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Michael Rocha Obituary

Rocha, Michael G. was called home to God on January 4, 2008 at the age of 19. Beloved son of Frank J. and Maria (nee Velasquez), loving brother of Anthony and Mark, proud grandson of the late Frank and Judith (nee Casey), Gregorio (San Juana) Ramirez, many aunts, uncles, cousins and friend to all. Funeral Wednesday, January 9, 2008, at 9:30 a.m., from the Walter L. Sojka Funeral Home, 1427 W. Chicago Ave., to Holy Innocents Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Interment Queen of Heaven. Visitation Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 312-666-2673.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 7, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Rocha

Not sure what to say?





Mom

July 29, 2008

Hi Michael,

Just thinking about you and looking thru some pictures that I put on the computer.

I came across this one in particular with your smile that always made me smile no matter how angry I got with you. You always knew that smile would get you just about all you wanted.

I'm sure that smile made many hearts smile because you had a heart of gold and always wanted to help others. You made kids laugh and smile and you always gave your last - I miss you so much.

I can just imagine all the smiles you are giving the female angels just remember to behave.

Love, hugs, and kisses from Anthony, Mark, and Dad and Mom.

Talk to you later.

Love you forever.

Always dressed to impress. Michael always liked looking good especially for the ladies.

July 29, 2008

Always taking Mark and having fun. (Stacey, Mark, and Michael)

July 25, 2008

Maria

July 2, 2008

Hi Michael,

It's mom just thinking about you.

July 4th is coming up and I remember how you enjoyed this holiday so much.

Your biggest worry was getting the fireworks for you and your brothers. You always wanted to have the biggest fireworks because you always remembered how your Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Joey, Uncle Johnny, Uncle Manny, Uncle Cuba and Tia Mon did it. Those were great times that I know you enjoyed so much.

Sure as you got older you would celebrate it with your friends, but you always made sure your brothers had their fireworks and were going to be safe especially Mark.

You always made sure I got my Saturn Missiles, but we knew who they were really for :). You enjoyed them just like I did and probably even more so.

But this year Michael, you don't have to worry because we all would rather have you than all the biggest, brightest, loudest or most expensive fireworks in the world.

Your brothers will be fine, but I will definitely make sure that this year and every year I can you will get fireworks that I know you will set off in your own special way with all your Angel friends.

We are all missing you and even more so, during the times we know you loved.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY SON . . . WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

See You Soon.

Love Mom.

Maria Velasquez

June 24, 2008

Michael,

Good Morning!

I wanted to let you know how much I miss you. Not a day or split second goes by without something or someone reminding me of you that brings a smile to my face, but a sadness to my heart.

I read in a book where a mother said I wasn't ready to say Good-Bye and that couldn't be farther from the truth. So instead of Good-Bye I will always say Love You and See You Soon.

I didn't realize how what I thought were little things you did were the biggest things you left me yearning for.

Many say look to the future, but when I do that I still see you in it. I guess I will never get the complete comprehension that you are gone because for me you never will be.

I know you know how many people will always miss you and love you.

I went to do laundry yesterday and I remember you complaining that the bags were heavy, but you never let me carry one. Well, yesterday Michael those bags were the heaviest they have ever been, but not will clothes but with memories, could haves, and should haves and the biggest weight of my heart missing you.

Love you and see you soon.
MOM

Maria Velasquez

June 2, 2008

Michael,

I love you and miss you so much.

The Summer is here, but to be honest it is not important to me one way or the other.

Our Summers were always full of fun with you. You were the one that always wanted or started the barbecue grill and I had to make sure you had your grandma's guacamole because we know I couldn't have it unless I bought it.

You were the one that loved the yard and mowed the grass - I just didn't realize how much work you did. Like it is said you don't realize the impact someone has on or in your life until they are gone.

Again I say nothing is the same and I know it never will be again, but what will never change is the love I have for you and the emptiness I carry in my heart and soul for you.

Michael I wasn't ready to say good-bye and I don't know if I will ever be.

I love you so much and miss you even more. I know I'm not the only one - I know your dad and Mark and Anthony love and miss you so much too.

Talk to you later.

Love Forever and Always MOM

Maria Velasquez

April 24, 2008

Dear Michael,

I just wanted to say that I love you so much and miss you so much.

You will be 20 years on April 26th, and just want you to know that you will not celebrate your birthday alone.

See you soon.

Love Mom.

Maria Velasquez

February 28, 2008

Dear Michael,

I love you and miss you so much and nothing is the same without your laughter and your smile.

We think about you everyday and talk about you all we can. Your brothers gave me a Valentine Card and included you in it. It will always be Michael, Mark, and Anthony for me. There is no other way for me to exist.

The days are getting warmer, so I will be seeing you more often. You will never be alone.

Love, Mom

P.S. Dad, Mark, and Anthony Love and Miss You So Much

D

February 26, 2008

Michael,

I just wanted to say hello and tell you that I miss seeing you everyday. I also miss knocking on your door to remind you to move your car. I'm also going to miss seeing you in the summer while you played basketball in your backyard. I always felt safe at my house knowing you were next door. I talked to your brother Mark today, he misses you very much. I know I didn't know you for a long time but you touched my heart. You are a great person and are missed very much.

Talk to you soon.

Maria Velasquez

February 5, 2008

Dear Michael,

Yesterday was a month, but yet it seems like just yesterday that you were asking me for a towel because you forgot to take it in the bathroom with you.

I would give my life to just be able to turn the hands of time and keep you from driving away that evening of January 4th.

I miss you so much that the pain is unbearable and sometimes I honestly don't know what to do. I don't know how to laugh anymore, I don't know how to feel safe anymore.

I hope you can forgive me for not protecting you better.

I know God is protecting you now and no harm will come to you anymore.

Dad, Anthony, and Mark all miss you so much. It is just not the same without you Michael.

Love Mom.

Maria Velasquez

January 31, 2008

Dear Michael,

Where do I begin? So many miss you in so many ways. I try to take comfort in knowing that you are in a better place, but the comfort does not overpower the pain.

I think about all the things you still wanted to do and places you wanted to go. I think about the way you always made me laugh and how safe you always made me feel.

It was strange the other day when it snowed - not heavily, but enough and usually you were the one up to go and shovel the snow, but not today.

I woke up and got dressed and went out there to shovel being angry at so many things, being sad, being hurt, and with ever scoop of snow I shoveled I wanted to know why and I wanted to scream, scream, scream and scream some more that it wasn't fair.

I miss and love you so much Michael. You did so much I'm just sorry that I did not see that more clearly when you were alive.

Write to you soon - Anthony, Mark and Dad Love You and Miss You Very Much.

January 25, 2008

Dear Michael,

Everyone at work is being so kind and understanding and offering so much support.

If you are looking down - know that you are doing great in keeping me surrounded by good friends, who really care.

You know I love to write so I will be writing to you alot because to me you will never be gone.

Love you Mom.

Maria (Lupe) Velasquez

January 25, 2008

Dear Michael,

I miss you so much and there is absolutely nothing in this world that I would not give to have taken your place or nothing I would not give up to have another chance with you.

You brought me such strength, joy, and most of all laughter that can never ever be replaced. With you went a big part of me.

Mark and Anthony miss you so much and Dad misses you just as much as I do.

I love you baby so much.

I will talk to you soon again.

Love Mom.

Ralph & Espie Ramirez

January 13, 2008

Lupe and family,Our heartfelt condlences.We hope that prayer and the loving memories of Michael give you comfort and peace in the days to come. With deepest sympathy and love Ralph and Espie Ramirez

John Crider

January 9, 2008

Frank,

I would like express my sympathy to you and your family.You are in my familys prayers.May you find peace in the days ahead. John Crider.

linda and ruben martinez

January 8, 2008

Ruben and i want to send our deepest sympathy to you and family,keep the faith,and remeber all the good times you shared together.

Ruben and Linda Martinez (Texas)

Charley Huenecke

January 8, 2008

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Tere Albarran

January 8, 2008

Anthony,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know that nothing i say will heal your pain but just know that if there is anything that i can help you and your family in call me. Once again I am so sorry for your loss only god knows why he took an angel away from us to be with him in heaven.
Sorry,

Martha Villanueva Alshaweesh

January 8, 2008

Frank,

I am deeply sorry to hear about your loss. No words can express my sadness. My sincerest condolences to you, your wife and children.

Evelyn Mojica

January 8, 2008

My condolences go out to the Rocha family. I am so sorry for your lost, no words can explain what you are going throuhg. Please keep your faith in god and he will help you through these tough times. He is in heaven know looking at us and smilling from up above. He will never be forgotton, will always be in your hearts, mind and soul. God bless you.

Teresa Pina

January 8, 2008

I am sorry to hear of the untimely death of your loved one. May God give consolation to you and all of the family. My prayers shall continually be with you. My Husband and children all express their condolences to you also.

Rev. kemi Muwwakkil

January 8, 2008

May God be with you in this time of grief and extreme sorrow. May He continue to hold you in his grace. A friend
Rev.kemi muwwakkil

Frank Scumaci

January 8, 2008

Frank,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Rita Nicky

January 7, 2008

I was so saddened to learn about Michael. I have such fond memories of all the boys when they were in my first grade classes or after-school sessions at Carson School. May your good memories strengthen you during this difficult time. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

Veronica Sanchez

January 7, 2008

Michael,

Your tragic death deeply saddens me and no words can explain the emotions I am feeling. I find comfort knowing that you are with Uncle Frank and Marilu. You will be forever missed and loved.

Jerry Donlon

January 7, 2008

Frank,
I am so very sorry for your loss. As you know i also lost my son Bill. It will be two years tommorrow, January 8th. I took some comfort in my loss that he could never be hurt again, be tired, sick, or hungry. Its little consolation, but it has helped me. If you ever want to talk please give me a call. Good luck and God bless you.
Jerry Donlon

John Banks

January 7, 2008

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and your family in the loss of your son. The love and memories of Michael will forever be in the hearts of all that knew Michael.

michelle melendez

January 7, 2008

Maria,
You and your family are in our prayers, our deepest condolences, should you need anything, anything at all please don't hesitate to call me.
With all our love,
Justin, Michelle and Wm Norton, and family.

Lupe Zaucedo

January 7, 2008

My dearest friend Michael. I cannot believe you are gone from this world but I'll tell you what? You are NEVER going to be gone from my heart. I can't believe what an impact you have on everyone and I know you would be proud and honored to know that everyone felt the way they do. You will be truly missed. We will always love you and I will NEVER forget your smile........love Lupe

Veronica Sanchez

January 7, 2008

No words can express how deeply sadden I am by this tragedy. I hope you take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. Michael will be forever missed and loved.

Samantha Sanchez

January 7, 2008

Im so sorry for your loss. Michael was a good friend of mine! When he went to Curie we had some classes together and i used to live down the street!He was such a sweetheart and a great friend! I will miss him alot!

Kathleen Carey

January 7, 2008

I was extremely upset to hear about your loss. I know that you are all devastated by this tragic occurrence. Those of us here at Rachel Carson are thinking of you and praying for you. There are really no words I can find to express my heartfelt sorrow for you all.

annette ortiz

January 7, 2008

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Vicki Socha

January 7, 2008

Michael,

We all have days when we feel lonely; they say we are never alone, yet this tragic death once again, leads me back to loneliness. I believe you are with the angels, and Uncle Frank is now your angel, watching over you with love and assurance that you will be safe. The pain is not that you are with the angels, but because you have left us, so tragically. The memories of you, sharing many occasions, give me comfort. I see your eyes, your smile and your spirit. You may be gone, but you will not be forgotten. Love you.

Vicki

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