Monday, September 7, 2015
To the family of Tom ("Mitch") Michaels, especially my MHR 1971 high school classmate Jimmy Michaels and brother of Tom, I would like to extend my deepest condolences. I was stunned to hear of Mitch's passing when my brother Tom called me this weekend.
Although I currently live in Milwaukee, I will forever remember our parochial basketball championship team of 1969 with "Mitch", TJ, Grubby, Bobby Bowes, Bobby Doherty, Frank Lazarski, Bob Kelly, Tim Coon, Greg Boyle, Mike Fogarty, etc. TJ was our leader, but "Mitch" was our heart and soul. His fierce rebounding and "never say die" attitude made us a championship caliber team. Mitch was also my "enforcer" - he taught me how to play a physical game and toughened me up during practices. However, whenever our opponents' play got a little too physical, he was always there to put a halt to it.
I also remember fondly my first summer job in 1969 working for the Syracuse Water Dept. at the famous "Reservoir" on Geddes Avenue. Just out of high school and "Mitch" was already one of the Water Dept. leaders. He found himself giving grass cutting assignments (using a scythe) to me, Grubby and Mike Hurley! As always, we found him to be a tough but fair boss.
It is incredible to think that was 46 years and many miles ago. While I have not seen "Mitch" since my high school days, I will forever cherish my days at MHR as his basketball teammate and friend. May he rest in God's Eternal Peace.
Sincerely,
Mike Ruane
MHR Class 1971
3180 Bellevue Avenue