I was in Ireland when I received a message that Mike had left us -- I was very sorry not to be there to say goodbye to my friend and colleague at The Two River Times, fellow volunteer in the early days of Holiday Express, fellow Irishperson with all the song and humor and laughter and tragedy that entails. He was our favorite uncle, our partner in playful crime, and a truly kind soul who learned the hard way what's really important in life -- something he always reminded us to keep in mind. He was my friend, and I will miss him. I know he'd like this Irish prayer:

Deep peace of the running waves to you -

Deep peace of the flowing air to you -

Deep peace of the smiling stars to you -

Deep peace of the quiet earth to you -

Deep peace of the watching shepherds to you -

Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.

Deep peace to you.

Deep peace.

With regret, I went to Mike's wake today (Wednesday), one day late. But I stayed in the parking lot for a really private prayer and reminiscing session. Sorry, Mikey but I hope you felt my presence - I was with you for awhile today.

What a gentlemen. We go back to St Michael's High School. Somewhere, I have a picture of Mike and me in our O'Connors softball uniform in the early 1970s. For decades, he often came to hear our band, The BaaDoos, play and we last saw him last month at Patrick's Pub in Neptune. We always had several laughs.

I'll miss you, buddy. Bon voyage.

All of us at the Belmar Library will miss Mike. He came in often and we enjoyed his quiet presence. Mike was always interested in looking at our calendar for musical events and offered to help us with preparing a "catchy" flyer. He would head for the computers and then the book shelves before he left, sometimes as quietly as he came in. I will miss his pleasant nature and playful grin and I regret that I wasn't able to say "hi, Mike, how are you?" one more time. Rest in peace, Michael.

Mike was so kind and a pleasure to know. He was always so encouraging and supportive of my music and I appreciated that so much. Sending love and condolences to his family.

I had the pleasure of working with Mike at The Two River Times and he was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and he will be missed by many.

I am an old telephone company friend. I don't have any pictures of Mike but plenty of wonderful memories. He was one of the funniest human beings I've ever known. Even through the tough times he always kept it positive & humorous. So many funny stories & 'lines' we shared.

Mikey, I am wishing you a joyful journey. I'll be looking for you at that cosmic concert when my day comes! Love & miss you!

Kat

So sorry to hear of your passing, but more grateful to have called you my friend.

Our time at 811 was insane. To say we had a lot of fun was an understatement.

I will remember you with much love in my heart & a smile on my face.......

"turn around bright eyes" Rest in Peace Mikey...xo

At a loss for words today. Mike was a great guy, a true gentleman, He will be missed by many. Great memories with my Music partner. We spent many nights at the CBT covering all forms of music, he with his mighty pen, and me with my camera. Hopefully his/our stories and pix will live on for ever. Our trip to the opening of the RocknRoll Hall of Fame in 1996 was the best, great time. Mike was a great volunteer for Holiday Express in the early years(now 25 years in service). I know he was having some health problems, but he kept it close to himself, a strong and caring soul. I will miss you good buddy. See you on the stage at the next big show.

Love You

Scott

What a time we had!!! I love you, Mikey! You were the source of much laughter during our days at NY Telephone. I will never forget the Bref, Irish sitting on the subway grate yelling "gimme a quarter", Hat Day, Dress-up Day and you yelling "TURN AROUND, BRIGHT EYES!"

You were a loving and kind man and you will always be in our hearts. My love and prayers go out to your family.

It's 4:46 am Tuesday Morning, can't sleep, it finally came to me.

GOD had 50 plus Concert Goer's coming, and need someone to work the "DOOR".

Bless You MIKE, Miss You !!

Wow, so sorry to learn the sad news. We worked together at The Two River Times, and he really was a wonderful presence in that crazy place. I considered myself fortunate to call him a friend.

I've moved thousands of miles since then, but have been glad to see he was still a part of the music scene even decades later. You will be missed, Uncle Mike.

If anyone was a "CALMING FORCE", with our "CRAZY CREW" in Hamilton Park and summer's in Belmar, It was "MIKEY". There never was a more "HUMBLE GUY".

Now he's up there looking down on us all and smiling. Along with "PEGGY", "HE HE" and all the rest.

GOD BLESS, LOVE YOU MIKE

Rich "GOSH" Krupinski

Mikey was the best of us. A genuine human being and a genuine friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Jim Nelson

Mike my friend you will be missed.. My friendship with you started way back, when we worked for the 'Phone Company' together. From there on it was nothing but good times and laughter. From the crazy 'hat day' festivities when everyone came to work with outlandish hats and wore them all day. How about halloween at work day. One year you came to work as a cave man (full costume with club) and Bob Z. was Nurse Diesel from the Mel Brooks movie 'High Anxiety'. I do however thank you for being Mikey, the only human being who would constantly talk with me (in character voice) using most of the skits from one of our favorite comedies ''Johnny Dangerously'. Good by pal and say hello to Roman Maroni, Danny Vermon, and the Dundee Gang for me.

Tommy.....

Mike was a good man and a friend... God bless and keep him in His Light.

Lee mrowicki

From the Stone Pony

My condolences to your family . I worked with Mike at "The Two River Times" from '93-'95. I know I can speak for the entire staff (from those years) when I say that Mike was a sheer pleasure to work with and to be around. He had a very giving spirit and a positive, generous work ethic. I love my memories of "Uncle Mike." Hang in there, peace to all of you - sincerely, john lauer

Mike,

It was an honor to share times at SMHS and our one special season. Rest in peace my friend.

Don

Michael was a wonderful, entertaining addition to the downtown JC and Belmar scene. Condolences to the family. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.

Michael was a warm, kindhearted and gentle soul and gentleman . May he rest in Peace.

Margaret O'Keeffe

I was so saddened to hear of Mike's passing today. I had the pleasure of working with him in the early days of "The Two River Times." In the midst of all the chaos and deadlines--and despite what was going on in his personal life--he always had a smile to share and brought a lightness with him that lingers in my heart to this day.

I can see him up there in heaven now, beaming as he brushes wing tips with all the musical greats who were taken from us before "Uncle Mike" got to interview them.

If you can hear me, Mike, be sure to give my regards--and gratitude--to John Lennon and the choirs of Rock-n-Roll angels.

To Mike's family, may Mike's sweet spirit sing forever in your souls.

With my most heartfelt sympathy,

Janet

Another member of the Class of '67 has joined several of our classmates. Our condolences to the Lisa Family. From one Veteran to another thank you for your Service.

I go all the way to St.Michaels with Mike. But just recently started playing pickup basketball with Mike and his buddies in Belmar. Its like I got to know him in a different way. He was a gentleman of the best kind. Always ready for a good laugh. Will miss him.