11/26/2020

Shea, one of Michael's closest friends, sent me his memories of him. What I most enjoyed was Shea's characterization of Michael...

"He also had a caring and generous side that I’ll always remember him for"

What a great way to be remembered...

Michael's Dad

From Shea:

Mike was one of my best friends for many years. I first met him in college at UF around 2001, and we became fast friends. I always seemed to click well with the people he hung out with (birds of a feather I suppose), and I’m still good friends with Rob Pellosie whom I met through Mike. Mike was so much fun to be around and always kept us laughing. He also had a caring and generous side that I’ll always remember him for. One of the many examples of his compassion and generosity, and one that sticks out in my mind, was how he was there for me at one of the scariest times in my life. In 2009, I was involved in a bad car accident with Rob and a couple other friends in the car. The accident was near Gainesville, and we ended up at Shands hospital. As soon as Mike heard about the accident, he drove straight to Gainesville from Orlando and was the first one to visit us in the hospital.

I ended up having to stay in the hospital for 18 days due to a bad injury on my leg. It was a very frightening experience for me that Mike helped make so much better! Back in those days, I had an old flip phone, and when Mike found out how long I would be in the hospital for, he gave me his iPhone to use to keep me distracted from my injuries and to help me pass the time. I mean, who lends their brand-new and extremely expensive iPhone to a friend to use for 18 days?!

So generous! Back then, I didn’t even know what an app was, and I remember him showing me a fishing app that I could use to “fish” right from my hospital bed – so much fun! I spent hours and hours on Mike’s iphone, and it really did help me keep my sanity throughout that painful and trying time in my life.

Here is a picture I took from Mike’s iPhone while I was in the hospital…

After the accident, I had to deal with finding a new car since my old one was totaled. Mike’s compassion and generosity didn’t stop at him lending me his iPhone. In fact, when he heard about my car predicament,, he offered to let me borrow his car, for a whole month, just so I wouldn’t have to try and find a new car while I was recovering. I took him up on that offer, and it made my recovery so much easier! Mike had a heart of gold, and I’ll always cherish the memories of everything he did for me.

I really wish I had more pictures of the hundreds of good memories I have with Mike. But at least I have some pictures, thanks to Facebook. Here are some of the pictures I found:

October 2007 – Festival in downtown Orlando to celebrate Mike’s birthday.

December 2007 – We rented a limo for my wife, Kate’s, 25th birthday - We took the limo to Downtown Disney for dinner and had lots of laughs.

Fourth of July 2008 – We rented a pontoon boat near New Smyrna Beach – An epic day on the water.

August 2009 – Mike’s wedding - It was really special seeing him so happy that weekend!

July 2012 – Rob’s wedding – Mike was always making us laugh!

May 2013 – Paul (far right) had a “preppy party” at his house in Boynton Beach, and Mike drove down from Orlando to join us

…these are just a few of the many great memories I have with Mike

As everyone knows, Mike was also a man of many talents – he had a great sense of humor, was extremely athletic, and was a phenomenal musician. I remember hearing Mike sing and play his guitar countless times. And for some reason, I’ve heard him sing “Moonshadow” by Cat Stevens 10 times more than any other song. That song must have really struck a chord with him, and when I listen to the lyrics, I start to think I just might understand why…

Michael's All Time Favorite "I'm Being Followed By A Moon Shadow"

“And if I ever lose my eyes, if my colors all run dry, Yes if I ever lose my eyes, oh I won't have to cry no more.” Oh, I'm bein' followed by a moonshadow, moonshadow, moonshadow--- Leapin’ and hoppin' on a moonshadow, moonshadow, moonshadow---“

I have countless great memories with Mike, and.....

I miss him dearly.

He really was one of my favorite people for so many years, and

I’ll Always cherish our friendship! I look forward to seeing him again someday!

From Mike's Dad - Thanks for the Memories

11/25/2020