Monday, August 27, 2018
Dear Debbie, Abby and Ben, sisters' Mary Jane and Diane and families,
Donna and I are deeply sadden to learn of Michael's (Mike) passing. Our sincerest and most heartfelt sympathies go out to all of you.
Being among the youngest of my immediate cousins, I vividly remember Mike as a quiet little boy during our growing up and family times.
I have two special memories I would like to share about my cousin. When Mike entered high school, I had the privilege of being his 10th grade social studies teacher. I remember his parents, Aunt Mary and Uncle Walt telling me that they had no problem with this arrangement and gave me their blessing to "keep him in line". Like, that was a problem! My biggest challenge was getting him into the briefest of conversation.
Overall, during the lifetime of our relationship, Mike was characteristically, the same quiet, soft spoken person he had always been. Now, mind you, I never went fishing or crabbing with him, nor to a Phillies game, nor Dover Downs. In his own way, I know Mike was passionate about his family and their well being. He loved his work and his neighborhood. He lived his entire life and raised his family, as he was by his parents, in the same house on Anderson Street. As the years passed by, our contacts became standardized to graduations, weddings and funerals. It is with a heavy heart that Mike's funeral, later this week, will be the last of our earthly meetings.
The last special memory of Mike is my most recent. It was the wedding of his daughter, Abby. On that special day, Mike was happy; he was a proud father; he was gracious to all; and, he was a "perfect host" (he has the bills to prove it). Most importantly ,I heard and saw Mike speak more words that day then all the times going back to his days as my "little, quiet cousin".
Lastly, I finish my tribute to my cousin, Mike, with the following thought: Though not having the days of a long life, Mike did have the loving relationship and support of his wife Debbie and his children Abby and Ben, He got to be a grandparent to Reagan Taylor. He got to fish, crab, cheer for the Phillies,be a craftsman, have good friends, and be well liked. He was a good man.
I will miss him dearly. I hope, in some small way, my thoughts help the family temper the grief of losing Michael. May his soul rest in peace.
Cousin Alan and Donna
