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Michael Ferugio Obituary
"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good." Samuel Johnson, the 18th- century man of letters, wrote it, and Michael Ferugio lived it.
He came from Smalltown, U.S.A. Pottsville is an aging coal-mining town in the northeastern hills of Pennsylvania, and like many young people there, Mr. Ferugio, 37, left to make his fortune.
Still, he took something with him. His father was a steam-pipe fitter, his mother a homemaker. They imparted some regular folk wisdom to him that he did not abandon: "You're no better than anyone else."
"We used to fight because he said hello to strangers," said his wife, Susan, 34, who grew up in Queens and lived with her husband in Brooklyn. "I'm a New Yorker, and I told him you can't do that here."
But he did, top to bottom. As an insurance broker at Aon, he ate breakfast with chief executives at the World Trade Center, and when he was done, he made small talk with the secretaries. After his death, Susan went through his phone book. Inside were the numbers of half a dozen janitors. His friends.
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Warren Richards
September 16, 2024
23 years; with my kids turning 16 and 14 this year I reflect on how much they could have learned from Mike's positive outlook on life. I still tell them stories of Mike throughout the year and especially around Sep 11. He left a mark on me and I hope he'll leave a mark on my kids and make them better people, like Mike.
Susan Ferugio
September 12, 2024
What can I say this year that's different than any other year, except that I miss and love you more than ever. Today was rough. But as always many of your friends (who are now my friends) checked in which reminded me of the impact you made and are still making. I also connected with my sister - ALL FOUR of them! I love you.
Gayle Sleva
September 11, 2024
23 years later, Michael, and still sharing stories of you and the life you lived. All who knew you are richer for the experience. I love you and will miss you forever.
Patrick Joyce
September 11, 2024
Miss your smile buddy and always keep you in my heart. And not just in this solemn day. Your spirit lives on Fudd! You were a great friend and GREAT man. Tell Jesus I said hello and put in a good word for us all down here.
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Doreen Mengel
May 28, 2024
Mike, 60 years old!!! I'm sure the party in Heaven was a good one!! Is that what all the thunder was this past weekend? Not a day goes by that you are missed by everyone that knew you. Keep watching over all of us. Rest east and keep smiling!!
Ed Rhode
May 26, 2024
Mike, can’t believe how long it’s been since you left us. Be seeing you again sooner then later. RIP!
Mary ann Kase
May 26, 2024
Happy birthday dear cousin! The older I get the more I miss your smile and beautiful personality.
Susan Ferugio
May 26, 2024
Happy Birthday Mike. 23 years later you are still bringing us together....Love you always.
Gayle Sleva
May 25, 2024
Happy birthday, Mike! 60 years since we were blessed with your presence. Love you!
Susan Ferugio
December 25, 2023
Merry Christmas Mike. I love you and miss you. I will always wonder what could have been. But I’ll settle for being incredibly thankful for YOU.
Warren Richards
September 13, 2023
Mike was a great man and is missed greatly.
Mary Ann Kase
September 12, 2023
Miss you more every year when I realize the hole you have left in our family and in our hearts. Family reunions are not the same. Loving you and missing you.
Joe Purcell
September 12, 2023
Always thinking of you Mike. Especially this week. You are missed.
Anita Riotto Wehry
September 12, 2023
Hard to believe it has been 22 years since you were taken from us. You were the kindest sweetest person inside and out. You will never be forgotten. The picture of us from our family reunion is still and always be in my office.
Gayle Sleva
September 11, 2023
Yet another anniversary of the day you left us has come around. You will always be remembered as the nicest guy with the best smile and it's one of the things I miss most You will never be forgotten, Mike. I love you
Warren Richards
May 28, 2023
Happy belated birthday Mike!
Mary Ann Kase
May 27, 2023
Happy birthday Michael! Loving you and missing you everyday.
Gayle Sleva
May 26, 2023
Happy (day late) birthday, Mike! Missing and loving you
Warren Richards
September 12, 2022
Mike, thinking of you today. A great guy who will always be remembered.
Gayle Sleva
September 11, 2022
Missing you, as always. We missed you yesterday at the family reunion, one of your favorite days. You will never be forgotten, Mike. I'm so grateful for the time we had with you. I love you.
Warren Richards
May 26, 2022
Happy Birthday Mike, always remembered.
Doreen Holohan Mengel
May 26, 2022
Hope your celebrating your birthday in Heaven. Thinking of you today and every day.
J'Eva Riotto
May 25, 2022
Happy Heavenly Birthday Mike
Mary Ann Kase
May 25, 2022
Happy birthday Michael. Missing you today and everyday.
Gayle
May 25, 2022
Happy birthday, Mike. Missing you today, as always. Celebrate with the angels. Sending love and hugs
NOLA
Susan Ferugio
May 25, 2022
Happy Happy Birthday Mike.
Joanne Wallace
September 12, 2021
Remembering Michael today as we were coworkers at Kemper We had so much fun together. Always laughing and doing our best.
Cindy Roe
September 11, 2021
Remembering Michael on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Gayle Sleva
September 11, 2021
Still missing and loving you 20 years later.
Steve Goodman
September 11, 2021
I graduated with Mike in the spring of 1987 from Penn State in Industrial Engineering and we shared some classes together. I also worked for Aon in New York and it was great connecting with Mike in our careers post PSU. I remember Mike as always having a smile on his face. He always seemed to be so happy and content. He is missed. New forget.
Mary Ann Kase
September 11, 2021
I love you,dear cousin and I miss your smile.
Edward Haas
September 9, 2021
Ferugio! miss you, bro - one of the good guys who made everyone happier. You always lit up anywhere we connected, through societies or work or whatever. You're frozen in time as the friend I had / still have.
Mary Ann Kase
May 26, 2021
Happy birthday dear cousin. Your presence in this family has made such an impact on all of us. Love and prayers are sent your way today and everyday. Mary Ann
Gayle Sleva
May 25, 2021
Happy birthday, Mike! 57 years ago you entered our lives and brought such joy. Sending love and hugs and praying you are at peace and watching over us.
Theresa & Sid Andino Wedding 6.3.1995
Theresa Andino
September 29, 2020
To a beautiful soul Mike who I met back in 1990s when I worked at Kemper in 2WTC. I have so many fond memories but one that I treasure the most was when he attended my wedding with Susan on June 3, 1995. I will never forget you. You brought joy and laughter to all who met you.
Mary Ann Kase
September 13, 2020
On Sept. 11, I could only imagine what you would be thinking about in today’s world. You always saw the good in people and never judged anyone by their race or beliefs. Your light shone wherever you were. That light was dimmed much too early. Love you and miss you.
Mary Ann Kase
Wanda Bailey
September 12, 2020
Well Mike 19 years later and I still watch and wait to hear your name on the anniversary of 9/11, that is what it is being called now. We are living in the time of COVID-19, you would not even recognize the world now, you being the social butterfly that you were would have a tough time social distancing and wearing the masks that is required of everyone and everywhere you go now, this our new norm. May God continue to keep you until we meet again my friend, SIP.
Susan Ferugio
September 12, 2020
Dear Mike, Yesterday I was lucky enough to spend the day with Pam and Andrea. We laughed and cried... but mostly laughed. I also got to spend the day with Michael David Minh and heard from Michael Patrick - two now young men (!) inspired by the love you spread so easily. You continue to impact so many lives with the way you lived yours. I honestly don't know what my life would have been like if I had never met you. I love you always. Susan
Gayle Sleva
September 11, 2020
Loving and missing you, Mike. Looking through old pictures and seeing that smile makes me smile. You were one of a kind and I'm grateful for the time we had with you. Rest in peace.
Ryan Mausolf
September 11, 2020
Michael and family,
Still thinking about all of you on this day. Michael, I'll be glad to meet you when I get to Heaven. My heartfelt condolences to all of you on this day. I pray you can find hope in a God who has a plan for you, in each other, and in memories of Michael. Be safe, healthy, and hopeful.
Sincerely,
Ryan
Kevin Murnane
September 11, 2020
Remembering you today. Smiling and grateful for your smile, generosity, and sensitivity to others. Now, go bring tasty treats to all your friends in Heaven! Kevin
Joe Purcell
May 27, 2020
Happy Birthday Mike! Always missed.
Mary Ann Kase
May 26, 2020
Happy birthday, dear cousin. The longer you are gone, the more you are missed.
Susan Ferugio
May 25, 2020
Happy Birthday Mike! Love you always.
Gayle Sleva
May 25, 2020
Happy, happy birthday, Mike! Party with the angels! Love and miss you.
The Kindred Family
January 19, 2020
Sending our heartfelt thoughts of sincere sympathy to your family. May God give the help needed with each day. Mike is still very sadly missed and will always be remembered.
Andrew Rosenberg
September 12, 2019
Always remembered and missed, especially this week and watching the ceremonies before the Mets game last night. We had many great times together at MSG when the Knicks were actually fun to watch. He deserved so much better...
Joe Purcell
September 12, 2019
Always thinking of Mike, but especially yesterday.
Kevin Murnane
September 11, 2019
The years do not dull any of the memories of the fun we had at jazz fest. You would always buy extra food, thinking about what each person would like the most. I don't remember you keeping any for yourself just appreciating the joy you gave others. I miss you Mike.
Mary Ann Kase
September 11, 2019
Thinking about you today with a heart full of love and wishing you were here to see how much our Michael is so like you. Those few years with you in New York influenced his life more than you know.
Gayle Sleva
September 11, 2019
It's hard to believe you've been gone 18 years. You will never be forgotten by your family and friends. I love and miss you. Rest in peace, Mike. Hugs to you, Mom and Dad.
Susan Ferugio
September 11, 2019
18 years and still the sadness lingers in the background. Then I remember the good times and the love you shared so easily. And it brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart. Thank you for being you and for impacting my life in unimaginable ways. I love you. Always.
Marian Degrassi
May 28, 2019
I have Mike's photo flashing across my computer screen all the time. It reminds me of the times he would, jog over from the HS, take a dip in our pool after football practice in the summer. He was loved by his friends & YES, by his friends, family also. You will always be missed 'FUD' ;)
Susan Ferugio
May 27, 2019
Happy Birthday Mike! I spent the weekend with Andrea reminiscing about our time at Copake Lake and NOLA! We raised a glass and shed happy tears remembering how you impacted our lives then - and now. Love you always - Susan
Mary Ann Kase
May 26, 2019
Happy birthday Michael! Doesnt seem possible that it is 55 years since you joined our family. Rest In Peace dear cousin. Mary Ann
Gayle Sleva
May 25, 2019
Happy birthday, Mike!! Wish I could still send cards telling you how lucky you were to have me as a sister! Truth is, I was the lucky one. I miss you as much now as ever. Celebrate your day with Donnie, Mom, Dad and all your family and friends. I love you.
Ryan Mausolf
September 13, 2018
Hey Mike,
Still doing my best to make sure we remember ALL of you, while your friends and family remember the amazing person it sounds like you were. I hope one day we meet, when all of this is behind us. Lots of memorial events here in Washington State this week. Just wanted to let you and your family know we're all thinking of you and your loved ones. You guys are never in this alone.
Ryan
Susan Ferugio
September 13, 2018
I can not believe it's been 17 years. Sometimes it feels like 17 days and sometimes it feels like it's been forever. I think about you everyday and smile when I remember the great times we had and the love that remains. Miss you and love you always MIke.
Wanda Bailey
September 12, 2018
Continue to rest in peace dear heart
September 11, 2018
17 years, Mike and it just doesn't get any easier. I love and miss you and hope you are at peace with family and friends.
May 25, 2018
Happy birthday, Michael. Celebrate in grand style with the angels and Mom and Dad. Love and miss you every day. Hugs to you all.
May 25, 2018
Happy Birthday Mike! You are my most favorite person ever!
Michelle Koslosky
May 25, 2018
Happy Birthday Uncle Mike! I miss you with all my heart and soul! I know your somewhere supporting me like you always have! Thank you! ❤
May 24, 2018
Happy birthday, dear cousin. This past year Mom came home to be with you. Please look after her as I know she is finally at peace with all her family. Your love for family will be remembered as your legacy for all time!
Mary ann
Linda D.
May 24, 2018
Happy Birthday in Heaven Mike.
May 23, 2018
....AND here is a photo of two of my most favorite people. I'm sure there are at least two people in the great beyond celebrating with many Costas Club Sandwiches.
May 23, 2018
Happy (almost) Birthday! Will be raising a glass to you on the 25th and over the weekend with a few people you never met. But they certainly know you! I hope you know how much you mean to them. Your memory, life and love lives on forever. Love you always, Susan
Linda D.
September 12, 2017
Michael, I thought of you all day yesterday, and smiled, because I know you were looking down, on your loved ones watching over them.
Gayle
September 11, 2017
16 years, Mike, and I still can't understand how this happened or how people can be so hateful. I'm grateful I don't have that hate in me and I know you never had it in you. What I do hate is how much you're missing with your family. I know you'd be so proud of your nieces and nephews. And you'd be so proud of the woman Susan is. We love her and her family. Be at peace Michael. You are loved and will never be forgotten
Wanda Bailey
September 11, 2017
I often think about you and get sad, then I remember the good times shared working at Kemper and smile. Continue to rest in peace my forever friend.
Tyna Ek
September 11, 2017
Thinking about you Michael on this Sept.11, and those you loved who continue on. You would be so proud of them. Continue to rest in peace. Tyna
September 11, 2017
Every year on the 9-11 Anniversary I visit this page. I read all the entries every year and tears roll down my face. You will always be remembered and never forgotten. So much love for you will always be alive.
Ryan Mausolf
May 27, 2017
Michael,
Happy birthday stranger. Still remembering you and your family, and enjoying reading about your amazing life. God bless your family and friends.
Cheers to you.
Gone too soon
Wanda Bailey
May 26, 2017
Hey Mike,
Happy Birthday dear heart. I will never forget you. The world has changed so much, I know you would have got a kick out of having an African American President. Continue to sleep in peace.
May 25, 2017
Dear Mike,
Happy Birthday! Celebrating today and thinking about you always.
All my love always,
Susan
May 25, 2017
Happy birthday, Mike!!! Love and miss you so very much.
Mike Pam Susan JF
Susan Ferugio
September 14, 2016
And here's a picture of MIke doing what he did best at Jazz Fest, 1999 (?).
Susan Ferugio
September 14, 2016
Even though you've been gone for 15 years, you are still very much a part of my life. I don't think I'll ever fully be able to grasp what happened and accept that you are gone. I am thankful that the love and compassion you had for everyone remains. Love you always.
A single rose for a very nice person
Wanda Bailey
September 13, 2016
Well Mike, I hope that you are at peace with what happened on the dreadful day. I wish I could have just one more day to laugh or get mad at one of your practical jokes. You will continue to be in my heart and I will never forget you. I hope that you and your mother has found each other in heaven, I miss my talks with her. God bless you and her for being in my life.
Wanda Bailey
September 13, 2016
W
kevin murnane
September 12, 2016
Remembering Mike so clearly, as he would always bring back "favorite foods" when we were having fun at Jazz Fest.
Often, after he gave away all the food he brought to others, he would just look and laugh with his beautiful smile.
Inspiring me to give away what I have to others today. Thank you Mike.
Kevin Murnane
Cindy Campion
September 11, 2016
Thinking of you today! Forever in our hearts. PAHS Class of 1982
September 11, 2016
Another anniversary has come and gone and I still miss you every day. I love you Mike, and will always remember your beautiful smile and the love you had for your family and friends.
September 11, 2016
You are deeply missed and remembered fondly. I think of you all the time living in the shadow of WTC. When I sit up on my rooftop looking at the new tower, I know that you are nearby, and my heart aches for you and Susan. God bless you both.
Andy Rosenberg
Doreen Holohan Mengel
September 11, 2016
Mike, another year goes by that you are missed by so many. Even though I have not seen you for such a long time before this horrible thing happened, I remember you in school and you were always smiling. You helped me when I was at my lowest one Friday night after a football game. That I will never forget. I pray you are resting peacefully. Until we meet again, God Bless you Mike.
September 10, 2016
15 years have gone by and I'm still missing that beautiful smile and loving personality that made you such a special part of our family. MOM (aunt Elvy) still talks about the call from your dad telling her about the birth of his son. I see so much of you in our Michael and I thank God for your short but profound presence in his life while the two of you lived in New York. You left us too soon but we will always treasure your memory.
Mary Ann
John Schlomann
September 9, 2016
Mikey, I was sitting at my desk 2 days shy of 15 years from that fateful day. I heard bag pipes outside my office, as they were preparing for a 9/11 Bag Pipe Parade downtown. I immediately thought of you and our Pal Mark Z.
15 years, and I still haven't fully recovered from that day. As I heard the bag pipes, I started searching google for friends, and came upon this site.
I have so many fond memories of your bigger than life personality. I read through all of the entries, and laughed, and cried all at the same time. You were truly "One of a Kind"
I've told one story that I remember you told me, so many times that I've lost count. For the readers, you will understand it is Mike. When he came to NYC for the first time, he befriended a cab driver, and asked him to take him to a nice place to live. (Anyone in NYC knows you don't ask a cab driver to take you someplace if you value your life). But, Mike trusted everyone. The cab driver took him to Brooklyn, so he moved there.
Mike, I miss you and Mark every day of my life. Thanks for being a friend.
John
Ryan Mausolf
September 6, 2016
Michael/Susan...No words can describe how connected I feel to you both, and how much pain I still feel for all of you and the rest of the innocent victims. My pain will never match yours, but I have my own type of pain from this, as we all do....
I'm an active duty officer in the U.S. Navy, and on that day I prepared to go to war, and I've been at war ever since. Not the war that you envision in your head or see on TV, but a war none the less.
I will be attending a 9/11 remembrance event this Sunday, 9-11-2016, and I wanted you to know that I will be representing Michael at that event. People from all walks of life will gather in 16 cities to remember, because we promised that we'd never forget. The event will be put on by former active duty military, and each participant will carry a photo of someone that they represent throughout the night. My event spans a 20 mile trek through downtown Seattle, while carrying 35-45 pounds on my back to simulate a light combat load, and we will all share in remembering these men and women who were unfairly taken from us.
I will recite what I know of Michael from various postings on the internet from memory during the ceremony for everyone to hear, and I wanted you to know that there are those of us out here that WILL NEVER FORGET. I'll be thinking of you and Michael this Sunday...complete strangers to me, but partners in this tragic event that hurt us all. God Bless you, and I promise I WILL NEVER FORGET.
May 25, 2016
I celebrate your life today and always. miss you terribly.
May 25, 2016
Happy birthday, Mike. Love you and miss you.
Susan Ferugio
September 12, 2015
Another 9/11, another public memorial, another media spectacle that I still haven't figured out how to deal with. This year, I realize that I can honor YOU and the person you were by holding on to the great outpouring of love, compassion, and selflessness that came out of an unthinkable event. Mike, you changed so many lives just by being you, even my daughter's. She holds a special place in her heart for you because she knows that without you I wouldn't be the person I am today. Thank you. I love you always.
Alex Bynum
September 11, 2015
Mike, boy do Diane and I miss you. You truly were the nicest person we knew. You had that special ability to make everyone feel like they were your absolute best friend in the world. You always kept in touch with the Kemper family. Diane and I will NEVER forget you my friend.
September 11, 2015
I love and miss you and that smile.
Anita Riotto Wehry
September 11, 2015
I thought about you again today first thing this morning. Just as I did 14 years ago when I heard about the attacks. You were the first person I thought of on 9/1/01. You were a great all around guy who never said a bad word about anyone. Always willing to help and give encouragement. i miss you dear sweet cousin.
September 11, 2015
I think of you often, especially on this day. You were such a good friend and will remember you always. <3
Patti Cescon Dmytrow
September 11, 2015
Today we remember all the people lost on this day. I will always remember you and your smile. When I woke up this morning the sun was shining bright. I thought Mike is smiling down on us today.
August 28, 2015
Well Mike it is coming up on 14 years since that terrible day. The world has changed a lot, like facebook, you would have loved facebook because I know that you loved all of your friends and loved ones and facebook would have given you an environment to be in a hundred places at one time. I miss you my friend, I had to put my cat Precious to sleep a couple of weeks ago, please look out for her if you cross paths. Good bye for now, I will never forget you.
August 22, 2015
Michael, I know that you only knew me as, Cindy's Mom, but I remember the times you spent at our home. Like the times you'd come by, while out jogging, and stopped for a dip in our pool to cool off. I remember that smile, and remember thinking 'Fud ;)' seems to have such a warm heart. I think of you often, and how your parents must have missed you, and I mourn for them also. You were loved by your friends and will never be forgotten, we hope that in your heavenly place, that you can look down on us and see that. ((((((HUGS)))))) Mrs. "D'
July 31, 2015
Mike, I love you and miss you. Can't help but wonder what could have been.
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