and the way other members naturally gravitated towards him. Honestly though, I think it was the way his eyes spoke when talking about the club's mission. Whatever it was, I found myself wanting to follow the Hades Hounds to several more events after that day. Without even noticing it I unconsciously started to focus on Big Papa as I went out.

I've always believed everyone has a story worth telling. With Big Papa, I knew I'd found something special.

The Man Behind the Leather

"Before it was about acceptance and being a little narcissistic and being recognized for what I do. And now I'd rather ber ecognized for what a group of us do, rather than me as an individual."

These words from Big Papa perfectly capture the journey I discovered as I began interviewing him. A musician who once had a dark past now thrives on the stage applause and found a deeper fulfillment in community service and brotherhood.

But how did he change?

A Daughter's Call That Changed Everything

For years, Big Papa had hung up his helmet, stepping awayfrom the riding life he loved because he had a daughter to protect. He made it very, very clear—nothing would jeopardize him not being there for her.

Then came the call that changed everything.

His daughter, now grown, was attending the legendary Sturgis motorcycle rally. She called him in tears one evening, and his heart stopped momentarily, fearing the worst. Instead, she said:

"I'm sitting on the side of a canyon right now, and the sun is setting, and it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in mylife. I wish you were here."

Within 12 hours, Big Papa had purchased a motorcycle. His daughter's experience had reopened a door he'd closed long ago, not just to riding, but to an entire community that would reshape his purpose.

The Power of Community

As our interviews progressed, I witnessed how this renewed connection to the biker world had transformed Mike into a community pillar whose podcast now bridges the music scene and biker culture while raising money for causes close to his heart.

One story he shared really resonated with me, especially being in the military. A veteran with stage four cancer, homebound and surviving, had been listening to Big Papa's podcast. The shows "gave him joy and made him laugh" during his dark days. This veteran's dream was to build a showpiece motorcycle he could take to VFW posts to raise money for fellow veterans.

Without the vet's knowledge, Big Papa organized a fundraiser during an event, raising $850. When he announced to the crowd that the man was the reason they were collecting donations.

Noel Baker passed away shortly after, but his legacy continues— Kurt "Reaper" Sorenson is finishing his bike for him and will eventually tour the VFWs.

"We had a huge ride that day, for a celebration of life for him. And bikers came from all over... Because, like I said, he never affiliated himself with one specific bike club, but everybody just knew what a great man he was."

The Lesson

In documenting Big Papa's journey, I discovered something about the biker community that few outsiders get to see.

"Before you judge the person by that piece of leather that they're wearing, stop and introduce yourself. And you'd be surprised. There’re surgeons, there's nurses, they're lawyers, they're judges... They all ride."

His most valuable lesson? "Appreciate those around you. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and just be human."

More Than Words Can Capture

This blog post only scratches the surface of Big Papa's story. There are moments—the emotion in his voice when speaking about his daughter, the pride of Community Service and the Brotherhood that can only truly be experienced by watching and listening.

I was just thought I was doing a good thing to cover something that was worthwhile, but it was just a reminder that sometimes the most powerful stories are found not by looking, but by someone who simply decided to be a good guy.

And as Big Papa would say, that's what really matters in the end.

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