Michael Peter Lankau

My Dad
My dad was the greatest man I’ve ever known.
He was proud, loving, caring, strong, and determined. He loved deeply and completely, his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his grandpups, his siblings, his nieces and nephews, and his friends. Family meant everything to him, and he made sure we all knew we were loved.
He was also a loyal fan. He loved the Yankees and the Islanders, and he followed them with the same loyalty he gave to the people in his life through the wins and the tough seasons.
My dad was a knight in so many ways. He was someone you could always count on. He protected the people he loved. He gave advice when you needed it, support when you were struggling, and encouragement when you didn’t think you could keep going.
When he retired, he didn’t slow down. If anything, he became even more active. He gave his time and his heart to our community, always showing up and helping wherever he could. That was just who he was.
But more than anything, my dad loved big. And because of that, he was loved beyond words. His presence filled a room, and his kindness and strength touched so many people.
To me, he wasn’t just a great man, he was my dad. My source of wisdom, guidance, and love. I can’t imagine life without him. The only thing he didn’t teach me is how to live without him.
What I do know is how lucky I am to have had him. To be raised by him. To learn from him. To be loved by him.
And the things he gave us, his love, his wisdom, his example. Those don’t disappear. They live on in all of us.
I will carry him with me always.
And I will always be proud to say that he is my dad.
3/28/47-3/29/26 forever in our hearts, my dad.