Dominic Cascio, the man who put up Michael Jackson at his New Jersey home two years ago, tells Life & Style that he is still mourning the King of Pop's death.

"He was a gentle soul and truly different from the way he was portrayed in the media," says Cascio, whose son, Frank, was Michael's personal assistant. "It's my belief that the media helped to kill him by not covering him in a more positive light after he was found innocent [of child molestation in 2005]."

Michael and his children stayed at the Cascio house in Franklin Lakes for three months in 2007. "We all enjoyed being this extended family for a while," remembers Dominic. "He and his kids fit right in and did all the things any normal people would do -- shopping, going to the movies, swimming and having family dinners together. We were glad to have been able to help out a friend in need."

Cascio, who knew the singer for 27 years, says Michael's true character came to light only after the singer's death and memorial service. He recalls Michael's creativity, artistry and humanitarianism. "All my family feels truly blessed and honored to have called Michael our friend. Now that he's gone, we've been finding strength in the wonderful memories of the times we spent with this very special person."

For more on Michael Jackson, check out the new issue of Life & Style, on newsstands tomorrow

Photo Credit: Startraks