Michael's family discovered he had a heart condition during a routine doctor's appointment when Michael was young. After many visits with specialists, Michael was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) at the age of 7 years old. At that time, there was not much you could do for this condition, other than medications and limiting physical activity. For a kid who loved playing and watching sports, limiting physical activity was difficult for Michael. However, he became involved in many activities that did not require being physically active including the Boy Scouts, the Chess Club, Billiards, and was a Coach's Assistant for his Middle School Baseball Team. Michael and his family were very proud of his involvement and achievements, and he especially loved his Chess Trophies from State Competitions. Michael later developed a love for Cars and Car Modifications, and spent a lot of time (and money!) on modifying his own car which he proudly named "Top Gun." Michael loved fishing with his family and friends, and started to enjoy cooking while he worked at both the Happy Apple Inn and Colts Neck Inn. While his heart disease was challenging for him, he truly tried his best to live a great life despite his limitations.

To All of Us, Michael was truly a Gift from God. He was devoted to his family & friends, and always put those who surrounded him before himself. Michael always had an enormously big smile, a great sense of humor, a brilliant mind, and heart that was always pure with love for everyone, especially his family and friends. He always wanted to be the "Best That He Could Be" and encouraged his friends to be the same.

We know that God has many Angels and Michael now definitely walks among them. He is one of our Angels and lives on in our hearts every day.