Stories about Michael
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Though we were separated by many miles during most of the years of our friendship, the time we spent together picked right back up as if we were never apart. Mike was genuinely interested in all that happened since our last visit, and gave you the feeling that he was a friend for life. Ever supportive of his family, he stood tall and proud as each milestone in their lives was encountered.
No father could have been prouder when Jessie and Kate said their vows, or when Nora gave birth to her beautiful baby girl. Even when battling with Cancer, he was thinking of family and not himself. The Lord has taken Mike, but he is now in heaven and has already scheduled his first sales trip and is lining up old customers along the way. They will receive him with joy and eagerness, since a no more honest man ever existed.
God bless you Mike, and all your family.
Ken and Mary Aldrich
From:
Ken & Mary Aldrich
My fondest memories of Michael go back to late 1970, when Mary and Jody worked together at Our Lady of Providence, and we as couples immediately “clicked.” I marveled at Mike’s resilience in spite of the accident that nearly took his life and did take his leg. There he was, attending college and functioning like nothing had happened at all. Given Mike’s physical condition at that time, many would have settled back to a military pension and a life of disability, but that was not in Mike’s nature. He got right back on the horse and went to work right after college and became one of the most successful salesmen I have ever known. Why did he triumph? With a heritage of hard work from his parents, the love of an unbelievably supportive wife, and the steady succession of wonderful girl children, Mike was the epitome of responsibility and honesty. His love of people and his fondness for solving problems for customers endeared him to all he met. Soon after he started working, he mastered his disability and soon it went unnoticed by his friends and associates. Even if his daily routine was made more difficult by his “appliance,” he never complained or sought allowances.
From:
Karen Grosser
I met Mike while I worked for Sherwin-Williams in the Diversified Brands Division's customer service. Mike was the greatest man to work with. As agents we would get the opportunity to attend different trade shows as they came up in our territories. I had New York, so Mike would almost always pick me up and make sure I got to my hotel ok and then over to the location. He is still the only person I've been to New York city with. It was my first time there (and so far only time) so he took the time to drive me down through the financial section, Broadway and then into New Jersey. I always knew he had daughters, because that is how he always made me feel, as if he were watching out for me. He always had a calm demeanor and with the guys we worked with (Freddy Garfinkle, Matt Stanco and more) he never lost his temper, never yelled, just joked and got the job done. When I left Diversified, without being asked, he wrote me the nicest reference letter and I still have it! He will always have a special place in my heart and I know your loss is profound. I bless you all and know the Mike is in heaven smiling down on you all.
Karen Grosser
From:
Peter and Elaine Pi
We met Jody and Mike at the FMCA Rally in MN. All traveling in our Tiffin Allegro Busses. Mike loved to share his tips and tricks of his motor coach. Peter enjoyed Mikes company and exchanging technical information about motor homing, while I enjoyed shopping getaways with Jody. Over the years, Time and more travel went by, each in our own direction. Somehow we all would find each other along the road again. Our last time together was on their trip to South Dakota where we hosted our first Tiffin rally. Sharing more stories, catching up on family events. It's amazing the friendships that you make and find long the road of life. God bless you all. May the light of the Holy Spirit guide your path until you are reunited again.
Fondly,
Elaine & Peter Pi
From:
Bernard Beihl
It was with great sadness,we received the word from Joe Ligouri of Mike's passing. Mike and I were compatriots from the days of Bendix, working together in the automotive aftermarket. We became fast friends,and there was not a moment,when Mike did not make us all laugh, even through some of the turmoil of making those "quotas" each year. Unfortunately,after retirement, time and distance became our enemy. He remains in my memory one of the finest persons of my past. Certainly, an unforgettable force, and always a man dedicated to family. May he rest in the arms of the Lord, no longer suffering. Joan and I extend our sympathy and best wishes for you and your family, Jody, as you now carry the cross of grief at this time. We know he is in a better place, with no more pain.
Bernard Beihl
From:
Bob Wrona
Had the pleasure to meet Mike in Cleveland, OH when we were hired by SHERWIN-WILLIAMS as Regional Managers. Both of us were "Tagged" as "Retreads" based on our sales experiences and age. That first trip to Cleveland gave both of us much insight on the "Company" and the "People" we would be spending years together (Mike on the East Coast and me out West) with. We spent a considerable amount of time confiding in each other and picking each others brain about SW, people and most of all, "Paint" and our customer base. I truly enjoyed those conversations on the phone but, most of all, face to face with Mike. It wasn't all business, we socialized with Mike and Jody on both coasts talking about his daughters and my daughters (both of us agreed that we both "Favored Indoor Plumbing"). I will miss him and he and Jody are in our prayers.
God Bless you Mike,
Bob Wrona
From:
Pam Liguori
Jody and family -Our prayers are with Mike, you and your entire family at this time. I am reminded of 2nd Timothy (4:8) "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course, and I have kept the faith". So it was with Mike. I know our Lord will bless you all.
Pam and Joe Liguori
From
Liz Willenborg Harte
Memory of Michael Patrick Carey
Being Jody's dad's first cousin, sets me and my late hubby, Patrick ,of an older generation. Hence we did not get to see very much of the Carey's until they came to our 50th wedding anniversary celebration in Brick, N.J. in 2008. It was then that we became reunited and it was as though we knew each other all our lives. Jody and Mike are both very endearing people. I remember Mike being so friendly and interested in our life and family - I can readily see the beauty in his character and maybe it's his Irish upbringing which instilled in him those wonderful virtues - faith, loyalty, fidelity, courage, and sense of humor that made him so special. I only wish I knew him better and had spent time with Jody & Mike and family in the earlier years. As Michael said" Now he knows" and I am sure he is in complete glory and happiness with our blessed Lord. My prayers are with you all.
Love, Liz
11 February, 2014
From:
Roy & Jeanne Evilsizer
Roy and I enjoyed Mike and Jody's visits to California when they would drive out in their motor home. Roy especially loved showing Mike his two old cars, a '64 and '66 Chevy's. Mike was genuine; and, he was genuinely interested in the old cars. He gave Roy a tire gauge which he still uses. He was down to earth and kind. The last time we saw Mike was at Kate and Justin's wedding; he told Roy he was very proud of his daughter and new son-in-law and that they were hard workers. He was very personable and someone you could easily talk to. We were blessed to know him and have him in our family.
Fondly,
Jeanne & Roy
From:
Tom Perry
I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Mike in the late 90's yet I still feel his presence today. when I think of Mike I think of Integrity, Professionalism and Honor to his family and his country. Most importantly, I remember him as a friend. Although out of my sight, Mike will always be in my thoughts and my heart.
God Bless,
Tom Perry
From:
Don Hausman
My minister would say Mike transferred his membership to the church triumberent. I met Mike in 1976 when I first started with Bendix. I worked directly for Mike probably longer than anyone. He helped me and dozens of people in their careers. Some of them are still on the Honeywell payroll today! I'll always cherish the times we got together in Ft. Pierce / Port St. Lucie Florida. It was so nice just to relax and catch up.
Rest well in HIS arms old friend, Rest well,
Don Hausman
From:
Bob Jensen
I met Mike several years ago through a mutual friend. We were fortunate to spend a couple of winters at our RV resort in Port St. Lucie FL when we'd gather on Mike and Jody's site to watch movies and try to stay warm next to Mike's campfire. I still have great memories of the fun times with the Careys during those winters. Mike was a great story teller, always with a life event in mind when any situation occurred. Mike so loved his 3 daughters and we learned about weddings in San Francisco and Ireland, their artistic talents, a townhome in Philly, and about LexiBella-a NY budding artist whose name we should remember....and of course Roxy, the apple of his eye. Mike was always preaching to his girls about life's experiences...experiences which I'm sure must have driven those girls mad. But you know he only wanted the very best for his kids, preparing them for future challenges in life. Soon after our only visit to his home we learned about a tumor, which he optimistically faced down just as he did many other challenges he encountered during his lifetime. He taught me how to face such setbacks as he did during his service in the US Army, when he suffered loss of his legs and severe burns over his body. You know...he never would complain about those challenges...never! That man gave more for his Country than he could ever receive in return. But through all this he remained positive. Always positive! Mike, thanks for the memories which I'll retain forever. Next time we meet up I expect to be taken for a ride in that Prevost I just know you already have on order up there. Till then, buddy....keep those wheels rolling.
May God bless your soul.
Bob Jensen
FROM:
Linda Smayda
Jody, Howard and I are so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. Please know you have our deepest sympathy. We have thought about you and Mike often hoping that all was well. Mike was such a fine man and it was an honor to know him.
Linda Smayda
From
Steve Steen
I was very fortunate to have known Mike, as he was such an inspiration to be around. He was always so positive about life. Enjoyed working with Mike during his time with Sherwin-Williams. Please know that your Father and Husband will be forever in your hearts. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I apologize for the delay in responding to your tribute to your father.
Steve Steen