Michael Minbiole Obituary

Cousin Myke,

I found some incredible photos of Lebanon; one in particular that stopped me still and told my heart it was you. That's where you are, waiting for us. For the talking we did of visiting Lebanon "someday" ... to know you're there and have touched our home with peace and love ... I feel so safe and at peace. Thanks, little cousin. We'll be there soon to visit. Promise.

xo
Suz

The legend lives on in my heart, and I light this candle to honor your memory, Myke.

Still miss you and think about you more than I would ever say out loud.

Minbiole Family, Julie and Karr Family -

Myke and I met one summer when we were both living in an apartment building at Church / Davis and Ridge in Evanston. We did our work during the day and then sat out on the deck at night, grilling hamburgers, having a beer and then chatting into the wee hours of the morning. A few other folks joined us regularly and we always remarked that, had we not all been stuck there for the summer, we would have never met, nor would we have befriended one another. A theatre director, a fashion design major, a guy building a robot, a daycare worker, a biker and a pre-med student. And an occasional frat guy. EVERY evening, until 2 or 3 AM, then a few hours of sleep, back to work, and then back to the deck. For weeks, I didn't know Myke's last name, so he was dubbed "Neighbor Myke." It was one of the formative periods of my life. I, who have always tended toward workaholism and staying busy, just sat and chatted for 6-8 hours every night - and started to learn the value of rest, sabbath, fellowship and really listening to people.

After that, I moved down into the city of Chicago, and though I saw Myke only every couple of months, I'll always remember that those times were marked by slowing down and appreciating being with someone. He taught me how to enjoy unscheduled time, converse with no agenda, and really be present in the moment. At times, we just drove around the city, looking for a late night greasy spoon that would be open late, serve us disgusting food and allow us to chat as long as we wanted.

Life got busier, we grew apart, but I would still run into Myke on the Metra, where we would catch up as we rode to work. It's there that I told him goodbye when I moved to Minneapolis in March of 2007.

Last night, Myke popped up in a dream, so I decided to jump online and track him down to say hello. You can imagine that I've been shocked and saddened to find this news and I've had a hard time concentrating most of the day. I am so sorry for your loss; I'm sure that time doesn't soften it, but I hope it has also not minimized your wonderful memories of him.

Just wanted to write and let you know that he really taught me a lot about being a good friend, and I wanted to thank you ALL for the parts you played in making him who he was.

When I think of Myke, I sometimes remember how I stumbled upon him treating the homeless man who used to hang out outside of Taco Bell in Evanston to lunch at the Panda Express. He was so sweet, he gave the best hugs, he was so bright and alive and fun. I will always miss him.

I last saw Myke at a happy bowling outing with a few friends in 2003. I last emailed him after finding him through his brother Eric's pisymbol website in 2006. Our exchange was a fond one, having lost touch over the years, and I learned happily of his engagement and shared my anticipation of the birth of my first child. Grief overtook me two days ago when I thought to find my long lost friend with whom many several side-splittling late night giggling fits had been shared. While his light may have been snuffed out too soon, it is clear to me that his spirit shines bright still and that he touched more people that I could have imagined, and that all of us, on losing him, have resolved to add a little brightness to the world ourselves as best we can in his place. To his parents, siblings, wife, and friends, I was just peripheral in his life and yet he made a lasting impression on me and I can only imagine the grief you've felt. Find comfort in knowing that more than 2 years after his death there are still those learning the sad news and yet finding joy in cherishing his memory for years to come.

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Minbiole and family,
I recently came back in touch with Eric through Facebook and sadly learned of Michael's passing. Even though it was Eric and I who were friends, Michael was such a strong part of the many happy memories I had at your beautiful home on Greentree Court. Between sleepovers, video games, watching movies, swimming, staying up until 4 a.m., Mrs. Minbiole's great cooking and Mr. Minbiole happily taking us to Diocesan band practice, I will always treasure those times and was glad Myke was part of that. Please know my thoughts and prayers will be with you and that I never forgot what a fine person he was. I know he will be missed, and I feel truly blessed to have had known him.

We received the following e-mail from a friend of Myke's from Long Island. We thought it was very special and wanted to add it to the guest book.
Patti and Paul

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Minbiole,
I am so sorry for your loss. Myke was my first real friend. I cherish our times together and will carry with me his memory the rest of my life. Please accept my warmest, sincerest condolences. This terrible news has lead to a rush of memories and so I've included a short note to Myke to say goodbye, and thank you.
Love, Lou

Dear Myke,
Just a short note to say goodbye, and let you know how much I'll miss my friend. Even before I knew you were gone, I've thought about how I miss our days together. I miss playing home-run derby on your street, playing so much, running so fast, and sweating so hard so we could better enjoy your refreshing pool. I miss playing cannonball in your pool to try to get the other guy off the floatie, all the while dodging a few ornery horseflies. We'd occasionally have to do the underwater splash drill to scare them away.

I miss all the time I spent at your house, with you and your family. I can remember playing with Nikki, and being amazed how you could put popcorn on her nose and she would wait for your command. I miss messing around on your Dad's Nordic Track, playing on your computer, and checking out your amazing canoe. I miss shooting hoops for hours upon hours. Remember when we played full court with our dads in the gym? Man, they ran us ragged! Or how we played horse in my backyard or running bases.

I miss our blind-folded skittle eating contests to see if we could actually tell the difference between the colors. I miss our seemingly endless train trips to Chaminade, and our drives home from Darby auditorium. Do you remember the baseball bat I made for you in high school?
I miss laughing till I cried about whatever it was we happened to be discussing. I don't laugh like that very often. I think the both of us laughed enough to last several lifetimes.

You inspired me in so many ways that I never knew. You turned me on to Miles Davis, showed me I could be funny, gave me an appreciation for fine craftsmanship, and taught me what it meant to be a best friend. I'm so very lucky and I miss you a lot.
Your friend,
Lou (bi)

Dear Mr.& Mrs. Minbiole, Eric, Kevin I just read of the passing of Michael. I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.May God keep you all in the palm of his hand during this time. Love, Dee (Slifka) Goalwin

Dear Minbiole Family,
I just learned of Mike's accident and wanted to offer my condolences. He was a true friend and inspiration to me and countless others at Chaminade. My prayers are with you.

Dear Paul, Patti, Julie, Kevin and Eric,
We are so saddenned by the news of Michael's death. We pray for Julie's complete recovery and for your family as it processes the loss of such a promising young man. We have many fond memories of family visits, of Mike and Brad playing together.

May God give you peace and grace,

Dear Patti, Paul, Julie, Eric and Kevin,
I am so saddened over Michael. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

The Ulrich Family

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Minbiole and the entire Minbiole family, and Julie,
I just learned of Michael's accident and am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I will always remember Michael from 8 wondeful years at St. Philip Neri and going through elementary school together. Michael was always a great guy and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers as well as the thoughts and prayers of my family and the class of 1992 from SPN are with you always. May God comfort you all at this time.

Mr. and Mrs. Minbiole, Eric, Kevin, and family,
I was so shocked and saddened when Kristina called me to tell me the news of Myke's tragic accident. What a terrible loss for this world. Myke was such a ray of sunshine and life and we all have very fond memories of spending time with him and the Minbiole family in our high school and college years. Know that my thoughts are with you and that everyone whose life was touched by Myke, even for an instant, are better for it.
Love and prayers,

Julie,

I was devastated to hear of the loss of myke. He was an exceptional individual and friend that I will truly miss. I will always look back at the fun times and conversations from our special lunch days at La Chicanita and remember what a Great person myke was. I am still in shock

Dear
Mr. and Mrs. Minbiole, Eric and Kevin,
A light has gone out of the world with Myke's passing. He was a unique
and unforgettable person, filled with so much creativity and joy. My
memories of him go back to our high school days. He was never just the
"little brother". He was a valued part of our circle of friends and his humor and energy made every gathering more fun and more memorable. I am proud to have known him and I know he will be missed by many and thought of often. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Patti,Paul & Family, I am very sorry to learn about your son. Please know that you are in my family thoughts and prayers. If there is anything i can do to help you through this diffcult time please let me know.

Patti,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. My prayers are with all of you.

Paul and Patti,

My deepest sympathy goes out to both of you as well as all of your family. I can't imagine the loss you must feel. Even though Myke will be missed tremendously by all of his friends and family, it is obvious by reading these entries that he was a very special person. The wonderful memories impressions he has left behind will be treasured forever by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Stay Strong and God Bless.

To the Minbiole Family, My best wishes and deepest apologies go out to you at this time. I knew Michael going up in Northport and spending 8 great years at St. Philips with him. He was always a great person and a pleasure to be around. He will be dearly missed on this earth.

I have been indebted to Myke for years because every time I think of him, one of the warmest smiles I am capable of lands on my face. Myke’s humor, creativity, humility, and warmth have helped him to touch many people in beautifully caring and genuine ways. He shared his gifts freely and has lit up our lives.

Alanna and I send his entire family our deepest sympathies, prayers, and love.

Patti and family,
I hope to know the kind of mother/child bond that you have with your son. When you talk about your sons you brighten the world around you and others feel your great love. Please know that your are in my thoughts and prayers often.

Mr and Mrs Francis A. Karr
This should never had happened. They were two lovely kids.
Julie's grandparents

Myke was the most creative, unforgettable individual I have ever had the honor of knowing, and I have and will think of him often. My deepest sympathies to you.

Patti & Paul,

We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your son, Michael. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Myke was truly one of the best. I will miss his wit, his charm, his goofy hair and his contagious smile. He has been an inspiration to all of us here at Northrop. There really are no words to explain how deeply missed he will be. My sympathies to his wife, Julie, and the rest of Myke's family.

I am so sorry and know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Patti & Paul -
I am so sad to learn about Myke. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Over time, I hope the wonderful memories you shared together will bring you comfort. With heartfelt sadness, Mark & Zand

Patti, Paul, and Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Just trust in the Lord for your strength and comfort.

It’s not easy to stand out among hundreds of experienced engineers, but Myke did just that. I recently worked closely with Myke and quickly came to respect his talent, maturity, and leadership. His enthusiasm and work ethic were refreshing and his optimistic personality made the effort enjoyable for all. The results were a high quality product delivered on schedule and a new friendship that I looked forward to enjoying.

Despite his relative youth, he presented himself well and quickly gained the confidence and trust of everyone with which he interacted. I have received many e-mails and phone calls from our customers expressing their shock and sadness at his passing.

The Minbiole family should be proud to have raised such a fine young man. My thoughts are also with Julie and the Karr family. My prayer is that time will dull the despair that you are experiencing now and hone your fondest memories of Myke.

Myke and I started working at NG about the same time and before long we became close friends. We were similar in many ways, but yet admired each other's uniqueness and talents. We were notorious for being late to work, not following the rules, and working crazy hours.
Our bosses held their breaths when they put us in the same cube together. I remember taking daily walks around the building, feeding the ducks with jelly donuts, playing catch in the parking lot, going bowling after meeting a supplier, and suprising each other with our stealthy ninja skills. Myke made work a fun place and I will always cherish those times. Myke spoke very proudly of his family, how he admired his brothers, how he enjoyed the family reunions, and how thankful he was for his parents giving him the freedom to make his own choices in life. Above all, Myke loved Julie. Thanks for being a wonderful friend and an inspiration. We will remember you always.

I've had the great privelage and honor to know and work with Myke for the last six years. Everyday, we "Engineers of the Round Table" sat and discussed the latest in politics, movies, and TV (who knew that a guy who didn't own a TV could get hooked so easily on TV shows?) all while making up the stories to news reports we could see on CNN Headline News but not hear. We learned all about his family, his life with Julie, and his escapades with his dog, Sophie. Myke's quirky sense of humor always made the conversation complete, and lunch just won't be the same without him.

Myke was an extremely talented engineer who always had a great solution to every problem, but you would never have guessed what a great engineer he was based on his attitude. He was always humble and so at ease. He was always there to help, to listen, and to make life just that much better.

I'll always remember his goofy hair and his holey sweaters, puppy pre-school and doggie day care, his silly Mr. Roboto dance that would break out during vibe tests, his infectious smile, and the many ways he always made our days brighter. Myke may have been taken from us too quickly, but I'm happy I was able to call him a friend. He touched us all, and the world was truly a better place because of him.

Julie and Family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. My prayers will be with you Julie and your family.

Julie and Family,
We are so extremely sorry for your loss, please know you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless You,
Renee Figueroa

Paul, Patti and Julie: My heart and prayers go out to you and your families. I didn't know Mike but just knowing you Patti I can see why he was so loved by all.
We are family and it took all these years to finally get together as we did last summer with you and Suzi. God Bless and watch over you and give you strength during this sad time. Your cousin Lucy Gibbons

My dearest Joolie,

Words cannot express how much I am aching for you. I didn't meet Myke that many times, but all of our conversations made me feel that I knew him well. I know he was your soulmate, the way you two walked together and passed off bubble tea made it apparent. All I can say is "the clan" is here for you, and will support you in whatever way you need. No doubt he is smiling down on you from Such Great Heights. All of my love- Natalie Sue

To The Minbiole Family,

We are devestated to hear of the loss of Myke. He was an exceptional individual and will truely be missed. You all are like a second family to me and it's hard to think that one of us has moved on. Please take comfort in knowing that he is watching over all of you.

Dear Patty, We were stunned to hear of the tragic and untimely death of Michael. Neil e.mailed me. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Doreen Williamson

Patti and Paul, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Most Sincerely,

Julie and family:

My sincerest sympathy and condolences to you and both of your families.

With love,

Dear Julie,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

The Okkema Lab

Julie & Family:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Wishing you comfort & peace at this difficult time.

I remember meeting 10 years ago when Björk drew you into my dorm room. I remember going to a concert with you the night before my biochemistry final. I remember the Tech monster, theme parties at your apartment, subletting that same apartment with you for a summer. I remember threatening to spoil the mac & cheese spoon, eating your three pound mostaccioli, half-frozen beer. I remember Christmas suspenders, comparing our dads, and your obsession with Gretchen Helfrich. I remember your chronic tardiness and how people somehow never got mad at you for it. I remember strict euchre rules (particularly regarding score cards) and lax housekeeping rules. I remember ouzo and unfortunate glasses mishaps. I remember Design Competition and skydiving, Jerky Boys and candles made from inappropriate materials. I remember steel-toed boots, worn long beyond when they became biohazardous. I remember you, lost in some deep thought, rubbing your head in lazy circles. I remember how you were always the smartest person in the room but never needed to show it.

I remember these things and more, and they somehow make me smile even now when it is so difficult to do. Myke, it is hard to accept that you’re gone, but I am so grateful that I got to know and love such an amazing person, and that all these memories will endure.

Patti,
I'm sorry to hear about you loss. It seem as if I knew all of your sons as much as you talked about them, I knew they were the center of your life, along with Paul. I'm here for you and your family. God Bless Dorene

Julie,

Our deepest condolences on you loss. We shall be mourning with you.

Dear Patti,
I was so sad to hear of the loss of your son. Even though I never had the opportunity to meet him, knowing you, he must have been a wonderful person. I know this is such a tough time, but know you are in the thoughts and prayers of all of us in the Winton Woods City Schools. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family.

Dear Patti and Paul,

You and your family are in our hearts and prayers each day. My prayer for you is the love and memories help at this time. May you feel the Lord's arm of protection and strength holding you and His heart reaching out to all of you.
Blessings,
Sylvia and Ray Paragin

TO THE MINBIOLE FAMILY,
YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY, AND MY PRAYS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU DURING THIS TIME OF SORROW.

Julie,

I was completely shocked and saddened when I heard the news. My heart aches for you and for Myke's family. Myke will be missed by all who knew and loved him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Patti-
I recognize you in your son's beautiful smile, and I take great pleasure in reading how many people admired him. I can't find any words, but my heart and soul is reaching out for you and your family. Please let me know if there is a way I can support you in the weeks, months to come.
On behalf of the Butterfly Committee, our deepest condolences. Christyl

Myke was one of the nicest and most personable people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He had the warmest and brightest smile and always something nice to say. I will miss him greatly. May God be with you.

Dear Julie and Family,

I'm so saddened to hear of your loss. It's clear that Michael was very well-loved by his family, friends and colleagues -- I'm sure that wherever he is now, he knows this and is smiling down on all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Myke was one of those rare gifts as both a professional and a person. One quickly noticed he was "scary smart" and one of the most personable people I've had the pleasure of working with. His sudden and tragic loss leaves a void in all of those who knew and worked with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Dear Minbiole and Karr families:
I am deeply sorry for your loss. May the grace of God help you get through this tough time and remember the wonderful memories you shared with Mike.
Sincerely,
Nadine DiSpirito

Myke was a Manufacturing Manager’s definition of the consummate Engineer—smart, creative, and easy to work with. He treated people with respect at all levels of the organization, often listening patiently to ideas that he probably knew immediately wouldn’t work—but hearing them out anyway. That was just Myke.

I will always look back at the fun times and inane conversations from a thousand lunches we had with Myke at the “round table”. As a “Manufacturing” person, I felt obligated to continually remind him that he was a geek (not even close), quizzed him on where in the pecking order the rhombus was in relation to other shapes, and marveled at how much food he could fit on a tray--when he had a “free lunch” card.

Somehow, we even got a man who doesn’t own a TV hooked on a television series—“The Shield” (he downloaded it from his computer every week the day after it aired, so we couldn’t discuss it until two days later).

While DSD will absolutely miss his Engineering abilities, I will miss my friend….

My condolences to you on your tragic loss. Myke was one of the nicest people I have ever met. He will be missed.

Patti,

I don't have the words to tell you and your family how very sorry I am to hear about the loss of Michael.

I've never had the opportunity to meet your sons in person, but felt that I knew them after the wonderful conversations we have had about your family. I remember your smile from ear to ear as you told me about their early years (not always making good choices), their college years when you were really seeing the fruit of your labor as a parent, and your smile was just as big as we talked about their wives and Michael's (then fiance)Julie. It sounds like Michael had that same wonderful smile!

I pray that God will give you all peace and strength to get through this difficult time. Please know that I will keep you in my prayers.

Paul and Patti-
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. You and your family have our deepest sympathy.

Mike and Grace Campbell

I have known Julie for 20 years and I have never seen her as full of joy as she was when she was with Myke. Myke was the kind of guy who radiated his feelings and you could feel the love Myke had for Julie (and her for him). Our thoughts are with Julie, Myke's family and all whose lives he touched.

Julie you are one of my oldest, dearest friends and I am so saddened by your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. Myke was the most amazing man and I have never been so impressed by a couple's love as I have been with yours.

Dear Patti, Paul, Julie, Kevin and Eric,
We are so sticken with sadness for all of you and this tragic loss. Please know that our deep emotion and prayers are with you all these days and the days to come.
Peace be with you all.

Julie, Jan, Bill, Michelle and Myke's entire family,
We are so truly shocked and saddened by your tragic loss and pray for the quick healing of your hearts. Although the times we saw Myke were few, he left an amazing impression on us as such a likable, humorous and enjoyable man. Our many thoughts and prayers are with you all. With much love, Erin, Craig and the Jagels family

Dear Eric and Family,
Out heart felt sympathy and compassion goes out to the Minbiole family. We pray that you find comfort in the beautiful memories that Michael has left you with. God be with you.

Mike & Joanie Powell

Minbiole Family,

You will continue to be in our prayers. May God's love be a source of comfort in this time of bereavement.

Patti and Paul, We are overwhelmed by such a tragic loss. Our hearts go out to you both. Sincerely, Joan and Paul Popick

Mr. & Mrs. Minbiole,
You and your family are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Patti and Paul, I was shocked and saddened to hear about your son, Mike. My heart breaks for you and I am at a loss of what to say. Although I never met Mike I know how proud you are of your son(s) and rightly so. Please know my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time. Fondly, Patty

Patti and Paul,

Mere words cannot express the sadness and shock that I felt when I heard about your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. The Winton Woods Middle School Family will be here for you when you need us. We love you!

Myke and I, along with the rest of the “Engineers of the Round Table”, have been lunching together for about the last five years. Conversations ranged from recent movie viewings, politics, religion, and work challenges. Though not always in agreement, one area in which we could always find common ground was that engineers are the wittiest of people.

I enjoyed collaborating with Myke on various designs here at NG – though we rarely were assigned to the same project, we would often brainstorm together to develop design solutions. Challenges were fun because of his creativity and engineering skills. Recently, while I was on business travel and out of contact, Myke stepped in to help my daughter with an Industrial Design project at college. He was a “go-to” guy in every sense of the word.

I have never met Myke’s parents or brothers, but I know of them. I know of das bunny caken, the titanium rings, and where one of the brothers proposed to his now wife. Most importantly, I know that the family raised a fine young man.

I feel fortunate that our paths crossed. Myke was a good friend and will be forever missed. Julie, Mr. and Mrs. Minbiole, Eric, and Kevin -- our thoughts are with you all.

Steve, Diane, Cari, Kyle, and Ryan Enot.

Myke was a really nice guy. There are so many people here at Northrop who will truly miss him. I worked in the same department with Myke and I never heard him complain when he was sent out on last minute business trips. I’d see him walking in the hallway with Henry and he’d always said “Hi” and smile. Myke was a fun guy who lightened the mood for everyone around him. With his upbeat attitude and friendliness, Myke was well liked by many people at Northrop. He was a good guy who left the world a better place. I’m thankful I got to know him.

Paul,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. If the strength of families will carry a person through, then you have the strength of many. God bless you all.

Myke's family - it has been a pleasure working with Myke at Northrop he was always so cheerful and polite. May God Bless each of you and know that you are in my prayers.

Julie, Patti, Paul, Eric, and Kevin:
I was so saddened to hear the news about Michael. Our hearts go out to you all. Michael was a wonderful person full of kindness and love. Since our childhood in St. Louis, when he was Michael Michael Motorcyle and I was Colly, he has always been the same exceptional person. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Our love and prayers go out to you all.

Myke and I worked together several years ago. He left an indelible impression on me from the very beginning. Not only was he a great engineer, but one of the finest young men I have ever met. His greatness was only shrouded by his humility and graciousness as a person. I will miss him. Sincere condolences from my family yours.

Mike,

Your fun personality is absolutely contageous. You are a smart, talented individual who has been taken away far too soon. May your positive energy continue to spread to your friends and family and to all those who you have influenced over the years.

Myke,

Thanks for making our days brighter. I had only met you once and talked briefly, but from that moment on each time we passed in the hallways of Northrop you would never fail to look up, smile, and say hi, no matter if you were otherwise occupied in conversation, as you were last Friday when I saw you last. You knew it was those small things in life that made the biggest difference.

Your smile was contagious and you will be missed here at Northrop.

My condolences to both families.

Words can not express how shocked and disturbed I was when I heard of this tragedy. I worked with Myke at NG several years ago and he truly was a pleasure to work with, both professionally and personally. I especially remember him for his sometimes crazy hair. He will be missed by all who met him.

I have been working at Northrop for just a little over a year and have had the privilege of working with Myke on a couple of programs. He made the work environment much better by his quick wit and cleaver ideas. He created a lasting impression on me and will be greatly missed. My wife and I extend our deepest sympathy to his wife and family.

Myke was an inspiration as a friend and co-worker. He was someone I would could go to for a smile or help. He is deeply missed. Whether he was the instigator or receiver of the practical joke he made the office a happier place of which to be a part.
Myke, you left us with so many good memories. Thank you for the good times and the better person I am today because I knew you. My thoughts are with Julie and your family.

Julie and family,
Words cannot express my sorrow about Myke’s death. I am still in shock and can't imagine what your family is going through right now.
I came to know Myke through my longtime friendship with Julie. We have been friends since middle school and were bridesmaids in each other's weddings. I was so honored to stand up at Julie and Myke's wedding last summer – it was the most beautiful and joyous day.
I admired Myke not only because he loved and cared for my friend, but also for his friendly and gracious nature. Myke is truly one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. On top of knowing that Myke was an incredible friend, he was also brilliant and inspired so many people. Perhaps the people who make the biggest impressions in our lives have to do so because they are only here a short while. Myke accomplished what most of us can only dream of, though I wish he were still here to show us more of what he could do.
Myke was blessed to have a loving wife, a wonderful family and many friends in his life who will no doubt keep his memory alive. I will continue to pray that you find comfort and strength in time. Julie, I’m here for whatever you need. You’re one of my oldest and dearest friends.

Dear Patti and Family,
I am so sorry to hear this horrible news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I still have hanging in my office the photo of you with the sticker "VOID" on your forehead. I hope some day you will be able to smile like that again.
Please take care of yourself.
Polly

Patti, Paul and Family, Are there really any words that can be said? Thank God for the time you had with Myke and the lifetime of great memories that will remain. You are certainly in our thoughts and prayers.

Myke,

The halls of Northrop are less bright without your smile to light them. Your family is in my prayers. May your smile light their way through the darkness of their pain.

Patti, Paul and family,
We are so sorry to hear of you loss. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all and that we love you all very much. May God Bless you and wrap His arms of comfort around you. May he give you peace that only He can give.
Love to you all.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Paul, Patti, and Julie. When I first met Myke at Northrop I was proud to know such a fine young man. As parents, we all hope our children are exceptional, and Myke truly was. I would see him walking down the hall and ask, so what color are your socks today, as they were always mismatched, but of little importance to Myke. Then something changed and I knew he was in love. Julie, what an inspiration you must have been on Myke. He will be sorely missed, but God certainly has biggest plans for him. Keep the love and faith in your heart always for Myke as we all will.

Paul and Patti,
We are all grieving with you and your family. Please know that we are holding you in our prayers.
VISTAGE 325, Cincinnati

I'll always remember that cold,windy and wet night a few years back,when Mike,
Delfina and myself waiting for the train to take us home,all three of us,under this tiny umbrella. Mike with his arms around us to keep us warm. He was so sweet to us. I will miss him.

I am so sorry and saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Michael. Patti, please know that you & your family are in my heart and prayers. My little ones and I have prayed for you & your family the past two nights and we'll continue to do so...our hearts & thoughts go out to you. May God bless and keep you in this difficult time. With love, Steve & Corina Denny and Jorden, Erika & Alexandria.

Paul,

I'm very sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences.

Dear Patti, Paul & Family-

We were completely stunned with this news- What a loss for your family & everyone who had the pleasure & privilege of having Myke in thier lives-

You were all an important part of our lives when you lived on Long Island- You have been thought of often & greatly missed-

You are a warm, loving family & that will help you through this difficult time- Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you- Your friendship was a gift- The world has lost a truly remarkable young man-

Myke and Julie are my best friends. I can't believe it was less than a year ago I stood up in their wedding. That was the best day of my life. I will miss Myke so much. It feels like I can't stand it. It's so nice to see how many people Myke touched in his too short life. Julie is my oldest and bested and most beloved friend. I'm so sorry for you and I'm here for you whenever you need me.I love you and all of your family. You always took care of me and so did Myke. I feel so lucky to have known him.I just wish it wasn't for such a short time. I love Myke. And I love Julie. I'm here for you always.

Julie, our memories of that last night are of the four of us, laughing, joking, eating cheap diner food, joking about Myke's lack of direction, and spontaneous vacations. My last vision is of hugging you good night, and turning to wave at Myke as you both stepped back into the car. How would we know not two minutes later... it send shivers down our spines. Dave and I are truly devastated. We had talked about how much we liked you guys, what a great couple you were, and hopes for future euchre games, tennis matches, and safaris. Honey, we're right around the corner for you. Call on us at any time. We couldn't imagine not being by your side through this.

New to Northrop Grumman and alternately dazed and confused, Myke was always so patient in helping answer what must have seen like an unending list of questions. I was lucky to get to work with him. He will be missed.

I was lucky to work with Myke on the pod program at Northrop Grumman. He was a talented, hard working Engineer. Most importantly, it was a joy to work with him. He will be missed.

Julie, Patti, Paul, Eric, Kevin, & Family,
We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear this news about Michael. Having known Michael since he was born in St. Louis, we grieve for him as if he was our own. He touched so many lives and left so many good things in his short time with all of us. We will always cherish our memories of Michael. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Patti, Paul and family-

I am so sorry to hear about Michael. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Julie,

Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are continuously with you. There are absolutely no words to say to give you peace, but know that we all love you.

Brian, Marianna, Jacob and Nate

Patti & Paul & Family
There are no words that can express how sad I am to hear about Michael. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Patti,
We are so sorry to learn about your son. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ernie, Linda, Ben, Dan, Justin, & Caty Spalding