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Michael Altadonna Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Altadonna
Mike Stutz
February 9, 2014
Mike and I were roommates many years ago at USC and I was looking to reconnect when I learned of his passing. He was a special person, and I fondly remember the many long conversations we had about subjects as diverse as metaphysics to music theory to sports. Even though it has been several years, I know the passing of a loved one never leaves. I offer my most sincere prayers and condolances to Mike's family.
September 12, 2010
Dear Buto family
We are so sorry to hear about your brother. We are praying and thinking about all of you.
May the Lord hold you close!
Love, Bill and Gloria Mentch Erie
Dixie Neff
August 15, 2010
My heart goes out to your family in this time of sorrow. I cannot imagine your pain. I never met Michael but I know he was a wonderful man because he came from such an amazing family. I am here for you anytime and plan to remain close that I can be there as you need support. You are in my thoughts and prayers,
Dixie
Gloria Tate
August 14, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
David Bagnoni
August 13, 2010
Alto,
You were a great friend. You always treated me like a friend and not just Deano's little cousin and I always appreciated that. I am really thankful I was able to have multiple conversations with you over the last couple of months and wish we had more time to talk. I will miss your daily updates on everything from sports to gay marriage and everything in between. I will see you someday and cherish the times we spent together as they are some of the best times of my life when things were much more simple. Be well my friend and may God bless you and your family who are missing you dearly.
Mitzi Cooley
August 13, 2010
Dear Karla & Family...I really don't know what to say except cherish and hold close to your heart the memories and love you shared with Michael. Those special moments will carry you through life and give you a smile when you least expect it. To Karla, I am glad you invited me to meet your brother, thank you...I love you all.
Jason, Christine, Anna, Eli Buto
August 13, 2010
The last week has brought many, many tears to our eyes. I will never forget the moment I first learned that Mike had passed away. I was eating lunch with some colleagues at a conference when my wife called to let me know a terrible tragedy had occurred in our family. The people I was at the conference with could see the horror on my face. Where were you when you heard the news? Why will that moment stand out to you for the rest of your life? Many of you remember where you were when you first learned that JFK was shot. Many of you remember what you were doing when you learned of the death of Martin Luther King Jr. or the moment the Twin Towers fell in New York City (for those of you who knew Mike well, you would know that he was a huge history buff and is loving this historical reference). I will always remember where I was and what I was doing when I learned of the death of my dear brother.
The tears we share together need not be tears of pity for Mike, I am confident that he is loving eternal life with the Lord through his faith in Christ, developed many years ago. The tears we share are tears of pity for ourselves, who will deeply miss the opportunity to be with this awesome guy for the rest of our years on earth, deeply miss the blessing of his smile, his knowledge, his talent, his insight, his humility, his presence, his love.
From the time we met 25 years ago, Mike was 8 and I was 11, Mike was my sports buddy. Mike was always ready and willing to play any and every sport. Mike would always brighten up a long and boring summer day with a game of whiffle ball or running football patterns. His passion for sports spilled into every area of his life. As a kid, his school notebooks would be filled with sports information. He would create whole baseball teams with made-up player names, batting averages, and home run counts. Not only did he seem to know all the statistics on every existing player in every sport, he also knew the stats on his made-up players. My own son does some of the same things. I smile every time, even more so now, because it reminds me of Uncle Mike. Even in adulthood, I could always count on him for good, up-to-date information on any and every sport. We would sit and talk sports for hours. In his final days, he even talked about becoming a sports blogger. In fact, his recently-developed Facebook page was a great start- everything World Cup, long before it was even on TV.
No one in our family would argue that Mike was the smartest person in our family. (Well, one or two might try to argue but they would only be showing their ignorance). I can only imagine what his IQ actually was. As mentioned above, he was a history buff and sports nut. However, he also had tremendous knowledge and insight into politics, philosophy, music, literature, journalism, etc, etc... We played hours and hours of trivial pursuit together, big family games and one-on-one challenges. Of the many, many games we’ve played together I think I only beat him a couple of times (perhaps that is even an exaggeration). There was not one category that Mike stayed away from, he knew it all and was not afraid to use it to crush his trivial pursuit opponent. The other night we were remembering when his sister, Karla, memorized the answers to the first ten cards in the game. As they began their Trivial Pursuit match, Mike sat with his mouth hanging open thinking “I am usually the only one in the family that knows these things. What happened to Karla?” Eventually she shared her scheme with him and they enjoyed a hearty laugh. Many who knew Mike would often say to me “That is one smart dude”. His friends and classmates often comment about his extremely high level of knowledge and understanding.
My greatest memories of Mike will be the time we spent in Bible study, prayer, and debate together. As some of you know, I have spent much of the last 18 years in Bible study, prayer, and yes...debate. About ten years ago, there was a time when Mike’s faith exploded. I believe this was the time when he put his trust and faith in Jesus Christ for his salvation. This is the time when his heart began to tune in to the things of the Lord. This is the time when the Lord showed great evidence of His presence in Mike’s life. We had great discussions and God drew near to Mike in a major way during this time. However, I believe Mike also experienced what the Apostle Paul talks about in his letter to the Romans. St. Paul mentions the fact that “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate to do I do.” Mike was caught in a classic struggle of man. Throughout his life, he wanted so much to be free from the deep struggles of this world. Unfortunately, his struggles with this world were much deeper that 99% of the people in this room, deeper than most of us will ever know or understand.
In light of all that I have shared about Mike, I believe the greatest thing about Mike was his humility. Mike, perhaps more than anyone I know, considered others better than himself. I believe this is the main reason why we all longed to spend more time with Mike. We just loved sitting and talking to Mike. We did it for many, many hours whenever we could. Mike struggled with many, many things in this world. Those struggles often kept us from being able to spend the time with him that we really wanted to spend with him. We all longed to spend more time with Mike because we knew that when we were with him, we were the focus of his attention. We knew that he accepted and enjoyed us for who we are. We knew that he genuinely just wanted to be with us, interact with us, love us as we are. We did not have to pretend to be someone else, Mike enjoyed us at face value.
However, Mike was humble to a fault. The one thing he failed to see in his humility is the fact that he was an awesome guy who brought joy to others just by being himself. Mike considered others better than himself and used his gifts to bring joy to everyone but himself. I wish Mike could have lived free from the deep struggles of life he encountered, I wish he could have read our faces when he was here, I wish he could have truly heard the messages of encouragement we tried to give him. Today, the tears of pity we cry for ourselves, having to now live without Mike, are the ultimate message to him that he is loved, he always will be, that he was a great man that had a huge influence on many. Mike no longer has blinders on, he is no longer locked into the struggles of this world that would prevent him from getting this message. Today, we honor Mike with our tears and he KNOWS what a great guy he was. As you can see, words cannot express the profundity of the life of Mike Altadonna. We will miss you Mike.
August 12, 2010
Connie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Much love to you, Cyndi Waddell
Megan Greenberg
August 12, 2010
Mike,
I can't tell you how important it was to me that we reconnected recently. I have thought of you often over the years. We had so many great memories, from elementary school on. You always put a smile on my face. I pray you know how much you are loved and missed. Thanks for the memories and I hope we meet again.
Love,
Megan Sinnott Greenberg
Drew Adams
August 12, 2010
Mikey,
Being the guy in front of you in homeroom everyday I got to know you pretty well. I often think of the antics you pulled on Aaron in the morning, a way to brighten the day. I will miss you friend and may God bless you and let you find happiness in your next journey. My heart goes out to all of your family.
lynda altadonna (erie, PA)
August 11, 2010
michael ~ i pray that eternal peace and serenity find you.
my deepest sympathies to the family.
Greg and Lisa LaRocca
August 11, 2010
Dear Connie; Buto and Altadonna families:
No words can express the loss of so young and vibrant a young man. We were deeply touched by his thoughts and saddened that we did not have the opportunity to know Mike well. The writings of those who were fortunate enough to know him certainly speak to his vitality, independence, creativity and caring. He left a strong impression on all those he touched in his few short years. Our thoughts are with you through this difficult time.
Arlene Antonio
August 11, 2010
Connie, what a fantastic and unique person ! May time heal the pain you are feeling now. I want to visit when you get home. All my love,
August 11, 2010
Mike,
I can't tell you how important it was to me that we reconnect recently. I have thought of you often over the years. We had so many great memories together, from elementary school on. You always put a smile on my face. I pray you know how much you are loved and missed. Thanks for the memories and I hope we meet again.
Love ya
Joe Viola
August 11, 2010
I'm saddened to learn about this terrible loss. I had such deep respect and admiration for Mike, and while we often ran in different circles I always felt the same respect in return. He was an amazing person and he left imprints on all who crossed his path. My thoughts go out to his loved ones across the country.
Alice Littlejohn
August 11, 2010
I am thinking of you daily. My heart goes out to you. I will visit when you are home. Sincerely, Alice
Leslie Rison
August 11, 2010
Connie, Karla & Tom
It seems like yesterday when we were kids and all palying in the back yard. im so sorry for your loss. My condolences to your family. Mikey you will be sadly missed.
Charlie Slate
August 11, 2010
Connie,
Michael sounds like someone I would have liked to know. Brett says he shared your gift for writing, and having read his self description, I can see that was the case. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
When you get back, I'll be in touch.
Charlie
Susan Merrill
August 11, 2010
Connie,
The obituary was such a beautiful tribute. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. All my heart- Susan
Marie (Bruno) Callahan
August 11, 2010
Connie:
I remember Mikey as a young little boy and how adorable he was. As I remember, he was his "own" person at that young of an age.....very happy and fun loving, always smiling. May the comfort and guidance of the Lord be with you and your family, always ......
George Champlin
August 11, 2010
Connie...I send my heartfelt sorrow for you and your family's loss. Know we all will be praying for you in your time of grief. See you when you get home.
Mark & Stephanie Kacprowicz
August 11, 2010
Alto:
I'm truly happy we were able to reconnect over the last few months. I only wish it could have happened sooner.
May you rest in peace and know how loved you were.
Timothy Stumpf
August 11, 2010
Mikey,
Though it has been a long time since our paths have crossed I will miss you dearly. I can't think of anybody that I have been friends with longer than you, way back to our days when we went to the same babysitter before we were old enough to go to school through Westlake and our high school years. We had so many good times. I will never forget your laugh, your smile, all the times we got into trouble together in school, and the way you always called me Timmy. I can't believe you are gone, how I wish we had one more moment together. My prayers go out to your family. You will be missed by so many. I hope that you have found what you are looking for. Goodbye old friend.
Megan DiLoreto
August 11, 2010
Tommy & Karla...
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mikey was always up for anything when we were kids, & we usually did it. My sincere condolences are with you and your family now and in the future. You will be in my thoughts and my heart. Megan D.
Erik Luther
August 10, 2010
Tom,Karla, & Connie - although I haven't seen Mikey since our adolescent years, I will never forget our childhood memories we shared together. Playing backyard football @ the diamond, homerun derby @lariccia's, golfing @ glenwood, & becoming blood brothers @ Tracy elementary to name just a few! He will be sadly missed but always remembered. Luth
Lana DiNicola
August 10, 2010
To Mike's family,
My condolences for your loss. Mike was truly a part of our family, and I treated him like a younger brother.
May God comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Leslie Shupenko
August 10, 2010
Mike,
I am glad we had the chance to reconnect the past couple of months. I was missing you and now I always will. You were very special to me.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Isela A
August 10, 2010
Tom,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless
Phil DiNicola
August 10, 2010
Alto, Alpo, Al, mikey, Michael, you are a brother of mine. I am so glad we got to reconnect these past few months. I am know you walked through all the right windows these past few months too. I know your family loved you very much - Carls, Tommy, Mrs Butto and Mr Altadonna I am so sorry for your loss. Some of the best times of my life were spent with Mike. I am just glad I had the opportunity to share in eachothers lives like we did. Mike you will be missed greatly but i know I will see you again. Until that day, I hope you have found the greenest pastures you could ever imagine. I love you brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Thank you again for being a part of me and my families life.
Phil DiNicola
August 10, 2010
Alto, Alpo, Al, mikey, Michael, you are a brother of mine. I am so glad we got to reconnect these past few months. I am know you walked through all the right windows these past few months. I know your family loved you very much - Carls, Tommy, Mrs Butto and Mr Altadonna I am so sorry for your loss. Some of the best times of my life were spent with Mike. I am just glad I had the opportunity to share in eachothers lives like we did. Mike you will be missed greatly but i know I will see you again. Until that day, I hope you have found the greenest pastures you could ever imagine. I love you brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Thank you again for being a part of me and my families life.
Phil DiNicola
August 10, 2010
Alto, Alpo, Mikey, Michael, Al...I love you man. You are my brother. My deepest condolences go to your family - I know they love you very much. I think you walked through all the right windows in these past few months and reconnecting with you was special to me. I bet you are witness to the greenest pastures you have ever seen. I know I will see you again, until that time though may your memories live on through your friends and family. I love you man - Phil D.
Justin Izbicki
August 10, 2010
Mrs. Buto, Karla, Tommy, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss of Michael. There is and never will be another soul like him. We had some of the best of times, and some of the not so great of times, but I always will cheerish the fact that these times were spent with him. Please know that I am thinking and praying for you daily so that you will find peace in knowing that Mike is in a better place sharing his smile, laughter, knowledge of music and literature, and his immense vocabulary with our heavenly father. I know he is with us in spirit until we see him again. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Love, Justin
Tyler Phenneger
August 10, 2010
Mike, may you now realize how many lives you touched along the way. Thank you for being part of mine. Prayers and support to your entire family.
August 10, 2010
Jason and Chris,
I'm sorry I didn't know about this when I saw you on Sunday. Shawn and I will be praying for you and your family. May you receive comfort and the peace that surpasses understanding.
love,
The Thornton's
Eric & Myla Rinehardt
August 10, 2010
Alto, your spirit will be fondly remembered by all of those who shared this life with you. Your laugh and smile cannot be forgotten.
Tyler Phenneger
August 10, 2010
Mike, may you now realize how many lives you touched along the way. Thank you for being part of mine. Prayers and support to your family.
August 10, 2010
To the Altadonna Family,
I have fond memories of Mike and my son Phil sitting @ our kitchen table often in serious discussion and always in loving kindness. Mike will be missed by those who knew him. Many blessings to you all as your grieve losing him.
Sincerely and with the love of our Creator,
Phyllis DiNicola
Kevin Dammeyer
August 10, 2010
Heaven just got a lot more lively now that God has admitted a legend. I'll forever cherish the memories of our youth Mike.
Butch Kabasinski
August 10, 2010
Tommy & Deb,
Sorry for your loss of Michael. We will keep him in our Prayers.
Love,
Kathleen & Butch
Gregor Martin
August 10, 2010
Rest in peace, Alto. You live on in all of your friends memories more than you know. My prayers are with you and your family,
Jon and Lana Rees
August 10, 2010
The loss of your friendship weighs heavy on all who cared for you. Rest in peace.
Hannah Greeley
August 10, 2010
Alto, I will always have the fondest memories of you and the years that we all spent together. Like you said, "the best summers of my life". I agree whole heartedly and will always keep you close in my thoughts and prayers. "But tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun", - The Beatles. Love you, buddy.
Sarah Ledbury Burrows
August 10, 2010
To the Altadonna family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I grew up with Michael and thought about him from time to time. What I remember the most about him is the charisma he always possessed even as a child. May God comfort you during this time.
Jamie (Lindy)East
August 10, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
paul campbell
August 10, 2010
mike,
its times like these that we could use you most, you had a way of entering a gloomy room, and just by your smile and a few words you changed the mood. your were a great guy and a true testament of your parents. you will be greatly missed. god bless all involved.
August 10, 2010
Rest is peace brother. Pulzo
Marty Hanhauser
August 10, 2010
Michael, May you rest in peace. Like all of your friends, I will miss you greatly. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to catch up with you the last few weeks. I will cherish the memories we had together. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jacque & Bill Askins
August 10, 2010
Karla and all of Michael's family:
My heart goes out to all of you. No words will make this alright; but try to feel his peace. Remember that time does not necessarily heal our wounds; but it DOES make it easier to remember.
Please know how much we care.
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