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Michael Gerson Obituary

Gerson, Michael Ray age 41, died suddenly, of Schaumburg, formerly of Wilmette, beloved husband and best friend for 14 years of Merly (nee Illescas), loving daddy of Ashley and Ryan, devoted son of Roberta and the late Ronald, cherished brother of Susan (Larry) Brown, Michele (Mark) Nachbin and Steven (Beth), special son-in-law of Margarita and the late Ricardo Illescas, dear brother-in-law of Irma (John) Palomo, Rudy and Edgar Illescas and Alba (Mario) Escobar, treasured nephew of Elaine (Joe) Fisher and Gloria (Jim) Martin, caring uncle, cousin and friend to many. Michael will be dearly missed by all, he left us way too soon. Service Thursday, 11 a.m, at The Chapel, 195 N. Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove, (1 blk. N. of Lake Cook Rd.), Interment Randhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Michael Gerson Scholarship Fund, c/o Bank One, 1190 S. Elmhurst Rd., Mt. Prospect, IL, 60056. Info: The Goldman Funeral Group, Irwin Goldman Funeral Director, 847-478-1600.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Sep. 20, 2005.

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Johnny (Jason) Palomo

November 8, 2023

Uncle Mike,

I can´t believe it´s been 18 years since you passed away. I remember when you use to bring over your Nintendo and let us play. You always sat down and played the original NES with us and you made it such a treat. Every time I watch the original Batman I ALWAYS think about you. One of my fondest memories is when you took me to see Batman in the summer of 1989. I really wanted to see it so bad that you took me to the theatre on opening weekend to see the movie. We were so excited for the movie everything we saw the trailer on tv. You were really busy with work but you took the time to take me to enjoy a movie during my summer vacation. We had so much fun and to this day I remember talking to you about how great the movie was plus how you enjoyed watching it with me. We really bonded that day and that is when I really got into movies. Now I am 43 years old and I always talk about the experience I shared with you watching the start of the Warner Brothers first ever Batman Film Franchise. I collect physical media (600 movies in my collection) and enjoy going to the movies with my family to this day. I miss you so much Uncle Mike and I value the time we spent together. You were so nice to me and I loved every time we hung out. You were always so funny and always made me laugh with your jokes. I always remembered how Merly would always grin with a smile when you were being funny. You always had such a great sense of humor and I could still hear you laugh then watch you crack yourself up. Uncle Mike I love you and really miss the times we spent together. You are in a better place now and no longer hurting. I always think about how you left us so abruptly and didn´t deserve to leave us at such a young age. I really wanted to let you know I was thinking about you and will always remember the great times we shared. Please continue to look over the family and continue to rest in peace.

Love your nephew Jason

Susan Brown

October 28, 2023

I miss you so darn much. I look up at the stars at night and feel that you, mom and dad are looking down on me. Thinking of you always.

Jennifer A Palomo

August 16, 2015

As I watch the "CrossTown Classic", I can't help remember the last time I went to see a game with uncle Mike. I am glad to have the memories, I wished I had a chance to see more games with him. As the years go by....I have more to talk to him about....I could use his wisdom now.

Happy Birthday Uncle Mike!

Tu sobrina Jenny

Susan Brown

May 8, 2014

Today is not an anniversary or birthday. Just a day that I am missing my brother very much. I am so thankful for such wonderful memories which I cherish greatly. It is baseball season now. I remember as a kid, Michael was so engrossed with the games, that he would pull on his hair during the games. Although Michael left us way to soon, he left his us with so memories to cherish forever. I love and miss you.

Susan Brown

September 18, 2011

Missing you so much today and always.

Merly Gerson

September 18, 2011

Today is exactly six years to date when Michael passed.It was a Sunday like today, although the day was sunny instead of rainy.My dear Michael, I still feel broken and the hole you left will never be filled. I imagine sometimes how proud you have been with Ashley and Ryan. They are so much like you and to see how many things they posses that remind me of you,it makes it much harder to think of you not being here with us.I can believe that you will not be here to see Ashley graduate from Highschool and Ryan from Junior High that would have been one of your proudest moments.Michael, I will always love you and miss you everyday of my life,my only true love.
Always yours forever and ever, Merly.

Michele Nachbin

August 16, 2011

Michael,

I can't believe it's been 6 years since you've been gone. I miss you so much! Today, as you use to say as a child, is August Six Teeth. Your birthday. I wish, more than anything, that you were here today celebrating it. I love you Michael Row Your Boat Ashore!

Michele Nachbin

November 25, 2010

Although my family, in-laws, and relatives are still mourning... today, together as one, we will be celebrating what we had and will continue to have because of those who meant so much to us. On this Thanksgiving, we give thanks and celebrate their legacy and the memories that will forever be with us.

Michael, I miss you as much as I did five years ago. I love you so much and hope and pray that you, Mom, and Dad are together as one.

Michele Nachbin

July 20, 2009

Yesterday was Ashley's Quinceanera and it was magical. She looked like a princess and the celebration was truly what dreams are made of. From the limousine, to her dress, to the girls who stood court, to the centerpieces, to the food, music, family and friends it was definitely a day to remember. What more could a 15 year old young lady ask for?

Sadly, we all know the answer. Michael was surely on all of our minds.

Ashley's speech and words of her father brought tears not only to Ashley, but to all of us as well.

I really believe, however, as Ashley mentioned that although Michael wasn't there in the physical sense, he was there. I'd like to think that he went along for the limo ride, that he was at the banquet hall, that he stood there in awe of Ashley's beauty and of the young lady that she's become, and that he watched and enjoyed family and friends take pictures, eat, dance, hug, and share good times. I also believe that throughout the day and night, he stood by Merly's side. And I'm sure he had the hugest smile watching Ashley, Ryan, Merly, and everyone else having a good time.

No doubt, he would have loved to be able to thank Merly's family for everything they did for the Quinceanera. Also, I think that if Michael could have, he would not only have shook Steven's hand and said "thank you" for standing in for him for the daughter/daddy dance, but he would have hugged him too. While we all cried as Ashley and Steven danced together, Steven engaged her in coversation and made her smile and laugh. That is exactly what Michael would have done as well.

I think that Ashley did get to dance with her father again last night, it was just in a different way. And I believe he danced with Merly too. And unbeknownest to her, he still dances with her often.

When dancing, the guy often takes the lead. I believe that though his sprit and our memories Michael continues to dance and lead his family every day.

Ashley's Quinceneara invitation read "Just like a page out of a fairytale the storybook dream comes true." Those words definitely rang true last night. And knowing that Michael will always be with us, the fairytale doesn't have to end. There really can be a happily ever after.

Jennifer A Palomo

August 16, 2007

Happy Birthday Uncle Mike!!

It is hard to think that Uncle Mike is not with us.

I actually feel that he is....
especially when I find myself speaking to him and asking him for advice.

There are days that I take a step back and I think about what Uncle Mike would do.

He had a great influence on me and I am grateful to call him my Uncle Mike.

I miss you and I love you Uncle Mike.

Your niece,

Michele Nachbin

August 15, 2007

Michael, a day doesn't go by without me thinking of you. You meant so much to me as a brother and a friend. And even though you're "gone" you continue to mean the world to me. Tomorrow, August 16th (or as you used to say when you were younger "August six teeth" would have been your birthday. I'd like to think that it still is, it's just in a different kind of way. The poem below that I came across many months ago (author unknown) and that I read almost every day, perhaps explains what I mean.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sun on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

Happy Birthday Michael. I love you so much! Michele

Merly Gerson

September 17, 2006

It feels like it happen a month ago when I had to tell Ashley and Ryan that their Daddy was not coming home, it was the hardest thing that I had to do in my life. I still cannot believe it has been a year; a year that I started a hard and long journey without Michael, without his love, his guidance and support. I do not know how long my life it is going to feel this huge emptiness, I miss him every hour and every day of my life, he was the reason why I felt complete as a wife and a mother; he was our reason for loving life and enjoying every minute of it. People tell me that I should find comfort in remembering all the wonderful memories we had with Michael, but it is not easy to remember without feeling that it hurts not to have him with us. All I learned from this painful time it is that I will live everyday to the fullest and I have two powerful reasons to keep on going, the love for my two amazing children. Ashley and Ryan have on them so much of Michael that when I watch them I feel like I can see him. I wish they grow up to be as wonderful as Michael, I hope they are as honest, giving and caring as he was. One thing that I have clear now is that when you love somebody the way I loved Michael you will never love the same way ever again, you only have one true love in your lifetime and Michael was that for me.

Love You Always Michael.

Julie Carr

September 15, 2006

It has been almost one year and we still think of Mike at work and say, "Mike would have said...". It is a memory that will live on forever. It is only an impression on how Mike touch our lives that we still think of him and miss him in our daily lives.

Jennifer A Palomo

March 20, 2006

It's been 6 months since the passing of my uncle Mike. His death unfortunately is the first in my life that I had to experience.



I see the family he left behind but then I see so much of him in Ashley and Ryan which makes me believe he hasn't completely left us.



I was visiting my Tía, Ashley and Ryan with José about a month ago. It was the night that Steven took Ryan out for his birthday.



José and Ryan were playing video games in Ryan's room. Ashley and I went up to the room to see what the boys were doing. When I saw Ryan into the game and explaining it to José, it reminded me about Uncle Mike.



When my Tía and Uncle Mike were dating, Uncle Mike would bring over his Nintendo along with a game or two. He would teach me and my siblings how to play. He would play with us or would let us take turns. When it was time to leave or eat, Uncle Mike couldn't leave the system. We would stay with him, in awe as he finished the level much like Ryan.



Later that evening, we were sitting around the dining room table as I was observing Ashley and Ryan. Ashley was able to get Ryan to agree on a bet. He won but he didn’t. Ashley told Ryan it didn’t count since they didn't shake on it much like Uncle Mike.



I remember another instance when Uncle Mike would do the same to me and my siblings. He would get us to bet on something and not shake on it. Later when we said we had a deal or won, he would tell us we "didn't shake on it". When I saw Ashley with Ryan, it reminded me of my own memories of Uncle Mike.



I hope this brought a tear to your eye as it does to me but also a smile as I tell it. Although Uncle Mike isn't physically with us, he is within all of us. A perfect example is Ashley and Ryan.



I love you Tía, Ashley & Ryan!!

Michele Nachbin

March 20, 2006

It's hard to believe that six months ago, Michael left us. The shock and sorrow is still so great that it seems like just yesterday. Everyday I mourn. I mourn for Michael because his life was taken from him. I also mourn for all of us - myself, his family, his friends and co-workers because although we are still blessed to be here, our lives must go on without him.



It is often said that you should live each day to the fullest... live each day as though it is your last. If Michael's passing has taught us anything, it's that life is precious and that each day that we're here is truly a gift.



For each birthday of ours that we are alive to celebrate, we are very fortunate. I find it bittersweet that in the six months that Michael has been gone, the three people that mattered most in his life, have had their birthday. Ashley's was in December. Ryan's was in February, and Merly's is today.



For Ashley and Ryan, I can only imagine the profound sadness that you must have felt on your birthdays, not having your dad there with you. But because of your youthfulness, and doing fun things with your friends and family, hopefully you were able to enjoy yourselves and have, in some form, a "happy" birthday.



For you Merly, please don't take offense if anyone tries to wish you a happy birthday today. Please know that they are not being ignorant of the pain you are feeling and what you are going through. The truth is, however, that you are still alive to see the sunrise and sunset, to stand in awe of rainbows, to enjoy music, and to love your children and be amazed by all of their accomplishments.



I'm sure that the only thing that you want for your birthday is to have Michael back. That is totally understandable. Know though that he did leave an incredible present behind for you. The wonderful memories that you shared together, from the first time you met at Errol's Video, to Michael's belated birthday dinner that you, Michael, Ashley, and Ryan had together the night before he passed away - those memories will last forever.



Merly, I hope today that you take a few minutes to think back on some of those times. If you do, I'm sure that a smile will come to your face. And if one does, then you will have, if even for only a little while, the happy birthday that you deserve.



I love you Merly!



Michele

adrian turner

February 21, 2006

me and mike had some great times just sitting back at night at sbc and laughing our heads off..he truly will be missed by all

Michele Nachbin

December 18, 2005

Three months ago today, Michael passed away. It still doesn't make sense. Will we ever understand why? Tears are still shed. Will we ever stop crying? There is an unbearable sense of loss. Will that tremendous void ever disappear? Right now it seems like the answer will forever be "no". But that's not what Michael would have wanted from us.



Two nights ago, I watched the video of Michael's funeral. I relived the worst nightmare that I've ever had. My brother was in fact, truly gone. A couple of hours later, I watched my wedding video from 15 years ago. I needed to remember Michael in happier times, to see him, to hear his voice, and to cherish and laugh at the witty remarks he made when he toasted me and Mark. Michael has never let me down. And by me watching my wedding video, he lifted me up.



Today, the Gerson family will be gathering to celebrate Hanukkah one week early. Trying to rejoice this holiday season seems impossible. In many ways, we wish that Hanukkah, Christmas, and the New Year weren't upon us. But they are. And Michael would have wanted us to be happy, to celebrate, and to have fun. I really think that if he could talk to us now, he would say "you better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I'm telling you why..."



On this, the 3-month anniversay of Michael's death, we need to embrace life, cherish our memories, and enjoy the holidays. We owe it to ourselves, to our families, and most importantly, we owe it to Michael.

zubeen ameer-woodley

October 2, 2005

To The Gerson Family,

I worked with with Mike at SBC, and he was a very sweet and an easygoing person. He will be missed dearly. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

Oscretta (Retta) Williams-Robinson

October 1, 2005

My blessings & prayers to the family at this time.

Many friends and co-workers will miss "Mike". He is well remembered as the "hardest working man at the AYSC". Michael was very friendly, funny, personable AND honest; who loved his family & spoke of them with such pride. We worked together at Americast; this is a great loss to us all.

LYN HERZOG

September 29, 2005

I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO LOOSE

SOMEONE UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT YOU HAVE.BUT WHENEVER SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS GONE,THERE IS ALWAYS AN EMPTY SPOT IN OUR LIVES.WE KNEW THAT MICHAEL LOVED YOU VERY MUCH.I HOPE THAT YOU WILL TAKE COMFORT IN YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.SINCERELY,LYN,WARREN,JEREMY AND LAUREN

Rodney Montgomery

September 26, 2005

To the family of Michael Gerson, his wife and two children. I am grateful to have known Mike at SBC. He was always a soft spoken, warm and kind man. I enjoyed talking with him and sharing our lunch time together. I was overwhelmed hearing the news of his passing, but I am grateful to have known him and the kind gentle person he was. The spirit of his kindness, I pray, will live on in his son, daughter and wife.

Jackie LaMarr

September 26, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I worked with Michael at the SBC office at Arlington Hgts. He was one of the kindest people at the office and always had a kind word whenever he saw me .

He will be milled

jacqui and frank MOORADIAN

September 25, 2005

DEAR MERLY AND FAMILY



our thoughts and prayers are with you, may the love and support of friends and family help you thru this difficult time. love the mooradian family

Carole and Stan Lax

September 23, 2005

We were so sorry to hear about Michael's passing. We watched Michael grow up while living in Wilmette, and want to express our deepest sympathy to the entire family.

Beth Gerson

September 23, 2005

To Merly, Ashley, and Ryan,

It never feels like enough time is spent, enough "I love you."s said. I love you all very much, and I love Michael. That is never gone. You are a reflection of his love, that is unchanging. Ashley and Ryan, I see his humor, his quiet ways, and his kindness in you. You all carry the best of him with you, always. I hope you see how many people care about you. You are never alone. All my love,

(Auntie) Beth

Michele Nachbin

September 23, 2005

The eulogy that I gave yesterday was one of the hardest and easiest things that I've ever done. It was extremely difficult because it was for my brother Michael's funeral. It was easy, however, because he was such an inspiration and an incredible person that the words came effortlessly. I am overwhelmed and comforted by the number of people who came to the funeral and the shiva house, who sent sympathy cards and gave monetary donations, and who have expressed their condolences through this web site. It's amazing how many lives Michael touched. To all of you, your presence, words, and acts of kindness mean so much to us, as I know they would have to Michael as well.

Joshua Escobar

September 22, 2005

Mike was like a second father to me. He was always nice to me and that's what i always liked about him. I had fun with him even if was just something like going to the grocery store or to pick up a movie with Ashley and Ryan. He was very smart too, i'll miss the times when i had good conversations with him about what was going on in the news and when i shook his hand when he went home. I'll always miss him and always remember him. He was truly a great person.

Sheryl Kwait

September 22, 2005

Dear Auntie Bobbi, Susan, Michelle and Steven.

Merly, Ashley and Ryan,

We are so sorry about the tragic loss of Michael. In his brief life, he was a wonderful son, brother, friend, employee, husband and father. In his brief life and tragic death, he has deeply touched the lives of so many people he knew and didn't know accross the country. Michael's life is a huge reminder that life is so precious and so fragile. Michael's love and devotion to family and friends has reminded us of what is most important. He will be greatly missed, but his memory treasured.

With great sadness and lots of love, Sheryl, Bill, Rebecca and Shelby Kwait

Guen Lechowski

September 22, 2005

Dear Gerson Family,

I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Ryan and Ashley remember that we are all here for you.

With love,

Guen Lechowski

Jenny Randolph (Murtz)

September 22, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the love and support of friends and family guide you.

Dave and Jenny Randolph

Deborah Niethammer

September 22, 2005

Truly sorry to hear of your loss. Remember the happy memories and let them help you through this difficult time. He will always be in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Love Debbie, Oliver and family

Jan and Kurt Straznickas

September 21, 2005

Roberta and family

Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Julie Carr

September 21, 2005

To The Gerson Family:

For those that know me; I often have something to say about most everything. Mike knew that, in fact, he would wait to hear my dry sense of humor and odd way of seeing the world. Today, I just do not know what to say. I am shocked, sad and puzzled at Mike's passing. As it has been stated, Mike lived for His family. He wanted them to expeirence life to the fullest. Plans he made, ideas explored and asking co-workers at lunch for something new to do was not uncommon. He loved life, he wanted the best for all he knew and was very unselfish. You knew he was more concerned about you than himself; in a sort of quiet way. He never really said it, his gestures embarked his feelings.

My memory of Mike will be vivid. He will still live on in our hearts, our memories and through his family the legacy will live forever. To you I say, embrace it, it is yours.

Jim Hoffman

September 21, 2005

To everyone who loved Michael,



I'm sorry to hear of Michael's sudden passing. He was nice, helpful, giving and friendly kid growing up. He helped me with my paper route when we were in junior high together. The world is a better place because he was here.

Dan Bledsoe

September 21, 2005

Michael was a kind gentle spirit and loved by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. The world has lost a special person.

David & Lourdes Waclawski

September 21, 2005

Michael was our uncle we will miss him dearly he left us way to soon he was loved by all. He was a loving husband and a wonderful father. To Merly Ashley and Ryan

He will be Loved and Missed, Love David, Lori and Dana, Ruby and Alexis

dan brown

September 21, 2005

Dear Gerson Family, My deepest sympathy to you at your time of sorrow, I'll never forget the first time we met, it was at my house to meet your family before

Susan & Larry's wedding. I remarked

to you how close your family stayed together, and now even more so.

My heart is with you. !

Dan Brown & fond memories of Flo.

Ron Brown

September 21, 2005

To the Gerson Family,

I am very sorry to hear about the

sudden loss of Michael, it is quite a

shock and my deepest sympathy

sincerley Ron

Joel Berger

September 20, 2005

I was very stunned and saddened to hear of Mike's passing. He was a great guy, a caring co-worker and a friend. I will miss him dearly. This hits very close to home for me as I had a health scare last month. Michael was genuinely concerned for my well being. My condolences to Mike's wife, Merly, and his two kids. I plan to honor Michael at my temple on Yom Kippur.

Ruth and Marv Le Vine

September 20, 2005

We will cherish our memories of Michael, who we watched grow to be a kind and gentle man. Our heartfelt condolences to Merle, Ryan and Ashley, dear mother Roberta, sisters Susan and Michelle, and Brother Steven.

Scott Raffe

September 20, 2005

Roberta, Susan, Michelle & Steven:

Still in shock as I write this.

Very sorry.

I'll remember the funner times:

Going to the Cub games.

Riding our bike to Lake Forest to watch the Bears, getting a flat on the way back and my mom having to pick us up.

Secretly teaming up at our card games to whip Steve & John.

Bowling (he always had to win).

Trading baseball cards (I always won that one).

Dolores Van Nostrand

September 20, 2005

Merly, Ashley, and Ryan. I had the pleasure of working with Michael at New Media. Michael was someone to be respected and admired in the way he did his work with excellence and in the way he was managing his personal familiy responsibilities. He shared with his co-workers the delight he found in planning and doing things with his family. He exhibited pride in everything he attempted. He had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. His was a life well lived.

Bill Philbin

September 20, 2005

I worked with Michael at New Media. He had a remarkably sweet spirit, and radiated warmth as he related to us and to customers.



He worked hard. I used to kid him about how much more he earned than the managers thanks to overtime. I admired his determination to purchase a home, and his willingness to work to make it happen.



He was happiest when he talked about his family. He truly loved being a husband and being a dad.



My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you weather this storm. This happened way too soon, but I am thankful I had the privilege of time with Michael.

Sharon Ogorzalek

September 20, 2005

To Mrs. Gerson, Ashley, and Ryan,

May all your happy family memories carry you through this difficult time. Ashley and Ryan, your father's spirit will live on in each of you. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you now and forever. Always, Sharon Ogorzalek

Teddy & Skippy Kray

September 20, 2005

Roberta & Family: We send our deepest sympathies to you at this time of deep sorrow. Our hearts are with you.

Darlene Batwinski (Connolly)

September 20, 2005

I worked with Mike at Ameritech New Media. He was such a nice guy! It has been a few years since we worked together at Ameritech New Media, but I remember him as a very friendly person who took his work seriously and was a very conscientious worker. I remember him telling stories about his wife and children. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children. He will be missed.

Gloria Martin

September 20, 2005

Michael was a loving and caring husband, father, nephew and cousin. He touched those who knew him. Michael will be missed, but will always be in our hearts. We are truely sorry for your loss, and our hearts go out to you. love Aunt Gloria, Uncle Jim and family

Janine Calkins

September 20, 2005

My sincere condolences to the family. I have known Michael and the family all my life and I have fond memories playing at each others homes and playing ball in "The Field". My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.

CHUCK & BOBBIE SHERMAN

September 20, 2005

DEAR ROBERTA AND FAMILY,

WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS HOW WE FEEL OVER YOUR LOSS OF MICHAEL. HE WAS A WONDERFUL YOUNG MAN AND WE HAVE MANY FOND MEMORIES OF HIM.

MAY IT BE A COMFORT TO KNOW THAT FRIENDS TRULY CARE.

BOBBIE AND CHUCK SHERMAN

Cheri Brandt

September 20, 2005

I worked with Michael at New Media and SBC. I feel blessed to have know him. He was a real family man. He got such joy in planning surprise trips for his wife, for her Birthday or Anniversary. My prayers are with the entire family. I have lost a very good friend and will miss him greatly.

Tim Gleason

September 20, 2005

Michael was my first friend in college and my roommate for 3 years. We shared alot together in those times, both good and bad. Mike was indeed one of a kind, and one of the most friendly and gentle men that I've ever known. I know how deeply he cared for his family. Although we did not have an aweful lot of contact in the last few years, I still can call him one of my lifelong friends. He will be missed tremendously.

Karen Carroll

September 20, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times. Mike formerly worked for me at SBC. He is remembered as a hard worker who always gave his best.

Susan Brown

September 20, 2005

Merly, Ashley, and Ryan,

May you one day take comfort in knowing how much Michael loved and charished each one of you. He was a wonderful and loving husband and father. I was fortunate to share 41 years of his life, and I know how lucky I was to have such a wonderful brother. He will be missed but he is in our hearts. I love you all so much and I'm so sorry for your loss. Susan

Bobbi and Ed Ginsberg

September 20, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with you doing this trying time.

Steven Gerson

September 20, 2005

Although we were never best of friends or talked as much as we should have, you were the best brother one could have. You taught me a lot over the years and I thank you for that. I will remember and charish the times we spent together. Love you always, Steve

Lynn Lietz

September 20, 2005

I worked with Mike at SBC & he was truly one of the nicest people I've ever known. He talked about his wife & children often. It was easy to see how much he loved his family. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.

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Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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