My ankles used to swell a lot, mostly at night. Sometimes they hurt too bad, and I couldn’t fall asleep. So I would go downstairs and he would always be up. We would watch TV together and he put ice on my ankles but I never got anything in between my ankles and the ice, because “that’s for the weak”. My ankles are swollen right now. And the new house doesn’t have an ice dispenser.

I loved Mike. I was an aide at the school. I was there through the good and bad times. Mike was the good times. What a man. A man of integrity. I am so sorry he is gone. I think of him often. I trust you and his family are well. Also...I hate math. ;^)- chuck

This is such a tragedy. Mike was an incredible man, an example of living your life with passion and enthusiasm. He was an incredible teacher who made math exciting, and his passion was addictive to his students. And as a coach he brought out the confidence in his players like few others. His players always wanted to bring their A game. And he was the first person to laugh at himself when his shot sailed over the posts. The only way I could get him to return emails was by putting ‘free cookies’ in the subject line. Our deepest condolences to Carrie, Audrey, Zach, and Nat.

I am at a complete loss. He will be greatly missed. Sending love and hugs to Carrie and the kids. You are in my prayers❤

I only took one motorcycle ride with Mike, but it was a good one; and we played a lot of defense together on the Over 30 soccer team (he and I being among the slower Over 40 guys...). So sorry to hear of this loss to the community and his family.

Thank you for all the good times our families shared. You were my children’s favorite teacher and soccer coach. We are sending so much love to your family. You will be greatly missed my dear friend.

My heart hurts with this loss. Mike lived life loud and full speed ahead. He was a beloved teacher to my kids. And I personally feel lucky to have shared the soccer field with him as a coach and teammate. I knew he always had my back -- even when he was giving me crap for something else. The game won't be nearly as fun without him.

Mike was a great guy, friend, and teacher. He will be greatly missed by so many. Fly high with the angels, my friend. My thoughts and prayers to everyone who love and knew him. May God give comfort to all of us.

Millie, Kevin, Jr and Noel

He was a good man with a big heart and an awesome sense of humor. He was one of the few people who could get through to my daughter and push her to excel at both math and soccer. He had a huge impact on her life. He had an impact on many kids lives. Mike will be greatly missed.

From the time Mike joined our middle school family, things were different- a boisterous voice and rock music filled the halls, he couldn’t sit still in a meeting, and his humor matched Jamie’s and brightened every day for all of us. The students loved him, and he had a unique name for each of them which helped him remember them all. He made everything more fun, especially the DC trips. An outing with him and friends to a Buffalo Bills game had me running back to the parked car in order to protect Carrie’s awesome chocolate chip cookies- they were a precious commodity! He was a dear friend to Jamie, Pete, and Tim, and their traditional summer outing to watch a baseball game and get ice cream was a cherished time for all of them. Mike and I shared many a hug through the ups and downs of these past years, both as colleagues and as friends. I truly hope he’s wearing the Harley sweatshirt I gave him and that he and Jamie are taking a nice peaceful motorcycle ride together in heaven. Miss you my friend. Miss your grin, miss your hugs!

A dear colleague, friend, I always looked forward to seeing Mike first thing in the morning at school, chatting, a laugh. He loved his family, often talked about his children. Mike, you are greatly missed.

Mike was a tremendous teacher , and had a great sense of humor. I was the night custodian and would ask him questions about how to help my granddaughter with her math , always willing to help. He will be deeply missed , but I will always remember the help that he was to me when my granddaughter came to live with me. By the way she graduated... thanks Mike for all your help.

Mike was a wonderful teacher. His irreverent style made math class something my son looked forward to, and that was a first. The world is a sadder place without him. Our sincere condolences.