Larry's Tribute

Michael was a good man, a loving husband, a devoted son, a caring brother, a wonderful uncle, a man of God, a committed Knight, a proud veteran, a precious son-in-law, and a best friend to many.

I will think of you, Michael, every time I hear Elvis sing, look at a lighthouse at sunset, hit a golf ball right down the center of the fairway, watch “The Hunt for Red October,” eat a hot dog at Fenway park, view a beautifully designed web site, and see the heartbreak in my daughter’s eyes.

Thank you for your love, kindness, restoring my faith in God, and your decency.

Love,
Larry

From Courtney (Jason's daughter)

I don’t have much to say but if it wasn’t for my dad to marry Jenn, I wouldn’t have ever met Michael. He was always uplifting, generous, and downright hilarious. So Dad, I thank you for marrying her so I had the privilege to be acquainted with such a man.

Sam's Camping Memory (Jason's son)

I remember the time we went camping at Lost Johnny. We just all got up and it was cold. Michael was starting the fire for breakfast. Timmy and I were playing in it and we doused the fire and we took all the wood off and then we started it again. Then we ate our breakfast and I didn’t know what doused meant til I asked what it was. Then Sonny said “You know what happens to little boys that play in the fire?” Timmy and I in unison said “No, what?” Sonny replied “They wet the bed.”

From Jason (Michael's brother-in-law)

I met Michael the day I met my wife. He met me at the door and had a huge grin on his face. Then the questions came: “Do you work? Did you work today? What work do you do?” He was the nicest guy you could ever meet. That smile he had was contagious. He was my friend.

From Timmy with Love

Michael is a great and successful man. He loves all of us as we love him. No one ever thought this would happen to him at the age he is now, or how he only has days to live. To me it seems like a great privilege to be his nephew, also to share his name and be loved by him.

Through this awful, horrible illness, he has never asked “Why me?” or complained, which goes to show how much of a great man he is.

Michael never wore a suit much, just on special occasions and Mass days and family & friends’ birthdays, which shows how much he loves God and his family.

He wants to go to heaven early, I think to see God and Jesus and all the important people in history (not leaving out Elvis!).

This should never happen to anyone. I don’t like to express myself out loud, which is why I am writing this. It is for Michael especially, for anyone who must have this illness, and for all of his family and friends. Michael is an important man and doesn’t deserve this…thing. If it helps, which it may not, know he is going to heaven.

He does what he can to help anyone and everyone, which makes me sure that he would be trying to help Haiti if he could. After he dies, he will still love and watch over us. He will be in our hearts and minds.

A while ago, Michael took me aside and told me “If you have any questions, or need someone to talk to, talk to me.” I knew then how much he didn’t want to die, and I knew how much he loved all of us. He always had me do the right thing, which leads me to a conclusion. He is the perfect example of a perfect man.

Holly's Poem

Michael
Big Brother, Protector, and Best Friend

Many people would believe it was Mom and Dad
Who taught me to
- stand up for what I believe in,
- reach for the stars,
- or believe in myself and my dreams and goals.
But it was you.

You were my voice,
When I was too scared or nervous to speak for myself.
You were my strength,
When I needed someone to lean on.
You were my rock,
When I needed someone to hold onto.

Now, here I am for you.
I believe in you, in everything you ever dreamed.
I would follow you anywhere.
I would do anything for you.

Whatever you were, or are, for me--
I am always here for you.

I love you and miss you, Michael!

Letter from Dad

Dear Michael,

I talked to God again today, as I have so many times in these last months. I told him I didn’t think this was a good idea. After all, I had plans for you and I. We had more golf to play, more time to spend together, and more fun to have. In my heart I heard God laugh and say “You have no idea what my plans are.” So here we are.

For the time being, our golf together is over. I want you to know how very much I will miss those times. I remember telling you more than once, it’s not how far you hit it, but how straight. You used that against me and beat me more often than not. Every once in a while you did let me win. You carried that philosophy into your life. You may not have hit very far but you hit straight and true with everyone and touched more lives than you will ever know. I hope you know how proud I am of you.

So for now son, our days in the sun are gone. I have a feeling God needed you to fill up a foursome. All I can say is keep your head down and hit it straight. We will most surely have a game again. I love you.

Dad