In Memory of Mike...Page 1
To submit your legacy or story, click HERE.
Are you participating in an event in memory of Michael? If so,
email the information to inmemoryofmike@mrsocone.com and
the details will be posted on the EVENTS page! Share your
involvement with us!
To submit your legacy or story, click HERE.
Are you participating in an event in memory of Michael? If so,
email the information to inmemoryofmike@mrsocone.com and
the details will be posted on the EVENTS page! Share your
involvement with us!
Read about and view photos from the "Friends of Mike Ocone" Participation
in the 2007 Cancer Care Walk for Hope by clicking HERE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It still seems so unreal. I almost expect to see him return from this painfully long
business trip. I keep my memories alive, thinking of all the good times. A ride on
G-Dad, Old Guys Rule barbeques, playing with Emily and Nicholas, dinner at Del
Frisco’s and Morton’s, or sipping wine, killing time, trying to solve life’s mysteries.
And one of Nicole’s favorites, seeing Mike pound his fist in the air, screaming
“Living on a Prayer” at the Bon Jovi concert. He worked hard and played hard,
never sitting still (as we all know!). The memories are real. The times we spent
are real. And the legacy of his guidance is real. Anytime I want to hear those
thoughtful words of wisdom, all I have to do is listen.
In September 2007, Marie and I, and some friends, visited some wineries in
Anderson Valley, CA. All the locals suggested, no, strongly urged us to visit
Esterlina Vineyards, saying it was the tasting experience of the valley. A tasting
room attendant at another winery actually called and made a reservation for us.
(His name was Anthony. Huh.) This had to be something special and we had no
idea what to expect. The unmarked driveway led two miles off the road and
wound around the top of a small mountain. We climbed stairs on the outside of a
small 2-story building, revealing an impressive deck shaded by a huge tree. The
view to the South stopped us in our tracks, as we were overlooking the Esterlina
vineyards and almost the entire valley. Our scheduled 90 minute wine tasting
turned into 2 ½ hours, as the owner/winemaker gladly poured his wines for us.
The experience was amazing, but the view was intoxicating. I couldn’t help but
think about how much Mike would be loving this and I could just hear him saying
“Dude, this is an incredible wine!” Standing atop this mountain, enjoying such a
memorable day, it almost felt like Mike was there for his first trip with us to the
California wine country. I grabbed my cell phone to call Nicole and tell her we
were thinking of her and Mike…and I was greeted by Mike’s voice on the
answering machine! It was then that I realized that it was September 23rd,
Nicole and Mike’s anniversary! It was a chilling but rewarding day. Everywhere
we went, we raised a glass and toasted to Mike. And to hear his words of
friendship and enjoyment …yes, just listen.
All who knew Mike were recipients of his wisdom, encouragement, leadership and
love, at one time or another. And you probably realize already that the impact of
Mike’s generous gift to us all lives on forever…and yes, all you have to do is
listen…just listen.
Miss you, Mike.
Love,
Marie and Kyle Schultz
Posted: 7/7/07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I can't believe a year has gone by and every night when I sit by my window to
put Gianna to sleep is the time most when I think of Mike and what a wonderful
person he was and how I aspire to better because of him. Mike was a true
person who knew how to live life. I see him and think about him in almost any
activity. I look out my window and see him mowing his lawn with his huge
lawnmower (Mike's new toy. "hey, Kev you got to get one of these") I look in my
backyard and hear Mike saying, "So,when are you building our pool so we can go
swimming?" I look at a lobster and still can't tell which is a female and which is a
male although Mike could and of course who can ever look at a Reese's peanut
butter cup without thinking of Mike. I could go on forever and everything that
makes me think of Mike (boats, fishing, dry martini's, nights just hanging out
shooting the breeze, talking about anything)
Mike was a man of honor, great respect and loyalty who would help anyone
without a second thought. He was friends with anybody and everybody and
knew everyone. I miss the playful way he had of picking on me, making me laugh
at myself , He was very inspirational with the "just go do it" attitude. His
presence was always and still is very strong. Mike could command any room.
Whenever there was a gathering, it was always like "Hey, where's Mike?" It
wasn't a true gathering or event unless Mike was there. Once Mike was there,
then it was an enjoyable time.
Mike was also the "go to guy" for any question. If we didn't know something, I'd
be like "Ask Mike, he knows everything" (reminds me of the old life cereal
commercial with Mikey) whether it was about the lawn, fish, the house, or money
advice, whatever. Even if Mike didn't know, his answers always sounded like he
did know. Mike, I miss your advice.
Mike, I miss you each and every day and have been so blessed to have known
you and pray that even a small part of the person that you were is inside of me.
As I talk to you in my head at night and look out the window, I see the lights
outside in front of your house flicker as the leaves of bushes and trees brush by
it. I like to think of that as Mikes's way of saying " I hear you" and as a way of
saying I am watching and protecting my family. Mike is looking down at his
beautiful wife and children and I know is very proud of all of them. Nicole is an
extraordinary person who is strong in spirit, mind and body, stronger than I think
she ever knew she could be. She is such a wonderful mother that can roll with
the punches of what life brings her and yet still be such a positive role model to
her children as well as her friends. I love you Nicole and am truly blessed to be
your friend. Remember to live in the moment and cherish the memories.
Love, Denise O'Connor
Posted: 7/7/07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is my way of telling EVERYONE what a positive role model Nicole is to me. I
don’t think I have ever met anyone “grab the bull by its horns and take it down”.
Whenever I see Nicole and the kids, I am amazed and impressed with how well
they are all adjusting to their new life together. Anyone of us can see the LOVE
and support that they have for one another. The new bond that says “NOTHING
WILL TEAR US APART”.
I know in my heart that Mike is with them, every second of every day. And they all
know it too. The way Nicole is taking such great care of her children and of herself
makes me try to work harder at being a better mother, wife and person all
around. I just want every one to know that no one can hold a candle to Nicole’s
spirit and out shine her. I can only imagine how proud Mike is of her and the kids.
This is their time and they are all in their element.
I just want to say.. Keep it going Nicole, Emily and Nicholas. We love you and we
are so proud of you all. And Thank you for showing us how to live and love!! You
are my ROCK STAR!!
Happy Birthday Nicole!!! J
Love you, your friend,
Kathleen Van Norman
Posted 11-24-07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I first met Mike at a Devil's game about 10 years ago. I didn't know Mike but we
had a mutual friend, Bill Biesswenger. Bill worked with Mike and my wife Kathy at
the Dean Witter client in World Trade Center 2. At the game, Mike had mentioned
that his 'sweet' stereo system had been stolen from his car (again!) So, I asked
Mike what he meant; Mike told me he had this stereo system (not sure of the
name) and that it was stolen from his truck a while ago; not long after that, Mike
said he bought the same exact one and it got stolen not long before we met at
the Devil's game. I thought to myself, "who is this guy and why is he telling me
this... he must really love his music!"
Over time, I saw Mike at many PriceWaterhouseCoopers functions, conferences
and parties. Mike & Nicole and Kathy & I had become good friends. Mike and
Nicole came to our wedding and shared in many of our family events (baptisms).
Then not too long after our wedding, we shared in Mike and Nicole's special day.
I vividly remember Mike not wanting the wedding day to end so he convinced the
band to keep on playing (with a little force and the right price!)! I was sure by
now that Mike loved music, and even more, he didn't want this incredible day with
his family and friends to end!
Mike was about 8 years younger than me, but he had about 20 years more of
fishing experience. Mike had a way of helping others without making them
feel like they hadn't a clue or were inexperienced. He took me fishing several
times on the old boat and Mike (and friends) went on some of the charter boats I
organized. Every trip we had together was awesome-not because we caught fish
(which we did!) or because we started drinking before even dropping our line
(which we also did!!), but because of the way he and his friends accepted me
from the start and how Kathy and my families and friends accepted Mike and his
friends. You can you tell the kindness of a person by the company he keeps. I
knew instantly that Mike and his friends were good people.
Mike and Kathy became great friends over the years. Their dedication to PwC
and their work ethic created a strong bond. This bond was not bound to only
work, it extended to life outside of PwC. I will never forget the support/advice
Kathy gave Mike and which Mike in turn reciprocated. I am grateful for this as I
often couldn't understand/relate to the stress and hours they put in in the IM
practice. Through their relationship and the relationship I built with Mike over
those years, I considered Mike to be a good and genuine friend.
When Mike was diagnosed, it hit us pretty hard. From Kathy's conversations
with Mike, Mike never expressed giving an inch in the battle to his cancer.
Up until the day he left us too soon, we never heard complaints from Mike.
He seemed to have rolled with the setbacks that came his way. It was incredible
to hear Mike's family and friends express story after story of Mike's zest for life. I
was touched by this so much, I decided to dedicate my NYC Marathon run this
year to Mike's memory. It took me some 15 years to reach this goal, and I can
honestly say that Mike was significant part of my inspiration to complete it.
About 5 weeks before the day of the race (11-4-07), I injured my knee running
back to back to back long runs. I shut down running, got physical therapy and
slowly started to run again. I was able to make it to the start line this past
Sunday.
The day was finally here and I knew that Mike would be on my mind. I was in
awe of the entire day. The start at on the Verrazano Bridge through Brooklyn to
Queens and over the 59th Street Bridge to Manhattan.... my injured knee was
feeling great at mile 15-16... Next was mile 17 and onto 18- as I hit the 18th mile,
I felt my good leg/knee tightening... Over the next 2 miles, I stretched and ran.
When I hit 21 mile mark, the Willis Ave Bridge, the leg and knee became worse.
...I remember it like it was just 10 minutes ago (as I climbed the Willis Ave Bridge,
I was talking with Mike out loud). I told him I was sorry for not been able to talk
to him on a real personal level while he was going through is battle, and I told
him how sad I was that he had to go through such pain (which he never openly
expressed to me, but I knew). And I started to well up and said that I am going
to make it, that this pain is nothing to the pain he must have endured.
I was determined to walk the remaining 5+ miles if I had to to finish what I
started. Those last five miles were like nothing else...walking, stretching, running
and on and on.... What was amazing were the crowd and the volunteers!
Looking back on it, I think I had Mike there with me...every one in the crowd and
the volunteers I passed cheered for me, and encouraged me, and convinced me I
was going to finish. I don't think I ran a full mile those last 5+ miles. But when I
saw that 1/2 mile left sign, I took a breath, put Mike on my side and ran as fast
as I could to the finish line, 400 yds, 300 yds, 200 yds, 100 yds... both of my arms
over my head as I ran the distance to the finish line!
Mike was there in spirit, and for that moment, it wasn't a memory, it was real!
I joined a charity called Team Continuum who sponsored me for this race (see
http://www.teamcontinuum.net/athlete_page.asp?eid=3&uid=82193 ). I chose
them after months of searching for the right one. I agreed to raise $2500. With
the support of family and friends and acquaintances (some of whom had relatives
that battled and lost their life to esophageal cancer), I exceeded my goal by
$1400.
This is not good bye, Mike. This is a thank you for who you were and what
you meant to Kathy and me!
To Nicole, Emily and Nicholas: We look forward to continuing our friendship
and building more memories. You & your family and friends are in our thoughts
and prayers always.
Scott Martin
(11-7-07)
Posted 11/16/07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have a hard time believing that it has been over 3 months since Michael left us.
It's even harder for me to believe when we have get-togethers and he is just
not there. Those are the times that I miss him the most. It has taken me awhile
to write this and I didn't know why until recently. I realized I felt guilty. Guilty
that i took Mike for granted. I took for granted that I would see him the next time
we all got together...that he would always be there, be around and might even
know that I thought he was a pretty cool guy. This is what makes me cry.
I have known Michael since Maria and i were in Grammar school together. At that
time he was the pesky little brother - but still fun to be around. I remember
riding up to Shea Stadium in the back of the family station wagon listening to
awful 80's music that we just loved and laughing. I remember hearing that he
had gotten engaged and I told Maria that there was no way he could possibly be
old enough to be getting married! He was forever stuck in my mind as an 11 yr
old with the silly grin!
Then, our circle of friends became more mutual - I started to see Mike more and
get to know him as an adult. And what a great guy he had grown up to be! I
am forever thankful that I was able to get to know him again - such an awesome
person! And it was cool to see that there was still a bit of the child I knew
growing up...for those of you who remember - Michael's now infamous, Friends'
Thanksgiving discussion of babies and why can't you just sit them on the potty
right away?? (this of course, before Emily and Nicholas came along!) Not long
after I was divorced, we all went on vacation together, me and my little guy,
Drew, with 3 other families - Mike and Nicole included. I considered not going, but
I remember Mike saying "No way - we'll watch out for you both"...and he along
the others, really did. The guys stepped into a "dad-type" role with Drew,
bringing him in the pool, including him in things they were doing with their own
kids. Burned in my mind is Mike holding Drew in the pool - both with big grins on
their faces. I never got to thank Michaell for that small gesture that meant so
much to me. Why? because I always thought he'd be around - and one day I
would get around to telling him.
And in April 2006, at my wedding reception, Michael told me that we had to take a
golf cart and go to a certain green for pictures b/c it was so nice. We had been
told by the reception staff in no uncertain terms "NO using golf carts and NO
going on the greens for pictures." When I told Mike this, he grabbed my hand
and said "C'mon - I took care of it - just do it!" We did - and at this place we
have some of our most amazing wedding pictures...b/c of Mike.
For me - it really is the little things that meant so much and that make Michael a
friend I miss. He is in my memories of childhood, and adulthood and I am so
incredibly sad that i will have no more chances to hang out with him. But I do
look forward to spending time with Nicole, Emily, Nicholas, Maria and the rest
of our friends - with you always in our hearts and never far from our minds.
Love, Denise
Posted: 9-26-07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nicole & Family: I just heard the news today at class and wanted to send our
deepest sympathies out to you & your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with
you.
The Florio Family
(Stacy, Patrick, Piper, & Ashling)
Posted: 9-26-07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy Birthday Mike! We miss you so much, so, so much! Stuart, John, Matt, Ian
& Tim celebrated your birthday with you out on the boat fluking and catching up.
I know it wasn’t the same for them without you but it is what you would have
done at sometime in the day so it seemed fitting. Your spirit is all around us and
we are reminded everyday of you somehow, we find ourselves smiling and
laughing somehow. Stuart said the best thing to me recently and I think about it
a lot … “Mike was like hugging Santa Claus all year long” … “Jolly, happy, soul”
so true! I keep visiting this wonderful site of fun pictures, updates, & words of
love … thanks for keeping us all in the loop and helping us all to be involved in his
legacy and a part of your special family. Nicole, we love you and kids so much.
Love,
Kerry & Stu
Posted: 9-10-07 (sorry for the delay!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you Jill for creating and maintaining this wonderful website
for Michael. I love it and check it most days! I also want to thank
everyone for the love and support that we have been given. We are
fortunate to have so many people that care about us. It really has
helped get us through this difficult time.
This weekend marks not only the end of summer but also Michael's
32nd birthday. I can't believe it has been almost three months since
I was able to talk to him and see him. I miss him so very much. Not
only did I lose my husband but I lost my best friend. Despite all the
wonderful family and friends who have surrounded us with their love,
I am so very lonely and sad without the man I have loved since I was
18! There are days when I do not know how I will pick up the pieces
but then I think of Mike and the spirit and zest for life he had. I
can hear him telling me enough already, pull it together and so I do.
I do it for him and I do it for his children whom he adored. The
kids miss him so much and talk about daddy all the time. Emily
believes it is daddy who makes the sun and the rain for her. I am so
glad to see they have their dad's energy and passion. Last night,
Uncle Tony took us out on the G-Dad, the boat Mike loved so much. It
was a nice time to relax with his family and connect with Mike. As
hard as this weekend will be that he isn't here to celebrate, I am
grateful for having known him and for having loved him and being
lucky enough for him to love me back! Emily, Nicholas and I plan to
visit daddy's grave on Sunday to sing happy birthday and share
some Reese Peanut Butter Cups. A different kind of celebration, but
now we have a different kind of life, a new kind of normal. What's
important is that we LIVE A GOOD LIFE, because in the end it's not
the years in a life, it's the life in the years! Mike knew this and
now I must follow his example. So whatever your plans are for this
weekend, take time to enjoy the important things in your life and
maybe even have a birthday Reese for Mike. He would like that!
Happy Birthday baby - I miss you and will always love you!
Nicole
Posted 9-1-07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the 2 months since Michael's passing, I have visited the website many, many
times. And everytime I did, I kept realizing that I never posted a legacy. Part of it
was because I wanted to be sure to say the right thing and also that I just didn't
know what to say. But after giving it a great deal of thought, I realize that what I
want to say is very simple and that it was there all along -- we miss you Michael.
It's that simple. I will miss our annual get together for Friend's Thanksgiving,
celebrating at our kids' birthday parties and getting my boys out on the G-Dad
again. They have not forgotten that day after Denise and Scott's wedding --
rescuing Doug out on Treasure Island. For as little as they were, they remember
it like it was yesterday. And to this day, when we see other boats, they say "that
boat is not as big as Uncle Mike's boat." Michael made a lasting impression on
them and for that I am truly grateful. I am also grateful that he was able to meet
our new baby, Joseph and I remember that he called him a "bruiser." Michael
called it like he saw it - Joseph, now 6 months old, is a bruiser. But little did I
know then that the day he meet our son was the last day that I would ever see
him. We miss you Michael.
Love,
The Anglim Family
Dana, Alex, Jack, Brian and Joseph
Posted 8-18-07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thinking of you today and every day, Mike. I can't believe it has been almost two
months...miss you tons!
Love your sister in law,
Jill
Posted 8-4-07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I miss Michael more then anything, I'm gonna miss his smart sense of humor... His
whole out look on everything. A lot of people don't know this but... He got me
and Trista through a lot of things... Especially the whole "Just do it" saying... We
waited to get married for stupid reasons things that we thought were a huge
deal and mike would say JUST DO IT who cares what they say or think! AND we
did. Mike was a great man and an even better father. I was proud to be in his
wedding and I am proud to say he is my family. I miss you more then anything
michael...RIP my friend
The Kebeck family
Darren, Trista & Joey (Cousins)
Posted 7-6-07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First of all, Michael was always a very good friend to me. Anytime I saw him, the
first thing he would ask me is “how are things with you and at the radio station?”
Now to most of you, that may sound like an ordinary greeting to anyone, but
coming from Michael it was very special. You know how when you ask someone
“how are you?” For the most part, it’s a line of pleasantry. And the usual
response is “I’m okay.” And then the conversation moves on to something else.
Well, I don’t know if it was the way he delivered the line, but when Michael asked
me “so, Jen, how are things with you and at the radio station” he wasn’t asking
just to be nice. He was genuinely interested and wanted to know. And I’ll always
remember that about him…..Now because Michael was always interested in my
line of work, it’s only fitting that my favorite memory of him had to do with
radio…It’s no secret that Mike LOVED Reeses Peanut Butter cups. And it didn’t
matter what time of day or night it was, when that craving hit, he had to have it….
So one night---in the middle of the night---Michael had a Reeses craving and got
out of bed to head for the fridge. Well he fell down the stairs and on his butt
before he even reached the kitchen. Nicole said she heard this boom and ran to
see what happened. When she saw him on his butt and found out he was on his
way to get a candy bar, she lost it. Of course she told all of us and we had a big
laugh. Michael thought that was the end of it…UNTIL….he was going into work
one morning and he heard me on the radio telling the story live on the air…He
couldn’t believe that I went on the radio and told the story of my friend falling on
his butt on the way to the fridge for a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup. Love ya,
Michael..You always made me laugh and you always made me feel good about
myself. I can hear you now: “so Jen, how are things?” The answer is “not the
same without you.” You will be missed. Watch over all of us and may God always
Bless you and your family.
Love,
Jen Zweier (Jen Ursillo)
Posted 7-1-07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Michael had a profound influence on my life. If it weren't for a discussion we had
in the Winter of 2000, I would never have gone back to school to finish my
degree in English, or become a teacher. Also, because of him, Tony and I actually
HAD our wedding on the beach during a horrible storm! I will miss Mike in so
many ways. Thank you, Mike. Watch over me, please!
Love your sister in law,
Jill
Posted 6-25-07
in the 2007 Cancer Care Walk for Hope by clicking HERE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It still seems so unreal. I almost expect to see him return from this painfully long
business trip. I keep my memories alive, thinking of all the good times. A ride on
G-Dad, Old Guys Rule barbeques, playing with Emily and Nicholas, dinner at Del
Frisco’s and Morton’s, or sipping wine, killing time, trying to solve life’s mysteries.
And one of Nicole’s favorites, seeing Mike pound his fist in the air, screaming
“Living on a Prayer” at the Bon Jovi concert. He worked hard and played hard,
never sitting still (as we all know!). The memories are real. The times we spent
are real. And the legacy of his guidance is real. Anytime I want to hear those
thoughtful words of wisdom, all I have to do is listen.
In September 2007, Marie and I, and some friends, visited some wineries in
Anderson Valley, CA. All the locals suggested, no, strongly urged us to visit
Esterlina Vineyards, saying it was the tasting experience of the valley. A tasting
room attendant at another winery actually called and made a reservation for us.
(His name was Anthony. Huh.) This had to be something special and we had no
idea what to expect. The unmarked driveway led two miles off the road and
wound around the top of a small mountain. We climbed stairs on the outside of a
small 2-story building, revealing an impressive deck shaded by a huge tree. The
view to the South stopped us in our tracks, as we were overlooking the Esterlina
vineyards and almost the entire valley. Our scheduled 90 minute wine tasting
turned into 2 ½ hours, as the owner/winemaker gladly poured his wines for us.
The experience was amazing, but the view was intoxicating. I couldn’t help but
think about how much Mike would be loving this and I could just hear him saying
“Dude, this is an incredible wine!” Standing atop this mountain, enjoying such a
memorable day, it almost felt like Mike was there for his first trip with us to the
California wine country. I grabbed my cell phone to call Nicole and tell her we
were thinking of her and Mike…and I was greeted by Mike’s voice on the
answering machine! It was then that I realized that it was September 23rd,
Nicole and Mike’s anniversary! It was a chilling but rewarding day. Everywhere
we went, we raised a glass and toasted to Mike. And to hear his words of
friendship and enjoyment …yes, just listen.
All who knew Mike were recipients of his wisdom, encouragement, leadership and
love, at one time or another. And you probably realize already that the impact of
Mike’s generous gift to us all lives on forever…and yes, all you have to do is
listen…just listen.
Miss you, Mike.
Love,
Marie and Kyle Schultz
Posted: 7/7/07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I can't believe a year has gone by and every night when I sit by my window to
put Gianna to sleep is the time most when I think of Mike and what a wonderful
person he was and how I aspire to better because of him. Mike was a true
person who knew how to live life. I see him and think about him in almost any
activity. I look out my window and see him mowing his lawn with his huge
lawnmower (Mike's new toy. "hey, Kev you got to get one of these") I look in my
backyard and hear Mike saying, "So,when are you building our pool so we can go
swimming?" I look at a lobster and still can't tell which is a female and which is a
male although Mike could and of course who can ever look at a Reese's peanut
butter cup without thinking of Mike. I could go on forever and everything that
makes me think of Mike (boats, fishing, dry martini's, nights just hanging out
shooting the breeze, talking about anything)
Mike was a man of honor, great respect and loyalty who would help anyone
without a second thought. He was friends with anybody and everybody and
knew everyone. I miss the playful way he had of picking on me, making me laugh
at myself , He was very inspirational with the "just go do it" attitude. His
presence was always and still is very strong. Mike could command any room.
Whenever there was a gathering, it was always like "Hey, where's Mike?" It
wasn't a true gathering or event unless Mike was there. Once Mike was there,
then it was an enjoyable time.
Mike was also the "go to guy" for any question. If we didn't know something, I'd
be like "Ask Mike, he knows everything" (reminds me of the old life cereal
commercial with Mikey) whether it was about the lawn, fish, the house, or money
advice, whatever. Even if Mike didn't know, his answers always sounded like he
did know. Mike, I miss your advice.
Mike, I miss you each and every day and have been so blessed to have known
you and pray that even a small part of the person that you were is inside of me.
As I talk to you in my head at night and look out the window, I see the lights
outside in front of your house flicker as the leaves of bushes and trees brush by
it. I like to think of that as Mikes's way of saying " I hear you" and as a way of
saying I am watching and protecting my family. Mike is looking down at his
beautiful wife and children and I know is very proud of all of them. Nicole is an
extraordinary person who is strong in spirit, mind and body, stronger than I think
she ever knew she could be. She is such a wonderful mother that can roll with
the punches of what life brings her and yet still be such a positive role model to
her children as well as her friends. I love you Nicole and am truly blessed to be
your friend. Remember to live in the moment and cherish the memories.
Love, Denise O'Connor
Posted: 7/7/07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is my way of telling EVERYONE what a positive role model Nicole is to me. I
don’t think I have ever met anyone “grab the bull by its horns and take it down”.
Whenever I see Nicole and the kids, I am amazed and impressed with how well
they are all adjusting to their new life together. Anyone of us can see the LOVE
and support that they have for one another. The new bond that says “NOTHING
WILL TEAR US APART”.
I know in my heart that Mike is with them, every second of every day. And they all
know it too. The way Nicole is taking such great care of her children and of herself
makes me try to work harder at being a better mother, wife and person all
around. I just want every one to know that no one can hold a candle to Nicole’s
spirit and out shine her. I can only imagine how proud Mike is of her and the kids.
This is their time and they are all in their element.
I just want to say.. Keep it going Nicole, Emily and Nicholas. We love you and we
are so proud of you all. And Thank you for showing us how to live and love!! You
are my ROCK STAR!!
Happy Birthday Nicole!!! J
Love you, your friend,
Kathleen Van Norman
Posted 11-24-07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I first met Mike at a Devil's game about 10 years ago. I didn't know Mike but we
had a mutual friend, Bill Biesswenger. Bill worked with Mike and my wife Kathy at
the Dean Witter client in World Trade Center 2. At the game, Mike had mentioned
that his 'sweet' stereo system had been stolen from his car (again!) So, I asked
Mike what he meant; Mike told me he had this stereo system (not sure of the
name) and that it was stolen from his truck a while ago; not long after that, Mike
said he bought the same exact one and it got stolen not long before we met at
the Devil's game. I thought to myself, "who is this guy and why is he telling me
this... he must really love his music!"
Over time, I saw Mike at many PriceWaterhouseCoopers functions, conferences
and parties. Mike & Nicole and Kathy & I had become good friends. Mike and
Nicole came to our wedding and shared in many of our family events (baptisms).
Then not too long after our wedding, we shared in Mike and Nicole's special day.
I vividly remember Mike not wanting the wedding day to end so he convinced the
band to keep on playing (with a little force and the right price!)! I was sure by
now that Mike loved music, and even more, he didn't want this incredible day with
his family and friends to end!
Mike was about 8 years younger than me, but he had about 20 years more of
fishing experience. Mike had a way of helping others without making them
feel like they hadn't a clue or were inexperienced. He took me fishing several
times on the old boat and Mike (and friends) went on some of the charter boats I
organized. Every trip we had together was awesome-not because we caught fish
(which we did!) or because we started drinking before even dropping our line
(which we also did!!), but because of the way he and his friends accepted me
from the start and how Kathy and my families and friends accepted Mike and his
friends. You can you tell the kindness of a person by the company he keeps. I
knew instantly that Mike and his friends were good people.
Mike and Kathy became great friends over the years. Their dedication to PwC
and their work ethic created a strong bond. This bond was not bound to only
work, it extended to life outside of PwC. I will never forget the support/advice
Kathy gave Mike and which Mike in turn reciprocated. I am grateful for this as I
often couldn't understand/relate to the stress and hours they put in in the IM
practice. Through their relationship and the relationship I built with Mike over
those years, I considered Mike to be a good and genuine friend.
When Mike was diagnosed, it hit us pretty hard. From Kathy's conversations
with Mike, Mike never expressed giving an inch in the battle to his cancer.
Up until the day he left us too soon, we never heard complaints from Mike.
He seemed to have rolled with the setbacks that came his way. It was incredible
to hear Mike's family and friends express story after story of Mike's zest for life. I
was touched by this so much, I decided to dedicate my NYC Marathon run this
year to Mike's memory. It took me some 15 years to reach this goal, and I can
honestly say that Mike was significant part of my inspiration to complete it.
About 5 weeks before the day of the race (11-4-07), I injured my knee running
back to back to back long runs. I shut down running, got physical therapy and
slowly started to run again. I was able to make it to the start line this past
Sunday.
The day was finally here and I knew that Mike would be on my mind. I was in
awe of the entire day. The start at on the Verrazano Bridge through Brooklyn to
Queens and over the 59th Street Bridge to Manhattan.... my injured knee was
feeling great at mile 15-16... Next was mile 17 and onto 18- as I hit the 18th mile,
I felt my good leg/knee tightening... Over the next 2 miles, I stretched and ran.
When I hit 21 mile mark, the Willis Ave Bridge, the leg and knee became worse.
...I remember it like it was just 10 minutes ago (as I climbed the Willis Ave Bridge,
I was talking with Mike out loud). I told him I was sorry for not been able to talk
to him on a real personal level while he was going through is battle, and I told
him how sad I was that he had to go through such pain (which he never openly
expressed to me, but I knew). And I started to well up and said that I am going
to make it, that this pain is nothing to the pain he must have endured.
I was determined to walk the remaining 5+ miles if I had to to finish what I
started. Those last five miles were like nothing else...walking, stretching, running
and on and on.... What was amazing were the crowd and the volunteers!
Looking back on it, I think I had Mike there with me...every one in the crowd and
the volunteers I passed cheered for me, and encouraged me, and convinced me I
was going to finish. I don't think I ran a full mile those last 5+ miles. But when I
saw that 1/2 mile left sign, I took a breath, put Mike on my side and ran as fast
as I could to the finish line, 400 yds, 300 yds, 200 yds, 100 yds... both of my arms
over my head as I ran the distance to the finish line!
Mike was there in spirit, and for that moment, it wasn't a memory, it was real!
I joined a charity called Team Continuum who sponsored me for this race (see
http://www.teamcontinuum.net/athlete_page.asp?eid=3&uid=82193 ). I chose
them after months of searching for the right one. I agreed to raise $2500. With
the support of family and friends and acquaintances (some of whom had relatives
that battled and lost their life to esophageal cancer), I exceeded my goal by
$1400.
This is not good bye, Mike. This is a thank you for who you were and what
you meant to Kathy and me!
To Nicole, Emily and Nicholas: We look forward to continuing our friendship
and building more memories. You & your family and friends are in our thoughts
and prayers always.
Scott Martin
(11-7-07)
Posted 11/16/07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have a hard time believing that it has been over 3 months since Michael left us.
It's even harder for me to believe when we have get-togethers and he is just
not there. Those are the times that I miss him the most. It has taken me awhile
to write this and I didn't know why until recently. I realized I felt guilty. Guilty
that i took Mike for granted. I took for granted that I would see him the next time
we all got together...that he would always be there, be around and might even
know that I thought he was a pretty cool guy. This is what makes me cry.
I have known Michael since Maria and i were in Grammar school together. At that
time he was the pesky little brother - but still fun to be around. I remember
riding up to Shea Stadium in the back of the family station wagon listening to
awful 80's music that we just loved and laughing. I remember hearing that he
had gotten engaged and I told Maria that there was no way he could possibly be
old enough to be getting married! He was forever stuck in my mind as an 11 yr
old with the silly grin!
Then, our circle of friends became more mutual - I started to see Mike more and
get to know him as an adult. And what a great guy he had grown up to be! I
am forever thankful that I was able to get to know him again - such an awesome
person! And it was cool to see that there was still a bit of the child I knew
growing up...for those of you who remember - Michael's now infamous, Friends'
Thanksgiving discussion of babies and why can't you just sit them on the potty
right away?? (this of course, before Emily and Nicholas came along!) Not long
after I was divorced, we all went on vacation together, me and my little guy,
Drew, with 3 other families - Mike and Nicole included. I considered not going, but
I remember Mike saying "No way - we'll watch out for you both"...and he along
the others, really did. The guys stepped into a "dad-type" role with Drew,
bringing him in the pool, including him in things they were doing with their own
kids. Burned in my mind is Mike holding Drew in the pool - both with big grins on
their faces. I never got to thank Michaell for that small gesture that meant so
much to me. Why? because I always thought he'd be around - and one day I
would get around to telling him.
And in April 2006, at my wedding reception, Michael told me that we had to take a
golf cart and go to a certain green for pictures b/c it was so nice. We had been
told by the reception staff in no uncertain terms "NO using golf carts and NO
going on the greens for pictures." When I told Mike this, he grabbed my hand
and said "C'mon - I took care of it - just do it!" We did - and at this place we
have some of our most amazing wedding pictures...b/c of Mike.
For me - it really is the little things that meant so much and that make Michael a
friend I miss. He is in my memories of childhood, and adulthood and I am so
incredibly sad that i will have no more chances to hang out with him. But I do
look forward to spending time with Nicole, Emily, Nicholas, Maria and the rest
of our friends - with you always in our hearts and never far from our minds.
Love, Denise
Posted: 9-26-07
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Nicole & Family: I just heard the news today at class and wanted to send our
deepest sympathies out to you & your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with
you.
The Florio Family
(Stacy, Patrick, Piper, & Ashling)
Posted: 9-26-07
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Happy Birthday Mike! We miss you so much, so, so much! Stuart, John, Matt, Ian
& Tim celebrated your birthday with you out on the boat fluking and catching up.
I know it wasn’t the same for them without you but it is what you would have
done at sometime in the day so it seemed fitting. Your spirit is all around us and
we are reminded everyday of you somehow, we find ourselves smiling and
laughing somehow. Stuart said the best thing to me recently and I think about it
a lot … “Mike was like hugging Santa Claus all year long” … “Jolly, happy, soul”
so true! I keep visiting this wonderful site of fun pictures, updates, & words of
love … thanks for keeping us all in the loop and helping us all to be involved in his
legacy and a part of your special family. Nicole, we love you and kids so much.
Love,
Kerry & Stu
Posted: 9-10-07 (sorry for the delay!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you Jill for creating and maintaining this wonderful website
for Michael. I love it and check it most days! I also want to thank
everyone for the love and support that we have been given. We are
fortunate to have so many people that care about us. It really has
helped get us through this difficult time.
This weekend marks not only the end of summer but also Michael's
32nd birthday. I can't believe it has been almost three months since
I was able to talk to him and see him. I miss him so very much. Not
only did I lose my husband but I lost my best friend. Despite all the
wonderful family and friends who have surrounded us with their love,
I am so very lonely and sad without the man I have loved since I was
18! There are days when I do not know how I will pick up the pieces
but then I think of Mike and the spirit and zest for life he had. I
can hear him telling me enough already, pull it together and so I do.
I do it for him and I do it for his children whom he adored. The
kids miss him so much and talk about daddy all the time. Emily
believes it is daddy who makes the sun and the rain for her. I am so
glad to see they have their dad's energy and passion. Last night,
Uncle Tony took us out on the G-Dad, the boat Mike loved so much. It
was a nice time to relax with his family and connect with Mike. As
hard as this weekend will be that he isn't here to celebrate, I am
grateful for having known him and for having loved him and being
lucky enough for him to love me back! Emily, Nicholas and I plan to
visit daddy's grave on Sunday to sing happy birthday and share
some Reese Peanut Butter Cups. A different kind of celebration, but
now we have a different kind of life, a new kind of normal. What's
important is that we LIVE A GOOD LIFE, because in the end it's not
the years in a life, it's the life in the years! Mike knew this and
now I must follow his example. So whatever your plans are for this
weekend, take time to enjoy the important things in your life and
maybe even have a birthday Reese for Mike. He would like that!
Happy Birthday baby - I miss you and will always love you!
Nicole
Posted 9-1-07
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In the 2 months since Michael's passing, I have visited the website many, many
times. And everytime I did, I kept realizing that I never posted a legacy. Part of it
was because I wanted to be sure to say the right thing and also that I just didn't
know what to say. But after giving it a great deal of thought, I realize that what I
want to say is very simple and that it was there all along -- we miss you Michael.
It's that simple. I will miss our annual get together for Friend's Thanksgiving,
celebrating at our kids' birthday parties and getting my boys out on the G-Dad
again. They have not forgotten that day after Denise and Scott's wedding --
rescuing Doug out on Treasure Island. For as little as they were, they remember
it like it was yesterday. And to this day, when we see other boats, they say "that
boat is not as big as Uncle Mike's boat." Michael made a lasting impression on
them and for that I am truly grateful. I am also grateful that he was able to meet
our new baby, Joseph and I remember that he called him a "bruiser." Michael
called it like he saw it - Joseph, now 6 months old, is a bruiser. But little did I
know then that the day he meet our son was the last day that I would ever see
him. We miss you Michael.
Love,
The Anglim Family
Dana, Alex, Jack, Brian and Joseph
Posted 8-18-07
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Thinking of you today and every day, Mike. I can't believe it has been almost two
months...miss you tons!
Love your sister in law,
Jill
Posted 8-4-07
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I miss Michael more then anything, I'm gonna miss his smart sense of humor... His
whole out look on everything. A lot of people don't know this but... He got me
and Trista through a lot of things... Especially the whole "Just do it" saying... We
waited to get married for stupid reasons things that we thought were a huge
deal and mike would say JUST DO IT who cares what they say or think! AND we
did. Mike was a great man and an even better father. I was proud to be in his
wedding and I am proud to say he is my family. I miss you more then anything
michael...RIP my friend
The Kebeck family
Darren, Trista & Joey (Cousins)
Posted 7-6-07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First of all, Michael was always a very good friend to me. Anytime I saw him, the
first thing he would ask me is “how are things with you and at the radio station?”
Now to most of you, that may sound like an ordinary greeting to anyone, but
coming from Michael it was very special. You know how when you ask someone
“how are you?” For the most part, it’s a line of pleasantry. And the usual
response is “I’m okay.” And then the conversation moves on to something else.
Well, I don’t know if it was the way he delivered the line, but when Michael asked
me “so, Jen, how are things with you and at the radio station” he wasn’t asking
just to be nice. He was genuinely interested and wanted to know. And I’ll always
remember that about him…..Now because Michael was always interested in my
line of work, it’s only fitting that my favorite memory of him had to do with
radio…It’s no secret that Mike LOVED Reeses Peanut Butter cups. And it didn’t
matter what time of day or night it was, when that craving hit, he had to have it….
So one night---in the middle of the night---Michael had a Reeses craving and got
out of bed to head for the fridge. Well he fell down the stairs and on his butt
before he even reached the kitchen. Nicole said she heard this boom and ran to
see what happened. When she saw him on his butt and found out he was on his
way to get a candy bar, she lost it. Of course she told all of us and we had a big
laugh. Michael thought that was the end of it…UNTIL….he was going into work
one morning and he heard me on the radio telling the story live on the air…He
couldn’t believe that I went on the radio and told the story of my friend falling on
his butt on the way to the fridge for a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup. Love ya,
Michael..You always made me laugh and you always made me feel good about
myself. I can hear you now: “so Jen, how are things?” The answer is “not the
same without you.” You will be missed. Watch over all of us and may God always
Bless you and your family.
Love,
Jen Zweier (Jen Ursillo)
Posted 7-1-07
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Michael had a profound influence on my life. If it weren't for a discussion we had
in the Winter of 2000, I would never have gone back to school to finish my
degree in English, or become a teacher. Also, because of him, Tony and I actually
HAD our wedding on the beach during a horrible storm! I will miss Mike in so
many ways. Thank you, Mike. Watch over me, please!
Love your sister in law,
Jill
Posted 6-25-07
In Memory of Michael...
Legacy Page
Legacy Page
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