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Matt Martinez
August 26, 2024
Hey brother. I think about you all the time. It seems more and more of our buddies are joining you. Every time I go to Mass I realize how all the departed are present and so I know you are there!
anon
July 28, 2024
Elisa, Alexis and Nicole, I can't believe it's been 15 years! Mike was a white hat, a good guy and many will miss him greatly! God Rest his Sweet Soul!
Marty Martinez
August 26, 2023
Hey brother, this from legacy popped up in my email today. Man we had some good times and miserable ones! I think about you always. Can't wait to see you again.
Matt (wolfy) Marty
Nicole
January 8, 2019
I love you forever dadā¤
Carlene Catalano
October 16, 2010
Michel,
Thinking of you on Sweetest's Day.
I love you always,
your big sister,
Carlene
Charles & Joan Vins
August 30, 2010
Michael,
The tears will flow less
And our hearts will heal slowly,
Knowing you're not here
Makes us feel more lonely,
You made us laugh,
You made us cry,
The day that you died,
Was the day that we all cried
Now there is one less,
As you can see,
Without you here with us,
Our family is empty.
The day will come when we will all meet.
You will be waiting for us at heaven's gate.
With a great big greet.
We love and miss you very much.
With all our love always,
Your mother and father
Carlene Catalano`
August 30, 2010
Michael,
I still find it hard to think that you've been gone one year. It has been a very hard year for our family. I still remember getting that call on that day from Jimmy and not grasping what he was telling me. It was unreal. My heart has a void, since you've been gone. I think about you first thing when I wake up and before I go to sleep. I keep a prayer vigil of your picture and look at it all the time, I keep it by my mantel so I can think about all our good times together. People say that it will get easier over time, I still find that hard to believe. The picture board I made for your service is still together and I like looking back to the ones when you were a little guy, so cute with that red hair and that smile of yours. I am having several masses done in your name and light candles for you every week at church. I know you're with me. Mom and Dad miss you very much. We still talk about all great times we had and eating at Lalo's, when you would always go there to meet us. It was your favorite place and we go there and remember all the good conversations we always had with you. You were a talker, and it always had to be about you. Last month all your army brothers came from all over to meet our family. Mom and Dad, Jimmy and I got the chance to sit with them and hear all these great stories about you. They love you and also miss you. We are so grateful that they took the time out of their busy lives and away from their families to pay respect to you. They really made Mom and Dad so proud of you, because of your love, kindness and you are a true person with compassion, you always were like that thinking of others and what you can do for them. I will miss you always, my dear little brother. Please watch over Mom and Dad, and one day we will all meet again.
I love you always,
your big sister,
Carlene
Jessica V
August 28, 2010
Uncle Mike
as the one year anniversary approches since you have been gone i still think about you everyday its not the same without you here but i know your in heaven watching over us i say a prayer for you everyday. i also met your Army buddies when they came into town last month they told my such great stories about you i even show them that dvd me veronica and marissa made and the video from the benfit they really liked it i also been watching out for aunt elise, alex and nicole i have been talking to them making sure they are doing ok i even been going over to visit them too, i also got my driver's license a few weeks ago i remember i said a prayer asking if you would watch over me during my driver's test and i guess it worked! i will always remember you Uncle Mike please continue to watch over Aunt Elise Alex and Nicloe and protect them also watch over rocco and astrid they are getting married in 2 weeks i sure your proud of them i hope your at peace now.
I Love You Uncle Mike you always have a special place in my heart
I Love You Goodnight Never Goodbye
Love Always,
your Niece
Jessica
Carlene Catalano
May 30, 2010
Michael,
Today is 9 months since you've left us. I think about you everyday. I really miss you alot. I can still remember the last time we talked like it just happened. You really made me laugh and I can picture you smiling on the other end of the phone. I love you my sweet lil brother. You're the best! Of course, you already know that.
I Love you always,
your big sister
Carlene
Marissa V.
March 5, 2010
Uncle Mike, I still think about you a lot, Sometimes I fell like someone is watching me and I wonder if that's you. I don't know what esle to say besides, I love you and I miss you. Goodnight, never good bye. :)
January 29, 2010
Michael,
It's hard to believe that 5 months have gone by. I hope you are finally at peace. I now understand the pain and heartache that you must have gone through. Not a day goes by without me looking at your pictures and remembering all the good times that we had as a family. I am so glad that I have that, and how priceless they are.
I Love you always.
your big sister,
Carlene Catalano
Anthony & Dominic Catalano
November 6, 2009
Uncle Mike,
Happy Birthday. We think about you all the time. You're the best uncle anybody can have.
We Love You,
Anthony and Dominc (your nephews)
Carlene Catalano
November 6, 2009
Happy Birtday Michael! I miss you so much. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I look at your picture and I start crying because I wish that this was a dream. It still doesn't seem real. I think of all the good times we've had together and I smile. You are in my heart and thoughts constantly. I know you are in a better place, and that brings me peace. Please watch over Mom and Dad because they are having a very hard time. They miss you the most. You're their son and that makes it very hard to handle. You are in our prayers. I love you alway my little brother.
I Love You,
Carlene, your big sister
Veronica
September 25, 2009
Uncle Mike, when i found out the news that i would'nt see you again i tore apart and wished this was all a dream. I will always pray for you, and i know you will keep an eye on the whole family. I never thought you would never walk this ground, but i know you will always be in my heart no matter what. Your where the best uncle anyone could have. I will always know you are in my heart. Goodnight Uncle Mike. I love you.
Elise Vins
September 11, 2009
Mike, As I sit here and try to find the words to express how I feel about you, I remember what you would always say to me, "I know you love me," and I do. When God took you, he took a part of me that can never be replaced. Know, that a day will not go by that I won't think about you and will miss you. Please watch over Alex and Nicole and keep them safe. I know I will see you again.
I love you very much
Bob Graeber - 8th District Alumni
September 9, 2009
My sincere condolences to the family of Mike Vins. May He Rest in God's Peace.
Linda Bradshaw
September 7, 2009
Dear Joanne, Chuck, Rick, Jimmy and Carlene,
I just learned about your terrible loss and want to tell you how sorry I was to hear about Michael's passing. Please know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Derek Williams
September 5, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with Michaels family and friends in Chicago. I served in the army with "Vinny" and he was an outstanding soldier. I am sure he was also an outstanding father and police officer. I will always be proud of Michael Vins for he was a great person and I am so glad we had the reunion. With great fondness I want to share with you the great and exciting life we shared as paratroopers. Even in dangerous situations "Vinny" showed great bravery and he was always a positive leader among us. He was a dear comrade that I shall never forget.
jessica
September 4, 2009
uncle mike i love you very much and will miss deeply you were the coolest uncle i remember when you came over on new's years eve in 2006 and came on vacation with us to wisconsin dells in summer 2007 and dressing up as santa every year and passing out gifts to the family at aunt barb's house and on my birthday this year you gave me and extra $20 dollars and one thing i will never forget you smile and your love for everyone in this family you are the guardian angel for this family and i was honor to be the pallbearer for your service i know you proud of me for doing that I LOVE YOU FOREVER!
LOVE ALWAYS
your niece Jessica
Carlene Catalano
September 4, 2009
Michael, you will be missed so much. You're my little brother and will always be. I have so many wonderful memories of you and I keep those in my heart. I can still hear your voice from our phone call by mom's house, telling me a funny story and making me laugh. You have touched so many lives as I have seen in the past several days. Michael, anybody that met you, loved you and had the honor of your kindness and friendship. Our family is at such a great loss right now, but I know you will be watching over us,to get us through this difficult time. You're our guardian angel Michael. I can't stop thinking about you and your adorable smile and warm laughter. We have been blessed to have you in our family. We had just spoken a few days back and as always we ended our conversation as we always did by saying "I Love You". So by ending this conversation I will once again say, Michael I Love You and we will one day be together again my little brother.
Love always,
your sister Carlene
Matt (wolfy) Martinez
September 3, 2009
Vinny,
I love you like a brother, you were my Airborne brother. When I got the news last night my heart broke. I take confort knowing you are with our Father in heaven. We had some great times together, even in miserable times we always had each other to lean on. Pave the way for the rest of us. Until we meet again...I will "drive on with the Airborne mission" as I know you would.
Elise, Alexis, Nicole and Mr. and Mrs Vins (whom I spent Thanksgiving 1987 with) you have my deepest sympathy. Please turn to each other and our Lord for comfort.
Heather Niziolek
September 3, 2009
Elise, our most heartfelt sympathies to all of you. We just found out about this today! Gosh, I can't tell you how sorry we all are. We love you guys.
Paul Corso
September 3, 2009
To Elise,Nicole and Alexis, I would like to say that I am extremely sorry for your loss. Mike "Vinny" Vins was also a room dog of mine while stationed in Italy and at Ft. Bragg. It is hard to say goodbye to a friend who unselfishly gave his life to the service of his country and the protection of others. His devotion,respect,loyalty, and service should be a lesson to all. Rest in Peace brother and may God watch over your family. "Cujo" 1*
Thomas Dodds
September 3, 2009
Ms. Elise.
Mike was liked and loved by all who knew him. He will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mike and your family. Mike was family to us from The Battery, we will all miss him. You have my most heart felt condlences. Thomas.
Chris Allard
September 2, 2009
Vins Family,
So sorry to hear the news. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Mike was a good man and friend. I served with him in Italy. God bless you Mike.
Chris "Big Al" Allard
Fort Worth PD
Patrick Breier
September 2, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Maureen Hayes
September 2, 2009
To The Vins Family,
Mike was a wonderful person. He loved his family and friends, like no other. It was a priviledge to know him.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Maureen Hayes
Anthony Figueroa
September 2, 2009
Elise, I'm SO,SO sorry and saddened by this terrible news. I prayer for you and the girls to have the strength to go forward. Mike will always be in my heart as the true friend he was and people like him just aren't that easy to come by.
Matthew Brown
September 2, 2009
You were a good friend Mike, I'll miss you much. God Bless.
Scott Page
September 2, 2009
From crazy late night dinners at Trattoria della Pace, to getting out of jumps, to your wedding, to crashing at your place when I missed my flight in 1996, some of the most memorable, fun times in my life were spent with you. A great, loyal friend with a heart of gold.
Rest well, old friend.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Elise, Alexis, and Nicole.
Daniel Andrade
September 2, 2009
Mike you were a great officer. You will be missed my brother in blue.
Dwayne Creach
September 2, 2009
Michael Vins was my first Army buddy. We did Basic training and Jump school together and served our first duty station together in Italy. He was a great friend and i allways knew i could count on him in any situation. I feel a great loss knowing that he isnt with us now. My prayers go out to his family.
Paul DuBois
September 2, 2009
Elise, Alexis and Nicole, I am terribly saddened by the news of the loss of Mike. "Vinny" was my roommate, section member and airborne brother in Italy and Ft. Bragg. We spent quite a bit of time together, especially at Ft. Bragg. It was great to see him two years ago at the "Doghouse" reunion. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Rest in Peace Mike "Vinny" Vins. Airborne All The Way!
September 2, 2009
See you later, my Doghouse Brother. You were always one of our best. It was my honor to have served with you!
George paniotte
September 1, 2009
Mike Vins I knew you well, because we spent hours and hours together talking. You are one of the intrisically finest persons I know. Elise, Alex, and Nicole, I am so sorry for your loss and I feel this great loss for all of us. Mike, now you are with our Father at a place of repose, blessed, and peaceful. We will see you again.
George E. Paniotte
September 1, 2009
Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. May God hold you in his heart and guide you through this most difficult time. Tom, Elaine, Nicholas & Timmy McDonough
Chicago Police Memorial Foundation
September 1, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Vins family...
May the love you hold for Michael carry you through the days and years ahead.
Michael will never be forgotten.
Thomas Mills
September 1, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Chicago Police Friends
September 1, 2009
St. Michael awaits you with open arms. May you find comfort in the arms of the angels.
Randy and Jennifer Jalloway
September 1, 2009
Elisa, Alexis and Nicole,
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. May God hold you in the palm of his hand and help to guide you through this most difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you.
Randy and Jennifer Jalloway
September 1, 2009
Elise, Alex and Nicole - we are so sorry for the loss of your husband/father. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers througout this time. Joe, Joanne, Gianna and Justin Nemcovic.
MaryEllen Hurtado
September 1, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. God Bless all of you.
Love,
MaryEllen, Armando and Alex Hurtado
(Daughter of Jack Jaeger and Aunt of Allison Andrews)
The Farraj Family
September 1, 2009
We are deeply saddened by your loss. We will cherish the memories of the times we spent together. We are with you during this time of grief ~
Adil, Laura, Jacob and Adam Farraj.
The Vanderlei's
September 1, 2009
Elise, Alexis and Nicole~
May the sorrow that you feel at this time be lessened by the love of your family and friends and may the memory of the good times shared together bring you peace of heart and mind. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you~
Russ, Laurie, Ben & Olivia
Efren&Josy Gonzalez
September 1, 2009
May God be with you and your family at this most difficult time. We are here for you. We are sincerely sorry. He will be missed. God bless you all. Love Efren Gonzalez & family
Monique Sambugaro
September 1, 2009
Uncle Mike, You will be missed by many but never forgotten. I love you.
Love Niquers
William Kazupski
September 1, 2009
Godspeed Mike....
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