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Michael Konopka Obituary

Bradenton / Rochester /Philadelphia Passed suddenly on Sept. 20, 2014 at the age of 56. Mike is survived by his father, Tom; his siblings Tom [Marilyn], Cheryl [Brian] and Vincent; and his nieces Emily, CherylAnn and Cathleen; also, his pet and companion Miss Daisy. Mike was a loving son, brother and uncle. He absolutely adored his nieces! He was passionate about cooking, live music and his friends. He especially liked Pink Floyd and live blues. He was a true friend and shared his zest for life with everyone he met. He will be sorely missed. A celebration of Mike's life will be announced in the near future. Please stay in contact with the family and be prepared to share your favorite memories.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bradenton Herald on Sep. 25, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Konopka

Sponsored by His Loving Family.

Not sure what to say?





Willo

September 20, 2023

I still miss Michael, even though it has been several years since he left us. I know he is in a better place (with his Mother, who I miss too.)

Willo

September 19, 2022

Michael was the son of my best friend. He always made me laugh and I loved being around him. I miss him and his mother. It is very lonely without them. They made me feel part of their family. Hope to see them when the Lord takes me away. Willo

Patricia

September 19, 2021

7 years, think of you when in Rochester.
Pretzel roll class and feeding the masses, you excelled. You kind heart is a fond memory too.
Till then

Kathy R

September 19, 2019

I hope youve got your wings my friend... will never forget you Mikey❣

Vincent Konopka

June 9, 2019

I guess I should have signed this years ago.I miss my brother more than you could belive.He made me laugh and at times made me cry.He was always there when I needed him.I was alot closer to him than I would ever realize until he was gone.A part of me left this earth the day he did.I love you Brother. Wish I could have snuck you a peanut butter sandwich before you left like I did when you ran away when we were kids lol

Willo Foxworthy

November 25, 2014

Why is it so hard for me to find the words to describe what I feel about Mikey? I will try to do him justice. Mikey was the son of my very best friend (Barb), and he was born the same year that my first child was born. He was an amazing cook and he was a loving, caring, thoughtful, beautiful person. He had a way of making you feel loved. He had fun being sarcastic and I would give it right back to him, and then we would both laugh. Mikey was so much fun to be around. I miss him so much. I hope he knew how many lives he touched. See you, my friend, and save a place at the table for me.
Aunt Willo

Cheryl Malcolm

October 29, 2014

I realize more now, exactly how much Michael was such a big part of my daily life. He had always watched out for me. He was named my daughter's Godfather, because I knew he would always look out for her, too, if anything ever happened to me. He was a very special part of my family. I enjoy hearing everyone's stories of how he made them laugh and of his cooking for and with them. He loved doing that. He thrived on being a part of the big get-togethers with friends and family(the bigger the better!) He was a great brother and no one could ever fill his shoes or the huge part of my heart that will always be his. I will miss his Godzilla drawings on the little notes he would leave on my car. Thank you, Michael, for touching so many lives in such a fun and positive way. I will miss your laughter, but will always hear it when I look at your pictures. Thanks for being the best Uncle Mikey to Cheryl Ann.
love,
your Sissy

July 2012

Patricia Johnson

October 14, 2014

Mike Krowl

October 13, 2014

I have a story that will reveal a talent I am guessing many did not realize Mike had. Much of the time we spent with Mike was around Tommy and Marilyn's back yard and pool. When my kids were young and easily impressed I was entertaining them with goofy dives off the diving board - quacking flapping ducks, trumpeting elephants, barking dogs etc.

When I finally wore out, Mike took to the board and ripped off a nearly complete back flip! Apparently back in the day, Mike was a rather accomplished diver on the high school swim team. Who knew?

Anyhow. I think my kids were more entertained by my antics, but I have to admit Mike's backflip was probably more impressive.

Mike - you will be missed greatly!

Mike Krowl

October 13, 2014

Mike was a great guy and made a big impression on my two kids even though they really never spent a ton of time around him. The first thing they both said when they heard the news was that they would have to keep up the pretzel roll tradition. Of course, my daughter wasn't sure which of the two recipes she had written down would be best - since they were different. That was cooking with Mike.

Last night we were sharing a spaghetti sauce with my parents that my daughter had made by herself at the age of 13. She explained that she "cooks by taste". That is the process of seasoning a dish, sampling it and adjusting if necessary. I think Uncle Mike would be proud. I know her Dad is happily looking forward to many more delicious meals. Thanks for getting her started Mike!

A funny story to illustrate Mike's sense of humor. When my daughter was young she drew a stick figure portrait of Mike and showed him. He said "Thanks! No one has ever drawn me that skinny".

Mike - you went too soon and will be missed by many. Take care.

Melissa Brookmire

October 2, 2014

I am still in shock at the passing of Michael, and I really am at a loss for words. Michael's sister Cheryl, is my soul sister, and I mourn deeply for her and the rest of the family whom I have known for many years. They are really like family to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Michael, you will be missed. Say hi to Ma for me. Love, Melissa

October 2, 2014

Mike was a wonderful relative. Watching him and his brother Tommy in the kitchen was always a treat. They shared a love of cooking that went beyond words. And there was always the anticipation of the pretzel rolls - both learning how to make them and waiting patiently to see how many each person was going to get to devour. One of our favorite kitchen memories of Mike was the summer of the key lime pie. Given Mike's Florida influence, he felt compelled to make a key lime pie. While it tasted super, it wasn't quite up to Mike's demanding standards. His loyal kitchen followers were not to be put off. Confident in Mike's ability, they created a key lime-apple pie vanilla ice cream combo that became legendary! Thanks for all the fun and fond food memories Mike! May you rest in peace.
Mary and the Cleveland Gang

Lisa Thurlow

September 30, 2014

Remember him from the Starfish Company.. Full of life and a big voice. Sorry that he is gone..

Lisa T.

Mack Doss Sr.

September 29, 2014

Mike and I became close friends @ ACE's. He Loved A song I recorded entitled "Spooky" I usually go down to the Blues Jam on Wed. night. All my friends loved Mike's personality & warmth. The RJ Howson Band, was his favorite Blues Band, Mike would tell me all about his family, with Great Pride. You don't meet to many people like Mike in this world, please let me know of any services or memorials in the future. We were all blessed to have a friend like Mike.Respectfully yours, Mack Doss Sr.

Nancy Brown

September 28, 2014

I drove by the Richmond St. house the other day and couldn't help but think of you and my girl "Miss Daisy". Friday I received the news of your passing.It hit me hard Mike, thinking of the times we had at the "Boo' with all our other bugabuddies. Sitting at the bar together and people asking us if we were married, your stock answer being "It would be like marrying myself" I'm going to miss you Mike! Fly high with the angels!!!Condolences to all of your family. My heart goes out to them.

September 27, 2014

Uncle Mike was an amazing chef and a kind and welcoming person. Even though he isn't technically my uncle, he always was so kind and encouraging that I felt like he was. I loved making pretzel rolls with him, Eric and Maja. He always welcomed me into the kitchen,and shared his special pretzel roll recipe with me. We will miss you Uncle Mike, keep cooking in heaven. Love, Katie

Patricia Johnson

September 27, 2014

Konopkas

Patricia Johnson

September 27, 2014

Pretzel Roll School

Patricia Johnson

September 27, 2014

Tom, Mike and Mike Krowl

Patricia Johnson

September 27, 2014

David Kotok

September 27, 2014

I knew mike from Beale St and Clarissa Room. The rough exterior melted away quickly. So sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family & friends. Wishing you peace and healing.

Patricia Johnson

September 27, 2014

Well it was always very fun messing up Tom and Marilyn's kitchen with you when we converged for happy occassions in Pittsford.

Keep pretzel rolling, fritta making, scrapple frying, and of course your specialty, keep hungry people happy and smiling with you.

Till then, Patricia

Marilyn Konopka

September 27, 2014

Mike was my brother in law and my friend. He spent many hours in our kitchens creating wonderful creations for all of us, making us laugh and eat way too much. He was a kind and generous soul and we will be sure to toast him at our next family gathering as a missing member of our clan. Love you Mikey!

Mack Doss Sr. ; ClassicsIV

Mack Doss Sr.

September 27, 2014

Mike, you were a great friend & Music Lover. I met Mike about 3 years ago @ ace's He liked a song I played on when I was a Teenager, it was a big hit & every time I seen Mike, he wanted me to play "Spooky" just for him, we became good friends. I will miss his great personality but our loss, is Heavens gain, We'll meet again Mike. Your Friend, Mack Doss Sr.

Bill & Jo Ann Malcolm

September 26, 2014

We didn't know Mike but if he was like his sister, he was a fine person.

Larry Cotterill

September 26, 2014

Michael will be dearly missed especially by his family he was doing what he loved most "Chef Mike" Michael was the greatest person with the biggest heart for his family, and friends I wish people were more like him. The world would a better place to live. Rip Michael Again you will be missed

September 26, 2014

Mike you will be Greatly missed, you were a great guy. Our customers at Star Fish Co. will truly miss your Crab Chowder, and your voice saying right behind ya, I will miss, RIP Big Mike

September 25, 2014

My condolence to the Konopka Family. May the God of all comfort sustain you during this difficult time. -Isaiah 61:1,2
-Catherine

Kathy Robinson

September 25, 2014

May you Fly High with the Angels Mikey, thank you for all the laughter and memories you brought into life, forever in my heart?? Rest in Peace my dear friend????

mark colacicco

September 25, 2014

Love you cuz R.I.P Say hello to my mom and dad, play yatzee and tell them I love them. I know there glad to see you. Keep them laughing crazy cousin Mikey.

brian malcolm

September 25, 2014

I love and miss you so much Mikey. You were a great friend and brother in law. Thanks for takeing so good care of all of your family.I miss you and think of you every day of the life that I have left, and dont worry I will take real good care of your sister for the rest of my life.I love you BRO

Tina Garbarino

September 25, 2014

Mike and I worked together at Starfish Co. He gave my son John Kania a job at Aces so he could move down here to be around me. Mike was a hard working man with a big heart. He really was a good man.! I will miss him and miss Daisy. RIP my friend.

Aunt Cassie,Kathleen, Joanne Leggett

September 25, 2014

Mikey: I will miss hearing from you on all the holidays as you never let one go by without caling Love you, Mikey

Les Meyers

September 25, 2014

Rest In Peace Mike.

John Daugherty

September 25, 2014

I knew Mike from Ace's in Bradenton. He was an excellent chef and overall great guy. He is deeply missed.

Sherry Brown

September 25, 2014

Mike you will be missed R.I.P keep watch over everyone an keep ears open we'll be talking about you tell everyone up there we love an miss them!!??

Kathleen Gaughan

September 25, 2014

Mikey, was my cousin and certainly did have a zest for life. He was a guy that could make you laugh with his great sense of humor. We will greatly miss him! Love ya Mikey!!!!!

Bill Toepp

September 25, 2014

A good friend with a great sense of humor-he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

September 24, 2014

A whole lot of joy has left my life. Thanks for the memories and best wishs to Cheryl, Vinnie and the rest that share this heartache. Brent Hensley

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