I just found out about Bob’s passing today while working at the elections polls in Howell today. I’m so sad and very sorry for your loss. We always counted on Bob to make us laugh, tell some great stories and just make the day go by so fast. Loved his stories and pictures on how he worked on the set of some famous shows. May he Rest In Peace. We will miss him in District ), 26 and 19.

Dad, I miss you more and more everyday. Its so hard not having you here. I keep coming back to this cause I think its not reality that you are gone. But its real, and I hate every minute of it. I love you so much. Love, Kristin Marie Monica/Van Etten

My wife Maria Cortellacci was born in 1942 and lived in the same house as Michael on New Street, Orange, NJ

Maria and I send our prayers to the Monica Family.

Ken and Maria Larsen

Thoughts and prayers for the family and especially Dr Lucinda. So very sorry for your loss.

As a parishioner, choir member and good friend of mine at St. Catherines, Mike and I shared the brotherhood of our faith, our service in the Air Force and a love of being in the movies. I always said to him, "Mike, when I retire I want to be just like YOU when I grow up!" I am so sorry for your loss and please know that we all grieve with you and your family. May God continue to bless you and let perpetual light shine upon our brother's soul. Again, I am so very sorry for your loss. - Deacon Dan Sakowski

Thoughts & Prayers to all of Michael's family....

My love and prayers are offered to my family on the passing of Michael. May his soul rest in peace.

Our family history is rooted in southwestern Pennsylvania. Jacob and Victoria Legarski forged a life in this coal mining region. They were hard working people who raised their children to be honest, proud of their heritage, and committed to their families. From humble beginnings, their daughter Julia and sons Frank, Joseph and Michael began their journeys. Julia went to New Jersey and the sons settled in the Detroit area. They brought 13 children into their fold and Michael was the first born.

As such, he was the apple of their eyes and was doted upon by his three uncles. He was spoiled with attention, love and a healthy dose of ribbing, Legarski style! Michael adored his uncles and looked up to them. Despite their physical distance, the families gathered regularly at their Pennsylvania home, a practice that continues to this day.

As the oldest cousin, Michael set the tone for the rest of us and was the first to achieve many life milestones. Throughout his life, he had the love and support of his family. He loved family gatherings which always included good Polish food, plenty of beer and whiskey, and talking and laughing into the wee hours of the morning. The Legarski family loves to gather but hates to say goodbye. And this goodbye is the hardest of all.

He is part of us and we are part of him. We will keep his memory alive and continue to be the family that he dearly loved. May God bless his soul and comfort all who mourn him.

Love,

cousin Mary Anne

Dear Cindy,

I am so sorry, my beloved sister, that you lost the love of your life so unexpectedly. I knew Mike was very ill, but I held out hope that he would again beat the odds as he did when his heart failed and he received his transplant. So I was very shocked and sad when I received the news that he had passed, as I was in Kansas City, preparing for the funeral of our dear brother. What a sad time for our family.

I think of Mike now, enthusiastic over his grandchildren and his golf game. What a fun guy he was! And how lucky you got those precious 10 years to travel, to enjoy your families, host many gatherings and live your lives.

As you grieve, remember that Mike will always live in your heart and you will sometimes smile through your tears remembering special moments that you shared.

God bless you and your families.

Janet

I met Mike 10 years ago at cardiac rehabilitation. When I first spoke to Mike I learned that he and I were transplanted 10 years ago in the same week at different hospitals. For those who know Mike, you know he was such an energetic, warm, intellectually stimulating guy. After leaving our daily cardiac rehab session, we would walk to our cars and speak for a good 1/2 in the parking lot. I was amazed by the wealth of knowledge and experience Mike had on some many topics. I knew I met someone special at that time. We referred to each other as brothers because to know Mike is to love him. Although too short, it was a blessing to know Mike for the 10 years that I did. Rest in peace, my brother.

Dear Cindy and family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Though our paths have only crossed

occasionally, it has been good to simply know that caring, giving

and involved people like you and Mike have been in my world.

Learning of Mike’s passing further illuminated for me that things

are temporary and that it is important to savor all the moments in

our lives and the people in those moments. I hope our paths

cross soon!

You are in my thoughts!

Maggie Beekman

Michael was so kind and helpful and humorous, all even sometimes at the same time. A special friend he will be deeply missed. He was always there for us if we needed help or encouragement. There is a void in the universe now, but not in heaven! Love, Barbara and Russell Holstein

Cindy, please accept Paula's and my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved Michael. He was a wonderful person who touched the lives of many people. As such, he will forever be a positive role model for his children and grandchildren. As a member of the Jewish faith, tradition, and culture, the highest compliment I can give him is that your Michael was truly a "mensch." A mensch is someone to admire and emulate, someone of noble character. May his memory be a blessing to you and all your loved ones. Bob and Paula Cohen

Mike will be missed. He gave the bride away at my wedding ( held in his new house ) when I married Grace M. Linebaugh.

He also was BEST MAN, at the wedding of Mel Linebaugh ( his best friend ) when he, Karen, and GRACE were very young and starry eyed ( all High School buds ) many years earlier. Mel died 19 years later and the rest is history.

You're with Mel now Mike.....Who's buying the beers ?????

I'll see you soon .......( but not TOO soon )

Eric R. Redlhammer

I sure will miss my dear brother-in-law...Mike Monica. He was always friendly, always thoughtful to others and I'm told a highly talented dentist. His circle of friends was vast. His wife, now widow, is my sister Cindy, whom I love very much. It's hard to believe that Mike is no longer with us. He recently was golfing. He also impressed me with his service to our country in the United States Air Force. I will remember his SMILE more than anything else. Much Love from his brother-in-law Roy Wasson.

Michael was always kind to me, my late husband, our children and our grandchild. I will always remember him for how much he adored Cindy, and be grateful to him for all the years of happiness he gave her.

Michael will be deeply missed. Jill and I always enjoyed being around Mike and it was a great privilege to meet and know Mike through our wine club RVC for so many years.

Mike was full of fun, smiles and his passion for wine will be greatly missed and a huge void in many lives.

He was the life of the party. I will miss you my friend.