Michael Marchetti Obituary

Thinking of you today. Wouldn't it have been grand? 46 years! Love you more.

My Dad would have been 70 today. I still think of him daily and miss him so much.

Just thinking about you! No reason, I still just think about you a lot.

Love you more,

me

Thinking of you, Dad, on your birthday! Happy birthday. Miss you everyday...

Merry Christmas dad...Miss you and thinking of you today. Love Rick

Happy 68th birthday dad. I miss you. Could you bring us some luck in selling our house? Sox win, cubs lose. Not a bad day. Thinking of you.

Rick

Six Birthdays without you. I still miss you and think about you every day. ILY Mich

2005 World Champions...I so much wish you were here. This one was for you dad, brought to you by Konerko, Dye, Crede, Podsenik, Beuhrle, and one guy i know you would just love...Big Bad Bobby Jenks. White Sox win YES!!!!!!!

Hi Dad

I believe, I believe!!!! The Sox success this season and post season is bittersweet without you here. I don't know how you would have chosen who to take with you to the games, me, Michael, Ricky,Mom and Uncle Bob would have had to do Rock Paper Scissors or something. I would do anything just to be watching it at home with you right now, Game 4, going into the top of the 9th, your beloved Sox up 1/zip. I think you would have liked Crede and Rowand, they're scrappy, tough, clutch guys, the kind you liked. I wish you were here, I miss you so much. ILY Mich

GO SOXS! Miss you Mike. I sure hope the Sox win. And that win will be for you.Love, cousin Loretta Bailey.

Ok Dad...what kind of magic can you work up for our boys tonight? I know you are watching, and like me cant beleive what you'r seeing. World Series!!! I wish so much you were here to see this with us. I know we'd have tickets for sure. Know that all of us have been thinking about you alot over the last few weeks as your Beloved Sox march towards that trophy. We will all be watching, and we know that you will be watching with us. When we finally pour that champagne, we will be sure to toast you as well. I miss you dad...put in a word for our team with the big guy.



Love you, Rick

SOX WIN! Hi Uncle Mike. The Sox just clinched their division and I thought of the 2 biggest Sox fans I know...my dad and you. I just called my dad and he answered the phone "Sox win, Sox win!" Bring them luck in the playoffs! Love, Lisa

John and I were in Boston last week for a short vacation. We saw a Redsox game and I thought of you most of the game. Old Fenway reminded me alot of Old Comiskey and all the games you took us to when we were kids. The Big Green Monster didn't seem all that big in person. I don't think it was a coincidence that out seats were in row MM and a few foul balls came our way too. I know you were there with me. I miss you. ILY always Michele.

hi gaga, it's jenna i miss you soooooooooo much! love you jenna

Hi Mike, Im sitting here in Iowa with our cousin Loretta Bailey talking about you and wanted to tell you we met some new cousin's to both of us. We went on a nice trip to Greeley Colorado and to the mountians and met a lot of new cousins there. Miss you every day and think of you. Your in my heart and prayers always, Your sis(the eldest, and getting older!) Char

Another birthday without you. I thought about you alot yesterday. I hope you heard me. I miss you and ILY. Mich

Michael, Where are you? I was at the cemetery Friday, and I still can't believe why I'm there. I feel you so strongly at times, and yet all I ever feel when I'm there is a total loss of you and so much anger. My life goes on and I marvel at the fact that time, so much time, has passed. I miss you and always will. I love you more, Connie

Hi Dad,

2 years now. I still can't believe you are gone. I still walk into your room every time I'm at home and I still think some how you might be there. I still miss you like hell, we all do. ILY.

Hi Daddy,

Richard Michael Marchetti Pecenka was born on August 6, 2002, but you already know that don't you? Your first gransdon is perfect in every way. His first two months have been amazing and I want to thank you for watching over me and helping me get through all I've had to get through these last 3 months. I wish so much you could see him. He will grow up hearing stories of his Gaga and his Papa too. He will know you. And I promise the rest of them won't forget you either. Even Micha knows who you are in pictures and now we have Ava to remind us of you, I think she looks just like you, she has your blue eyes. I look at her and see you every time. I want to thank you for my boy Richie, I know you had something to do with it. ILY and I think of you every day. Michele

Uncle Mike,

In case you were wondering when I was going to thank you…

I started my new job almost two months ago as a Marketing and Product Development Coordinator at North American Spine Society. (That's a mouthful!). It’s a non-profit organization that helps to improve the spine care industry through education, research and advocacy. I guess I was too swept up in the stress of my job hunt and my excitement in finally finding a position that had all I was looking for to even notice that you may of had a hand in it all. It wasn't until Auntie Mary linked you to it all--The fact that I was now working in an association made up of orthopedic and neurosurgeons that dealt specifically with spine related disorders. I suppose it’s because when I think of you now, I don’t see all that stuff. Just as everyone else that loves you, I remember you, not your wheel chair. But, just knowing what you went through, I take even greater pride in my new association. We provide education to both Doctors and Patients, we have two foundations that exist solely to fund research opportunities to help prevent and cure spine disorders. And I have to believe that all these efforts will all make a difference one day and I think you helped me become a part of it all. So, I wanted to thank you and let you know that I think about you all the time.

Oh, and congratulations on the new granddaughter. Marchetti girls are always welcome!

Love Always,

Deanna Marie

Dear Dad,



Last night at 10:23pm, you became a grandfather again. Leslie gave birth to a baby girl. Your latest granddaughters name is Ava Michele Marchetti. She weighed in at 6 pounds 3 ounces, and is 19 inches long and in perfect health. I felt your presence through the entire birth, and i thank you for watching over her and making sure that she is a healthy baby. Leslie is doing very well, she is simply amazing. I hope your smiling up there and telling everyone about it. Ava is absolutely beautiful, she's the most perfect thing ive ever laid my eyes upon. I hope your proud, because i sure am.



I miss you and think about you all the time.



Love your son, Rick

MY DEAR MIKE NOW THAT THE HOLIDAYS ARE OVER,I WANT TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH I MISSED YOU.THE CHRISTMAS PARTY WAS VERY SAD WITHOUT YOU,YOU WERE REALLY MISSED ALOT.IT WAS VERY NICE BUT NOT AT ALL THE SAME WITHOUT YOU. SUPERBOWL IS NEARING AND NO MIKE TO MAKE IT EXCITING. WE NOW HAVE 85 IN THE FAMILY.AUNTIE IS THE OLDEST AT 90 I AM THE NEXT OLDEST AT 70.THATS PRETTY HARD TO BELIEVE I AM THE OLDEST ONE AFTER AUNTIE.LOVE YOU AND THINK OF YOU OFTEN CHAR

HI UNC

I NEVER IN MY LIFE MISSED SOMEONE AS MUCH AS I MISS YOU.

I REALLY HURT TONIGHT BECAUSE I WANTED TO TALK. THE YEAR FOR ME HAS BEEN PRETTY TOUGH.

I STILL NEED YOU TO LOOK OVER ME UNC. YOU ARE ONE PERSON IN MY LIFE THAT I CAN'T OR WILL NEVER LET GO. WE ALL MISSED YOU AT THE CHRISTMASS PARTY TODAY BUT I KNOW YOU WHERE THERE.

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU UNCLE MIKE.



PAULY

These past few days have all been about you. Did you like the Cardinal? I hope so. It's the little things I remember each day that keeps you alive in my heart. I miss you terribly and it will never be easier for me. Were your arms open wide yesterday to welcome your friend home? The three of you should be so proud of what you accomplished with your too short time on earth. Be watching tonight, every one of the best things you ever did will be together sharing their love with each other and getting through a bad time that just seems to go on and on. Keep all of us in your prayers until we meet again.



I love you more, me

It seems like yersterday, yet It feels like a lifetime ago. People always say it gets easier with time, I have trouble believing that.

The emptiness inside of me will never be easier to take. In my minds eye you are always standing or running, never in the chair, and I am happy for that. Christmas is for kids, and its your grandaughters who make everything ok for all of us. No snow yet this year, its still fall like out there.

The family X-mas party is today, I'm sure you will be talked about a lot. One thing we always have had and always will have is a great family for love and support. I love and miss you, we all miss you.

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."



You live on in all of our hearts, Uncle Mike. We miss you.



Love, Lisa.

Hi Daddy,

What a hard day today was. I can't believe a year has already passed, it seems like I just drove through that hellish snowstorm to get to you. Like Auntie Mary said tonight, when is it going to get easier, when will we not cry? I miss you and I think of you every night, I hope you are getting my messages. I need you now more than ever. I love you Daddy and Merry Christmas. Your First Girl.

Hi dad,



i havent been on this site in awhile, it seems like alot of us havent. That doesnt mean we havent been thinking about you. I think about you every day. Today is the one year anniversary of you leaving us. I cant believe its been one whole year already, it seems like it was only yesterday. Everybody is doing pretty good, we talk about you all the time and seem to reference you alot. Leslie and the girls are doing very well, we are looking forward to a baby girl. Can you beleive it? another girl...It seems you took the Marchetti Y chromosone with you. We are going to name her Ava Michele, isnt that pretty? I hope your doing good up there, im sure you know that things down here havent been all that great for our country. The suffering of all those people from september 11th makes us feel like our problems are pretty small.

I miss you dad, and not a day goes by that i dont think about you, and remember all the good times we had as a family. The holidays are here and were preparing for our family christmas party on saturday. Its going to be weird without you there, but we will all be together and we will be thinking about you, and we will be happy because we are together. Im sure you'll come up alot and that suits me just fine, because theres nothing i like more than talking about my old man! Merry Christmas dad, i miss you and i love you so much.



Your son, Rick

Hi Uncle Mike -



I have been thinking about you a lot lately as I am sure everyone has. It is hard to believe it is almost a year since you have been gone, especially since it seems as though you are still here. You still touch all of our lives every day. I am a truly fortunate person for having known you. I saw this poem today and I hope it helps everyone feel better about things. Merry Christmas Uncle Mike!



Death is Nothing At All

I have only slipped away into the next room.

I am I, and you are you.

Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.



Call me by the old familiar name.

Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.

Put no difference in your tone.

Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed

At the little jokes that we enjoyed together.



Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.



Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.

Let it be spoken without an effort,

Without the ghost of a shadow upon it.



Life means all that it ever meant.

It is the same as it ever was.

There is absolute and unbroken continuity.



What is this death but a negligible accident?

Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?

I am but waiting for you, for an interval,

Somewhere very near,

Just around the corner.



All is well.

Hi Daddy

It's hard to believe you've been gone 10 months already. It still feels like yesterday to me. I think of you every day and I talk to you every night, I hope you're listening and not thinking I'm too crazy. I love you and miss you so much. Michele

Hi Uncle Mike,

I know there have been thousands of new faces joining you in the past week. I cannot tell you how much this has effected so many of us. I have peace in knowing that all of those people are in a safe and peaceful place with you. This is such a terrible thing to have to live through and I am thankful that you are there watching over us. I am so sad for all of the children that have to live through such a horrible situation. Please help God find a way to make this a safe and happy world to live in. I miss you very much.

Love, KooKoo

Hi, it's me. Well the wedding was beautiful, but you know that. I just want to tell you even though I told you already a hundred or more times how much I missed you. Our kids are something else. I couldn't have been more proud of each and every one of them. They personify what it means to be "family" and you and I always strived to instill that in them. Michele looked, as usual, beautiful. I am so proud of her, she has such a strong sense of right and wrong and so much love for her brothers and sisters-in-law.John, of course, just makes sure everything that needs to be taken care of gets taken care of. I know that you would have been so proud of Michael. He has in all ways taken the reins from you as head of our family. I don't know what I would have done without him since you are gone. Our other daughter, looked as beautiful as Michele. I know how much you loved Cathy and It has been so hard for her. She brightens many of my sad days just by being her and sharing so much with me. The stars of the day of course were Rick and Leslie. Rick has turned into a man I know you would be so very, very proud of. When I look at Leslie her goodness of spirit just shines through. She belongs with Rick and fits in our family like a long lost relative. Like Mikey said, you would love her, and definitely get a kick out of her. I know she loves us all. At the wedding I dedicated a song to them, "At Last my Love has come Along" because didn't you and I always say when Rick found the right woman he would know it just like that? Well I think they both knew it just like that. Your "girls" looked like little fairy princesses and behaved like angels.When I look at them and how close they are to each other, I really don't worry about the Marchetti name or family not going on, because they will always carry on all the wonderful caring and sharing traditions of our family. Well put in a good word for Rick and Leslie that they are Blessed with a healthy baby come April, tell HIM that's all we really want.I miss you and love you more, me

Dear Dad,



Last night Leslie and I were married. My thoughts were often of you, and what you would think, and what advice you might give to me. No doubt that you would be happy for us, and i hope, proud of me. It was a wonderful night. Everybody had a great time, lots of dancing, drinking and celebrating....your kind of party! I wish so badly that you could have been there, and i like to think that you were somehow. Leslie looked absolutely beautiful, she took my breath away. If you were here i know you would have loved her very much. Like Michael said in his speech "my dad would have gotten a kick out of you." We will be leaving for our honeymoon in a few hours, we are going to Mexico. In a way it will be bittersweet for me, because i was in Mexico when you passed, but i know what you would say, "quit worrying and go have a good time" so thats what im going to do. Leslie and I wont be going alone, your future granchild will be accompanying us.....i cant begin to tell you how thrilled we are about that. eight months from now and youll be a ga ga again. All we want is a healthy baby, but if you can somehow put in a word for us.....the Marchetti's are really ready for a baby boy. So dad i hope my news makes you happy, and i pray that you are o.k. Your little boy has grown up, and i hope that the man that i am makes you proud. I love and miss you, and i think of you every day.



love your son, Rick

Before my father died, I used to dream of him frequently, always walking or I would see him in a car driving up to me. I had not had a dream about him since he died until 2 nights ago. John and I and the girls were going to their house for Easter dinner. The house was our old one in Oak Park. As we got there Michael and Cathy were pulling up with their 3 girls. We all walked in together. Mom was in the kitchen, the dining room table was all set and my dad was in the living room. He was standing against about a five foot high stack of his old blue exercise mats. His wheelchair was in a corner and some of his other equipment but he was standing there looking over a bunch of brochures. Strangely, he was still pretty young. His hair was full, brown and curly with only a little bit a gray. He had his sunglasses up on his head and he was wearing shorts, a t-shirt and his old turf shoes. He called me over and said Michy I'm finally getting back on the golf course, me and the guys are going to Key West, you, John and the girls should fly down for a couple of days, John could golf and you girls could swim or whatever. And that was it because I woke up. I'm not sure what it all means but I'm glad he was standing and planning on golfing and I hope I dream of him again soon.

Hi Daddy-I missed you so much on Father's Day. Nothing is the same without you here. Not a day goes by that I don't think what would you have thought, what would you have said-about so many things. Would you like Regis' new sidekick? Would you be watching "The Weakest Link" ? What would you be saying about the Sox and that goofy David Wells? I missed seeing John Travolta on Letterman and Rod Stewart on Rosie O'Donnell and the all-day Van Morrison concert on WXRT because you weren't here to let me know. You would read your paper early so you'd have all this info to pass on to us. Tomorrow will be my first Sox game of the season. My first game in a very long time without you. Our last game was in September with Mom and John and the girls for fireworks and before that just me, you and the girls for that day game when we sat in the bleachers, it was hotter than heck and the girls kept wanting you, not me, to go with them to the sprinklers! You always treated, "best seats in the house". I'm going with Kristin, you know we'll be thinking of you, let us know you are with us. ILYSM Michy

Hi Mike, last Saturday we had Deanna's college graduation party. I know you were so proud of her.It truly was a Marchetti celebration.Somehow it just didn't seem complete because you were not there. I thought of you when I put out the best plastic silverware. And no, I did not save the forks. The family keeps growing,My mom freaked out when she saw all the kids.(And they weren't all there.) You were the center of the family, the heartbeat, and even though we celebrate milestones in the family, we always miss and wish you were there. I've though alot about what you went through with your paralysis and how unfair it was, but I can't help feelling God had a bigger plan for you, and you actulally got the time to reinvent your life ,not maybe the way you would have wanted to, but in a way, that you had the time to get to know your family all over again.That we got to know "Uncle Mike" in a way that we might not have.You touched each and every member of this family with your courage, strength,and most of all your sense of humor.

I know we cry much easier,and more often.We also can laugh and I guess that is a good thing.Connie assured Deanna that you were there and watching out for her. (do you think you can pull any strings and help get her a job?)

We miss you and love you so much every day. So our lives will go on but we carry you in our hearts.

P.S. this was a hell of a way to win the hair game with Pete And Bob.

Love, Linda

Hi Uncle Mike,

I have been thinking about you a lot! Our summer barbeques have started. We were at my mom amd dad's house and when Auntie Connie came over, I expected you to come rolling in and say "The brother is here, put the dinner on the table".

Not a day goes by that we don't refer to an "Uncle Mike Phrase". Of course, we don't pull them off as well as you did!

You are missed like crazy! It doesn't take much for us to have "an Uncle Mike moment". Just yesterday, Gabriela was walking by a picture of you and my mom, she kissed her hand and put in on your picture. It was so sweet. Of course, then I had "an Uncle Mike moment".

Next week, I am going to my first Sox game this year and I know that I will be thinking of you!

I miss you very much!

Love Ya, KooKoo

Hey dad. I just got done watching "Field of Dreams".

I thought of you during the scene at the end when he's playing catch with his father, and the tears just started flowing. My baseball team is having an incredible year, and i know its because your looking down on me, bringing us luck. What i would give to have one more catch with you. Keep looking out for me.

Love Rick

My heart still aches. There are still so many nights I can't sleep because I am thinking of you and wondering if you are okay. Some days it feels like yesterday, some it feels like ages ago. I miss you like hell. ILY, Michy.

Happy Birthday, Uncle Mike.

I'm sure your ears have been ringing all day. I know you were in everyone's thoughts today. We were all at Jenna's communion yesterday. The ceremony was so wonderful. Each child was involved from the readings to preparing the altar. Jenna did a reading. She looked beautiful in her dress. There was a special prayer for you mentioned during the mass. The kid butchered your last name a little bit and I have to admit I chuckled a little, and I think you would have too, but I also think it served as a bit of comic relief for us. So Uncle Mike, as you can tell our lives are going on but "our" world is just not the same without you.

We miss you.

Love, Lisa

I finally got my sign. I know you were with us yesterday at Jenna's communion and I know you were proud. It is 5 months today and what would have been your 62nd birthday. We'll all go out for dinner like we would have if you were here except you won't be. Instead we'll have birthday cake at your grave. I wish I could hug you, hear your voice. I miss you so much. Thank you for the sign and please give me another one soon. Happy birthday Daddy, ILY Mich

I was going through some old stuff that I found and saw this poem that I must have cut out of something at least 25 years ago. I didn't realize how much meaning it would have for me someday. I think about you every day and miss hearing, "Is that you Con?" when I walk in the door. I never knew this would be so hard. I know you are here with me all the time, but I miss you. This will tell you how much.



I WILL LOVE YOU

BY Patricia Livingston



When you have become my heart,

when you have become my wild wild

joy,

When you have become my tears,

then I will love you.

When,

after so long,

we have wandered

through each other's lives,

then I will love you;

and when I am old

will be

half you

half me.

I Love You More, Me

Dear Gaga,

I love you so, so, so, so, so, so much. I know you love me so much too. I wish you could see me at my communion. It will be the day before your birthday! I remember when you always said when I came over, "Is that my two girls?" I remeber when I ran and fell through the screendoor and you said, "Jen Jen are you all right?" You were pretty worried about me but I only skinned my knees. I miss you and me and Raz talk about you every day.

I love you very much, I hope you are happy in Heaven Love,Jenna Lisa

Hi dad. You will be being joined by one of your best friends today. Ed Bradley passed away this morning. I feel so badly for all the Bradleys because i know what they must be feeling, and because they are family. I feel especially bad for Cathy. She's been through so much in the last 6 months. She's a very strong woman. Im glad i came to see you the other day, it was nice to be out there on such a beautiful day, and see your new headstone. It was good to visit with grandpa and uncle lenny and every one else. I stopped to see granma Romano and Steve Turco as well. Leslie and I just closed on our new house in forest park. Its really nice, i cant wait to move in. I wish you could be here to see it. Well dad, keep an eye at the gate for Mr. Bradley, because im sure he's going to be looking for you. You guys are back together again. I miss you and think of you every day, Love your son Rick.

Hi Daddy-

John and I took the girls to Laguna Beach California for spring break. I thought alot about you and when you and Mom took me to California when I was 7, right around the ages of Jenna and Rara now. Our hotel was right by the ocean and John took them early one morning out on the beach. It reminded me of the morning in Monterey. We were staying at a Holiday Inn and you promised to take me to the ocean. It was freezing and foggy that early morning even though it was August. I remember Mom saying for you not to take me because it was too cold. I said the same thing to John. I remember seeing the big waves and you calling them tidal waves, I remember the almost dead jelly fish we found that you made me poke with a stick, I remember my first salty taste of the ocean when you made me lick my arm. It was probably about the most exciting episode of my 7 year life up until that point. Jenna and Gabriela came running into the room with stories about the "huge tidal waves" they had seen and how the ocean was salty. Some day we will take them further north up to Monterey and I'll show them "our" ocean. Happy Easter Daddy, ICFYED and ILY. Mich

A GREETING FOR MY LITTLE BROTHER.



MY SAINT PATRICK DAY WISH FOR YOU IS...

A RAINBOW FOR A COAT TO WEAR

A BREATH OF HEAVEN TOO

AND MORE THAN JUST A WEE SMALL BIT

OF BLESSINGS JUST FOR YOU

I PICKED A BUNCH OF SHAMROCKS

AS I WENT ON MY WAY

THEN GATHERED RAYS OF SUNSHINE

FOR YOU TO HAVE TODAY.



HAPPY SAINT PATRICKS DAY

LOVE YOU

CHARLENE

Grieve



Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call.

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day.

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void.

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.

Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much.

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me.

God wanted me now: He set me free.

I STARTED THIS BELIEVING IT WOULD BE SOMEWHAT DIFFICULT TO WRITE A TRIBUTE TO A MAN I BARELY KNEW, YET WITH PEN IN HAND THE WORDS SEEMED TO FLOW ALMOST EFFORTLESSLY. IN MY BELEIVE MANY SOULS ARE SENT HERE AS ANGELS, ALTHOUGH IT MAY SEEM LIFE IS SO UNFAIR OR SOME AND OTHERS BREEZE THROUGH WITHOUT A CARE OR TROUBLE, ALTHOUGH I CAN NOT WRITE A HAPPY ANTIDOTE ABOUT FOOTBALL GAMES OR ANSWERS TO TROUBLESOME QUESTIONS I CAN WRITE OF THE LOOK IN A MANS EYES WHEN HE IS SURROUNDED BY THOSE WHO LOVE HIM, ABOUT THE PRIDE HE EXUMES WHEN A CHILD SMILES. THIS IS AN AMAZING MAN, I CAN NOT SAY WAS, BECAUSE HIS SOUL LIVES FOREVER, IN THE ROLLING CLOUD, IN THE SSPROUTING DAFFODIL, IN A PUPPYS BREATH AND A BABYS FIRST STEP. I AM SURE I COULD QUOTE MANY RECORDING ARTISTS WORDS ABOUT ANGELS AMONG US AND HOLES IN THE FLOOR OF HEAVEN AND SO FORTH, BUT IN MY HEART I KNOW IN TRUTH THAT UNCLE MIKE IS STILL AMONG US IN HEART AND SOUL AND SHALL BE FOR EACH EVENT AND EACH SUNRISE AND SUNSET. WITH LOVE AND PEACE DEBBIE RITACCO

Mike,

I am so sorry it has taken me so long to talk to you, I MISS YOU. When i moved here to Shorewood you were my only source to direction around here. I remember when i was

on 55 one night and in a traffic jam i called you to see if there was another route i could take and you said where are you and i told you, well you got home and that was not the last time i called for direction eighter there was about 10 more times after that. I miss

my direction guy, hopefully i wont get lost anymore. In oak park there are so many memories with our families that i will remember forever. Like the block parties. ha ha they were fun.Oh and lauren says she will never forget going to your house and getting cookies, when i would not give her any, she new where to go huh . Oh and please say hello to my dad. We love you Mike and miss you more then you know.

Kalli(geldes)Badger

natures first green is gold

her hardest hue to hold

her early leaf is a flower

but only so an hour

so leaf subsides to leaf

so Eden sank to grief

as dawn subsides to day

nothing gold can stay.



You are so missed.

DEAR MIKE I AM SITTING HERE WATCHING YOUR IDOL [JUDY GARLAND] AND I KNOW YOU WOULD BE WATCHING HER AND SINGING OVER THE RAINBOW.I CAN STILL HEAR MOMMA SAYING SING OVER THE RAINBOW FOR THE PEOPLE MICHAEL. SHE WAS SO PROUD OF HOW YOU COULD SING.WE WERE ALL TALKING ABOUT THE THINGS YOU DID AND LAUGHING ABOUT THEM. EVERONE LIKED THE ONE WERE YOU EMPTIED OUR COUSINS SUITCASES ALL OVER THE FLOOR AND YOU HUNG THE GERMAN FLAG ON THE BIG MIRROR IN THE FRONT.THEN YOU HUNG A TIED SHEET OUT THE WINDOW AND WHEN WE WALKED IN THE HOUSE YOU WERE LAYING ON THE FLOOR WITH KETCHUP ON YOUR CHEST AND HAD A NOTE WRITTEN SAYING WE KILLED THE KID BECAUSE WE COULD NOT FIND WHAT WE WANTED.YOU GAVE US SOMETHING TO REMEMBER ALL OUR LIVES AND I WANTED YOUR GRAND CHILDREN TO KNOW WHEN THEY ARE OLD ENOUGH TO REMEMBER HOW IMPORTANT YOU WERE IN OUR LIVES.I COULD GO ON ALL NIGHT WITH YOUR ANTICS BUT THIS IS ENOUGH FOR NOW.WE MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU ALWAYS THE ELDEST

Uncle Mike,

Time has passed but your memory will stay. Just yesterday we were together at Baby Alex's christening. We talked of you alot. Stories of you growing up with mom, Auntie Mary, Auntie Char, Auntie Donna and Uncle Billy. I love them as everyone does. We laughed. I really wish we were all closer. It was great growing up so close together. I am so happy that Rick and Leslie have found each other, Michael and Cathy are doing great, John and Michele are really special and Auntie Connie is loved and so very strong. I am so Thankful for our family. How we've always supported each other through tough times.

There was a time when my Brittany use to visit every tues and thurs.

she writes: Uncle Mike

I really miss you! I miss helping you exercise. At the Christmas Party, when I forgot to give you a kiss, but then I did. Grandma always says aren't you glad you have Uncle Mike a kiss? I say "YES".

Everyone who knew you Uncle Mike has a special memory. Your memory will live on through all of us.



We Love and Miss you,

Gina Brittany and Matt

If I Knew



Hold your loved ones close today,

Whisper in their ear,

Tell them that you love them

And you'll always hold them dear,



For tomorrow is promised no one,

Young and old alike,

And today may be your last chance

To hold your loved ones tight.

Mike,

You were the most knowledgable person I ever knew. Who will we call if we make it on "Who wants to be a Millionaire"?

I remember:

You scaring the Bejesus out of me with ghost stories, in our back bed room on Lyman.

You scaring everybody with your impersonations of Bella Lugosi and Lon Chaney... Come here!!! Look into my eyes!!!! Your Frankenstein, Dracula, and Mummy of course were classics.

But I also remember when Momma brought home a hurricane lamp, you went into an impromptu performance of Moby Dick. It started as you held the lamp, like it was swaying on the mainsail! It was as if Ahab himself was speaking! Ha ha.

Who else could ever convince people that he was on Iwo Jima with John Wayne and Forrest Tucker? Or with Cary Grant , Sam Jaffee, and the French Foreign Legion in Gunga Din. (talking like Cary Grant)...."For it's Din, Din, Din,by the same God that made us, you're a better man than I am Gunga Din!!"

So if you thought Ricky and I asked a lot of questions, it's because we figured you'd know all the answers.

I love and miss you brother,

Billy

A beautiful life came to an end...

He died as he lived everyone's friend



" togetherness"

Irish prayer



Death is nothing at all- I have only slipped away into the next room. Whatever we were to eachother, that we are still. Call me by my own familar name,speak to me in the easy way you always used to. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play,smile,think of me, pray for me. Let my name be the household word it always was. Let it be spoken without effort. Life means more than it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should i be out of your mind because i am out of your sight? I am but waiting for you,for an interval somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is past; Nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before-only better, infinitely happier and forever.

We will be one together in christ.

HI MICHAEL,



IT IS ONLY YOUR SISTER.

I AM SORRY IT TOOK ME SO LONG TO WRITE, BUT I JUST CAN'T SEEM TO GET IT THROUGH MY THICK HEAD, THAT THIS HAS REALLY HAPPENED, OR MAYBE I JUST DON'T WANT TO.

I MISS TALKING TO YOU ON THE PHONE AND OUR SHORT VISITS WHEN FRANK AND I WENT TO PLAINFIELD. IT IS JUST NOT THE SAME WHEN WE GO TO PLAINFIELD. MY HEART JUST ACHES. I MISS YOU SO MUCH!

YOU WERE A GREAT BROTHER. I WILL ALWAYS BE GREATFUL FOR ALL THE HELP YOU HAVE GIVEN ME IN THE PAST, MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW YOURSELF.

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND KEEP YOU IN MY HEART FOREVER.

I REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE A LITTLE BOY AND HOW NICE YOU WOULD SING "OVER THE RAINBOW". WELL MICHAEL JUST KEEP LOOKING OUT OVER THAT RAINBOW AND WE WILL SEE YOUR SMILING FACE.

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

YOUR LOVING SISTER

DONNA

Sadly, I will never get to know you the way I wish I could...I will never get to thank you for your wonderful son who will soon be my husband...but I think about you all the time. I think about the respect you commanded when you entered a room, and I think about the peace I saw when I looked into your eyes...I also think about the how your son's children - both of our flesh and blood - will not be able to embrace you as they should. This makes me so incredibly sad...but I promise you, my future children will know what a phenomonal inividual you were...my children will always know that their grandfather smiles upon them from heaven...I miss you, and I'm sorry that you are not here to share in our joys...I wish I had been able to call you "Dad". God bless you, and know that you will never be forgotten.

DEAR UNCLE MIKE SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG FOR ME TO WRITE.BUT I STILL CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED.SORRY I DIDN'T CALL TO TALK TO YOU MORE OFTEN BUT OUR EVERY DAY LIVES SEEM TO OVER WHELM USSOMETIMES BUT THAT DIDN'T MEAN I DIDN'T LOVE YOU.THANK YOU FOR ALL THE STORIES YOU TOLD ME AND PAUL ABOUT OUR FATHER EVEN IF THEY DID MAKE US CRY.NOW YOU CAN SHARE THE STORIES ABOUT US WITH HIM.YOU SURE DO HAVE A LOT TO TELL HIM.WE ALL MISS YOU VERY MUCH.WE ALL TAKE CONFORT IN KNOWING THAT YOU ARE UP THERE WALKING AND RUNNING.I LOVE YOU JANNIE

I told my girls another story. I don't know how he used to do this without really hurting us, but I don't ever remember minding. I know Michael and Ricky will remember this. We used to play "Steamroller". Some of my cousins may even have part on occassion. A really fun night for us when Dad didn't have to go to work would be us lying around watching TV of course then he would yell Steamroller! The three of us would lie on the ground and he would make these truck and crushing noises and roll right over us! We thought this was the greatest thing and would keep pestering him to do it again and again. Dad would do it a few more times, but we would only let up when he'd tell us if we quit we could have Black Cows or milkshakes, always Walgreen's icecream (no Breyer's or Edy's back then) and Dad's Rootbeer. Of course now John wants to try this game with Jenna and Gabriela, so the games will continue! I can't tell everyone who has written how much peace and comfort reading your stories and memories of my Dad has given me, I've even learned a few things I didn't know or hadn't heard before. Thanks so much and keep on writing. Love always, Mich

This one's for you, Connie, because you were the sole source for my brother's strength and courage for the past ten years. He couldn't have made it without you.........





To Those I Love And Those Who Love Me:



When I am gone, release me, let me go.



I have so many things to see and do.



You must not tie yourself to me with tears.



Be happy we had so many years.



I gave you my love - you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness.



I thank ou for the love we each have shown, but now it's time I travel on alone.



So, grieve a while for me, if grieve you must.



Then, let your grief be comforted by trust.



It's only for a while that we must part.



So, bless the memories within your heart.





I won't be far away, for life goes on.



So if you need me, call and I will come.



Tho you can't see or touch me, I'll be near.



And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear all my love around you soft and dear.



An then, when you must ome this way alone,



I'll greet you with a smile and "Welcome Home"

hey Uncle Mike,

sorry i havent written sooner ,but i still cant believe your gone.

It just dosent seem real to me.im sure it will hit me like a ton of bricks at the christmas party. I always enjoyed seeing you there. something has really been weighing heavy on my head. I cant remember when i talked with you at the christmas party if i told you that I loved you. I hope it goes without being said but just in case, I tell you I love you every night in my prayers.I hope you can hear me. I have something to tell you that will make you proud. my son Danny has chosen your name Michael as his confirmation name. He came to me and asked me if it would be ok and I felt touched as i know you would be. you made a great impact on all our lives and you will live in all our hearts forever. we miss you

love always and forever

Tina

Pa,

Its been 6 weeks since you left us. We all miss you very much. My third daughter Michalette was born on Jan 11th. she would have put a smile on your face.

Some things I will always remember. Your Mustang. Riding bikes to the swimming pool. All of playing running bases in front of our house.

I remember you waking me early Sunday mornings after working all night at the trib. We would go to the tavern to "clean up". After cleaning up we would walk over to the Block Bakery for bismarks and chocolate milk. Going back to the tavern and being allowed to hang out and watch football with guys who had names like Fast Eddy, Gabby or th Easter Bunny. You always let me feel like one of the guys.

I will remember the Milwaukee Holiday Inn, The Miller Brewery and Brewer baseball games.

I'll remember football games at highschools all over Illinios. Watching Pro Football at Soldier Field with teams called The Blitz or the Fire. Sitting just off the Floor at Bulls playoff game, and being 25 feet from Jack Nicholson. All the Sox games From Fisk's opening day grand slam to the old Comiskey final. Or the time you introduced me to Wilbur Wood as though you two were old friends. I was so impressed.

I remember our first beer together at my grad party. The beer you bought me at Lucianos on my 21st. The one you served me later that night at the Villa.

I will remember the look on your face(bad) the time I got thrown out of a game as coach of a 10 yr old team. I remember the look on your face (good) when our Tourney team came back on a Friday night against St'Joes in Joliet.

The last 10 yrs, by example you have reinforced everything you taught me as a kid. I was always so proud of your constant strength and courage.

It doesnt surprise me that your heart went. I knew it was broken, and you can mend a broken heart but it never fully heals. The last 10 yrs meant a lot to all of us. The love and joy you had for your granddaughters is something that we will never let any of them forget. Lizzy calls for you when we go to your house or if mom comes over. Me and Becca talk about you. You will always live inside of us all.

I miss you every day.

Love,

Mike

Cathy, Becca, Lizzy, Michalette

Even tho he was my cousin, I always called him Uncle Mike. I remember getting to spend a summer month when I was about 15 with them. I had a great time and will never forget it or Uncle Mike and my Auntie Connie! He will be greatly missed and was much too young to go...Debbie

hey pops,



i was just sitting here thinking about when i was a little kid. i remember before i started kindergarten and you were working nights. in the morning you and i would drive mom to work. on the way home you would point out all the chimneys to me. i remember those special days when you would drive me downtown so i could stare wide-eyed at all the skyscrapers. it was special time for me and only me. looking back i can see where you really got a kick out of seeing me get so excited over big buildings. i remember that i would ask you so many questions, and you would always say that im the only person who has more questions than uncle billy. i remember in the summer we would go to rehm pool and you would ride me on the crossbar of that old green 5-speed bike you had. you were really excited when i was jumping into the deep pool at 6 years old. you always said i took to the water like a fish, and that i was the best swimmer you knew. you always knew how to make me feel good about myself. im going to miss you next baseball season, the sox signed david wells, i think its going to be a good one. well pop, were all doing the best we can, everyone misses you and we talk about you often. i find talking about you and writing to you in here to be quite cathartic. last night i made black cows for kate and emma, and they just loved it. i got a huge kick out of that. michael and i have been looting your books and clothes.....dont roll over, its just that you got some really cool stuff and were hoping that you'd want us to have it. i miss you pop, and think of you all the time. talk to ya soon.



love, rick

Mike,

As I sit here...having read the entries from so many who loved you, my fingers can hardly hit the keys for the tears in my eyes.It's hard reading these entries...even harder to type what I feel inside right now.Even though I rarely had the chance to see you and sit and talk with you..you were and always will be a big part of our family Mike. I recall as a kid hearing stories about you and how in my mind you were larger than life. You were for years the only Mike in our family so when one spoke the name,most everyone would know who was being spoken of...and it was always good Mike so don't sweat it pal :-)I was telling mom tonight how you always seemed to be a shining star and I know the rest of your family felt this same way. I hope your immediate family knows that you and all of your family aren't just "our cousins in Chicago"..you have all been so much more than that to us. When you hurt..we all hurt..maybe it's the Irish in us eh? I think so. I just want you to know that we loved you and will always love you Mike and having lost my father this past year I can relate to a degree what your children are feeling. But we endure..we continue this struggle called life.One last thing...I hope for all of us...that we can aspire to be the person you were Mike...you were a good man and a caring and loving father...I could type adjectives til tomorrow but no more are needed..we all know who you were.

Watch for all of at the door Mike...we'll see ya soon cousin.

Your Cousin Jeff

MY DEAR SWEET MIKE,

I MISS YOU AND THINK OF YOU EVERYDAY, AND ESPECIALLY ABOUT ALL THE THINGS THAT HAPPENED WHEN WE WERE YOUNG. I REMEMBER ALL THE SWEET LITTLE NAMES YOU HAD FOR ME, ESPECIALLY GN, I KNOW YOU REMEMBER THAT ONE! I AM SO HAPPY THAT WE HAD THE CHRISTMAS PARTY TO VISIT AND WHICH SO OFTEN THAT I CALLED AND TALKED TO YOU MORE. YOU KNOW I ALWAYS LOVED YOU AND WILL VISIT YOU OFTEN, WHEN I GO TO VISIT THE FAMILY. SAY HI TO MOM AND DAD, AND BILL AND LYNN FOR ME. WE'LL MEET ONE OF THESE DAYS.

LOVE YOU

THE ELDEST

Well Mike I don't know what else to say that I haven't already said to my family about the loss of you. It's unbelieveable yet. I just came from serving a funeral dinner at Sacred heart Hall for a guy who was 49 and has a son in college and a daughter in 9th grade all her class mates were there. but I kept thinking of you, and all the family of you and yours that were at the wake and funeral that day. I wish we could have been there to say goodbye and God speed but distance and weather kept us from it. Jeff wanted to go in a heartbeat but I told him the weather isn't good. So we weren't there. I remember when Aunt Frances and Uncle Paul and you kids came from Chicago and visited my folks and all your cousins here it was like the wilderness here to you kids and the diffrent things we told you about the bears in the woods next to our house and you took the broom and went into the woods to get rid of the bears! All by yourself. I know you were scared but your patron saint was with you, as he is now. Of course there wasn't any bears in the woods and we were ornary kids to tell you that but it sure showed me that you were brave. I miss you even tho we so seldom got to be together, I guess the last time was Linny's funeral thats been 4 years now or so. We all love you Mike and you are in my prayers now. God Bless you and all your family till we see you again, your cousin Loretta (Walsinger) Bailey (Iowa)[email protected] Fort Madison, Iowa

UNCLE MIKE,

I KNOW YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS ONE BUT I AM AT A LOST FOR WORDS. YEAH ME THE ONE GRANDPA MARCHETTI USE TO SAY WAS VACINATED WITH A VICTROLLA NEEDLE. IS THAT HOW YOU SPELL VICTROLLA? OH WELL I GUESS IT DOESN'T REALLY MATTER, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.

I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SAY HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU.

YOU WERE ALWAYS A VERY SPECIAL PART OF MY LIFE. I KNOW WE WERE NOT ABLE TO SPEND ALOT OF TIME TOGETHER OVER THE YEARS BUT YOU WERE ALWAYS ON MY MIND AND IN MY HEART. I ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD TO THE CHRISTMAS PARTY BECAUSE I KNEW YOU WOULD BE THERE.

YOU WILL STAY IN MY HEART ALWAYS UNTIL THE DAY COMES THAT I CAN SEE YOU AGAIN.

SAY HI TO GRANDMA AND GRANDPA FOR ME. I KNOW THEY ARE BOTH VERY HAPPY TO HAVE YOU WITH THEM AGAIN.

ALL MY LOVE AND KISSES ALWAYS

YOUR GOD-DAUGHTER LINDA.

I was 15 the summer of '58. You were l9. I have loved you for 43 years. I have memories of us that will keep you alive in my heart for as long as I live.

I remember the skinny blue eyed guy standing in front of Elites that summer night of l958, leaning against a car with his friends watching me walk down Madison St. with my friends. I remember saying to Carmen and Nora, God look at him isn't he gorgeous. I fell in love.

I remember seeing you at the altar the day we married. Waiting for me to come down the aisle, your smile was only for me. I fell in love.

I remember seeing the love in your eyes when Michele, Michael and Ricky were born. I fell in love.

I remember laying in bed watching an old movie(always old movies) and laughing so hard over one line in the movie you kept repeating over and over to me, "Gee, Joe is a swell guy", I fell in love.

I remember our special weekends away together. Just the two of us.

always a surprise from you to me. I fell in love.

I could go on and on, but the last 10 years of our life together showed me why I fell in love with you. Your strength of purpose, your courage, your love of life, your indomitable spirit, your ability to simply make it through everyday never ceased to amaze me. I was there, I know how hard it was for you to sometimes smile, but smile you did.

We took a vow on May 20, l963, "for better or worse, in sickness and health, till death do us part".

We weathered some stormy times, a lot of ups and downs, raised three of the best children anyone could ask

for, and for all of it, for all the years, I'm glad I fell in love with you.

You always signed your notes and cards to me, Love you more, Mike, but as you always say, I'm getting the last word in, Love you more, me.

I have a list of people I know, written in a book. And once in a while, from time to time, I go and take a look and that is when I realize, all these names they are a part not of the book they are written in, but of my very heart. For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime. And in that instance, they became, a part of life that is mine. And while it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim. I truly feel my life is composed of each remembered name. Although you may not be aware of any special link. Just knowing you has shaped my life much more than you can think. Once you grow to love someone, the years can not erase. The memory of a good Sox game, with a friendly face. For you are a part of the total of the many people I have met. And you happen to be one of those, I prefer not to forget. And whether I have known you for many years or few, in some way you have had a part in shaping the things I do. And once in a while, from time to time, I realize anew. The biggest gift that life can give is having known someone like you. Today is Super Bowl Sunday and I have been thinking about you alot Uncle Mike. Today is actually the first day I have been able to not be angry about the fact that you are not here. I am sure we will all have our good days and bad. But today I am able to let go of the hurt and the pain. Because I look at all of us who love you, and I see a little piece of you. That is how I know it is allright to let go of the hurt because all of your goodness is with each and every one of us. I'm grateful to God for having Uncle Mike in my life. I'll see you when I get there. And when I do I want a race, because I heard you are still wrapped pretty tight. You are the real Batman. Love Bobo

I feel so beside myself with what I'm about to write. But knowing how fast word travels in the Marchetti family, to most of you this will be old news. I dreamt of Uncle Mike about a week after the funeral. Only, it was so much more than that. Everyone has written about memories and experiences they have shared about and with him. And they are incredibly lucky for that. I feel lucky too because my memory of him came to me in a such a way that I have no doubt where he is now and whether or not he's happy. I dreamt of a normal Saturday morning. Assuming "The Aunts" would be over for their weekly hair appointments, I woke up early and went upstairs to find my mom on the phone. As usual, she didn't answer me when I rudely asked her who was at the door. The knocking was really loud too and I wondered why she didn't hear it. Toby did, he went crazy. So as usual I yelled come in! (The universal greeting whenever anyone's at the door. Much in the same way that Uncle Mike used to yell whenever we came in and waited freezing inbetween the screen door and the heavy door in Oak Park). The door opened and in walked a man. He continued up the stairs and finally stood at the kitchen doorway. He was thinner than I rememberded. Slightly grey stubble on his face and even a little bit of dark in his mostly gray hair. He sported these gray baseball pants with navy blue lines down the sides, gym shoes, a big red t-shirt that read "Oak Park" something or other, complete with big black sunglasses and a black string to hold them in place around his neck. In his hand he held his walkman. I looked at him, realizing this was the first and only time Uncle Mike had ever walked up the stairs to our house. I was so excited to see him, but he seemed annoyed with me for some reason. Still, I heard him distincly say, "Hi Dee."

I laughed and said, "Uncle Mike, this is so great! You are walking, now you can come back and everything will be okay..."

He cut me off halfway through my sentence. (as he usually did if someone was wrong, which I later found out I was). He said, "Oh, no D. Oh, no you guys already did it to me once, you're not going to do it to me twice."

Defensively, I asked, "me, what did I do?"

He answered, "No everyone, Don't make me come back again." He pointed at me smiled, put his headphones back on and kept smiling as he walked down the stairs as if I was keeping him from the big game or something. I smiled too realizing that he's happy where he is at, not to mention too busy for me. This is the best memory that I could ever ask for. Some people might say that a dream can't be a memory but no matter what it may have been. I saw him happy...and walking and that's what I will always remember.

Bye Uncle Mike, and thank you.

Love Always,

Deanna Marchetti

"D"

What wonderful tributes to a great man. My smpathy and prayers go out to all of you.

May God Bless you all!

Lorraine Blaser - CAMA Office

Hi Uncle Mike,

You've been gone for over a month now and still it is hard to believe. The last time I saw you was at the Christmas party. You were already in your van when I was saying goodbye to everyone and I remember saying to myself, "I didn't say goodbye to Uncle Mike." I've been thinking about you because the Superbowl is coming up. I know how much you liked to have everyone over, make your chili and run the pool. So many memories of you come to mind. The story that Michele just told Jenna & Gabriela. I told it to Frankie a couple of months ago. I remember you calling me "Li-Li" cuz you were the only one who called me that. I remember being at your house in Oak Park watching TV with Michele and you coming down the stairs to go to work. Auntie Connie would be in the kitchen packing your lunch. When you left you'd say, "So long, kids." I remember "ends on pizza, middles on cake." I remember your laugh. I could go on. Just know that you are truly missed by all who knew you and remembered well. I know your are in good company though. I'm sure you are placing bets with Grandpa, having a drink with Mr. Pohlmann and enjoying some of Auntie Dorothy's cookies. Say "hello" to all of them for me. Love, Li-Li.

I promised my Dad I wouldn't let his granddaughters forget him and last night they asked me to tell them a story about Gaga. I told them about me, my cousin Lisa and our problems with the bully John Canning. Lis and I were in about 4th or 5th grade and of course we got chased home every day by boys, most of them just wanting to tease us or pull our hats off, but John Canning was mean and would knock us down or push us into fences and stuff. I'm sure we told Auntie Mary and Uncle Bob and my mom and dad, but for some reason, my dad said he'd take care of it. On a particular day, he told us we would see him after school, but just keep on walking like we didn't know who he was. Sure enough, that day after school, Lisa and I were walking on one side of Fillmore Street and there was my dad walking in the oppisite direction on the other side of Fillmore. Sure enough, John Canning started calling us names from behind us and then came running after us. My Dad came running from across the street, grabbed that mean boy, pulled him by the neck and his jacket and yelled at him "IF YOU EVER BOTHER MY DAUGHTER OR MY NIECE AGAIN, YOU'LL HAVE TO DEAL WITH ME!!" Obviously we were never again bothered by John. Jenna and Gabriela loved that story about Gaga. So do I.

Hi Uncle Mike,

I'm sorry it has taken me so long to write. Not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about you. I miss you very much!! I never told you how much I admired you for all of your courage and strength. I know you had bad days, but you never let it show. I am so thankful for the times we had together; Hanging out on Sat. nights etc. I will miss that. Don't you worry though, Auntie Connie and my Mom and I will still go shopping (often). We really do have the best family Uncle Mike! I'm so sad that you had to leave it so soon.

I'll think of you always. I Love you! Koo Koo

I love you and miss you very much brother.

Love Nanny Jeannie

To the Marchetti Family,

As a friend I was touched by the tributes I have read here to Mike,but as a parent, I was truly moved by the words of his children....

What a beautiful legacy to your Dad ..I can't help thinking how proud he must be of all of you.. you are all in my prayers. Love,Barb.

I remember when I last saw you (about 10 years ago). It was at Charlene's birthday. My daughter Gail and I flew in as a surprise for Charlene. I remember you when you were young. How time flies.

God be with you and your family.

Much love and prayers,

Betty

Hi Daddy-

Your 5th little girl was born early today. Her name will be Michalette or spelled something like that. I know you would have liked that. I wish you were here to be able to meet her. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you-I wake up thinking of you and I go to sleep thinking of you, I miss you so much, I keep wondering when it will get easier. Keep your eye on our new baby and keep her safe. I love you, always, Mich.

Dear Unc,



I miss you so much, but here are the best things I remember about you:



EVERYTHING.



Just being there for me, there's not a day that goes by that I don't think about you.



I remember when you brought me to the Sox game. I was about 12 or 13. You gave me money to buy a hat or a helmet and I came back with a CUBS helmet! I thought you were going to kill me, especially after all those fights you almost got into.



I knew that I could always turn to you and Auntie Conn when I needed help. I was 42 and still turning to both of you. And you both were there.



I love you unc, and I miss you so much.



Love,



your godson Pauly

the spotted hawk swoops by and accuses me

he complains of my gab and loitering

i too am not a bit tamed

i too am untranslatable

i sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world

the last scud of day holds back for me

it flings my likeness after the rest as true as any on the shadowed wilds

it coaxes me to the vapors and the dusk

i depart as air, i shake my white locks at the runaway sun

i effuse my flesh in eddies and drift it in lacy jags

i bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass that i love

if you want me again look for me underneath your bootsoles

you will hardly know who i am or what i mean

but i shall be good health to you nonetheless and filter and fibre your blood

failing to fetch me at first keep encouraged

missing me one place, search another

i stop somewhere waiting for you.

On December 23rd we said goodbye to a husband, a father, brother, uncle, ga ga (grandpa) and a dear friend.We are to believe he is in a better place, but it still hurts those of us he left behind. Michael may be in heaven but he still is here in our thoughts and hearts.Michael partied with the best of them and I'm sure sometimes beyond!!!He embraced life and all the fun it had to offer. Everyone I'm sure has a Michael story that is one for the books. Ten years ago he may have lost the ability to walk but now I believe he is running with the best of them. The last ten years have not been easy for his family and not the path he would have taken, but if you know the Marchetti's we do overcome. And as his wife would say, you deal with it, what else can you do. I wonder who we will call when we need the real answers to who broke the dining room table, or who scratched their initials on the headboard. And did Nancy really fall out the window? As the last one to join the clan I enjoyed it when the six of them had their rather animated discussions. Who will we call when we have a trivia question that can only be answered by Michael? Maybe the girls will stand a chance in winning trivial pursuit. But the rule of law is don"t ever call at 3:00----God forbid- Jepardy was on. He was the best Ga Ga and we always said he lived for his grandchildren. They adored him as he did them.He left a wonderful legacy behind,three children,and their spouses to help his wife get through this as she helped Mike through all his pain. I called him on the phone the week before he passed, he was watching a football game, had headphones on and was talking to me on the phone all at the same time, he also said he could chew gum too. That was Michael, quick with the wit.Football was his passion as were the White Sox (sometimes) He could not referee anymore so he watched and read all that he could. And he know it all. The best was being taken to a Sox game---best seats in the house. Michael cannot say this but I will for him, Thanks Mar..Bob..Nancy..Pete for Tuesdays and Thursdays.I will always cherish our coffee and haircut times every 4-6 weeks. I'd bring the scissors and the desserts and we would solve the problems of the world togeher, or at least we thought we did.I will miss that more than you know.I guess it is time to let go of the person but we will always have great memories and stories to share, and he will live on in our hearts. So before I finish, remember Mike would want you to have one on him, and remember he always did it his way. Love Linda.

I know I wouldn't have the strength to get up in front of all the people who love my father and talk about him so I am writing it down.



My first memeories of my Dad is being about 3 years old and waiting for him to get home from work and have dinner with me and my mom. We would watch Petticoat Junction before we ate. I was a typical little girl in the way I had a crush on my handsome Daddy. I used to sleep with his high school graduation picture in a frame until it fell out one night and the frame broke.



My Dad taught me how to wim and how to ride a two-wheeler. He taught me to love the White Sox and baseball. He taught me how to drink a beer and didn't get mad at tme the first time I had a little too much. He taught me how to be opinionated and speak my mind and stand up for what I believe in.



My Dad loved his wife, they had some rough times but they always made it right and taught me and my brothers that family is really the only thing that matters.



My Dad loved sports and doing the pools for the games and his annual Superbowl Party. My Dad loved watching his boys play ball and coach baseball. My Dad loved giving my Mom and Auntie Mary a hard time about shopping and doing so much alike. May Dad loved a Ketel One martini made by his son-in-law on special occasions. My Dad loved a good meal and Snickers and Fig Newtons and Oberweis strawberry icecream. My Dad loved his deck and getting tan in the summer. My Dad loved California. My Dad loved Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. My Dad loved his 3 children and his son-in-law and daughter-in-law. My Dad loved his brother and his sisters, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws. He loved his godchildren and his nieces and nephews. He was a good friend to all he knew.



I'll admit I was a tiny bit jealous when my first daughter Jenna was born because I could tell the minute he looked at her, she was now his best girl. I saw the same look on his face with Gabriela, Rebecca and Elizabeth. Now he had 4 best girls and one who he will never meet. He was the best Gaga and the best father to me and I wil never forget him and I will never let these girls forget him or how much happiness they gave him or how much they meant to him. I love you Daddy and I will miss you so much.

Dear dad,



It's been a week since you left us. Christmas was hard, but our family, as always, sustained us. We all miss you so much and wonder how hard the upcoming year will be without you. I find solace in the fact that you are no longer bound to a wheelchair, and that you are able to walk, and more importantly run again. The things that i never got to say to you....well i hope your listening when i talk to you at night. Im sorry that i was in Mexico when you died, im sorry we never got to say goodbye, im sorry that you wont meet Mike and Cathy's new baby, im sorry that you wont get to meet any of the kids im going to have. How unfortunate that they wont be able to know a wonderful man that their grandfather was. Thanks for everything you have ever done for me, and all the life lessons that you have taught me. I carry them with me today as i will carry them with me always and pass them on. You dont have to worry about mom, i promise she will always be taken care of. She's been all of our shoulders for a long time. We all owe her big. So say hello to the "Big Guy" for me, tell him to look out for us. We will meet again father, and i look forward to racing you one more time. I love you.



Your Son



Rick

I see the Christmas trees around the world below, with lights like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear. For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.



I hear the Christmas songs that people hold so dear, but the sounds of Christmas music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring, for it is beyond description to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart. I am not so far away, we really aren't apart. So please be happy for me, you know I hold you dear, and be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus this year.



I sent you a special gift from my heavenly home above. I sent you each a memory of my undying love. After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold. It was always most important in the stories Jesus told. Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do, for I can't count the blessing of love he has for each of you. So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear. Remember I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

Michele, John & all of the Marchetti family,

We would like to extend our deepest sympathy. You will be held in our daily prayers.

The Calabrese Family