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Michael Lepore Obituary
Since Sept. 11, Michael Lepore's friends have been pruning his rosebushes, clearing wayward ivy off stone walls, planting bulbs for next spring. It is the perfect act of kindness, said Mr. Lepore's partner of 18 years, David O'Leary. Their house and garden in Yonkers had been Mr. Lepore's pride and joy and are now Mr. O'Leary's primary source of comfort.
"We used to say nothing bad could ever happen here," Mr. O'Leary said. "And it's still the most important thing. It's where I see most of Michael."
The house, designed by Edgar Tafel, Frank Lloyd Wright's apprentice, is a Usonian ranch with windows everywhere, opening onto the terraced garden. It is the ideal setting for the couple's collection of mission- style furniture, for their three cocker spaniels, for the fabulous meals that Mr. Lepore cooked for friends and family, for the wedding they were in the middle of planning for the youngest of the four Lepore brothers.
Mr. Lepore, 39, a project analyst in the technology division of Marsh & McLennan, and Mr. O'Leary, controller for the publisher Penguin Putnam, chose a life of homey pleasures. Looking back, Mr. O'Leary fixes on one glorious late August day. The house bustled with family: his parents, Mr. Lepore's mother and stepfather, Anthony Lepore and his fiancŽe. The garden was in full bloom. Michael Lepore had prepared three different entrees for dinner. "Everything was so perfect in our lives," he said. "Just so perfect."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Stephanie
February 23, 2023
I think of him often, we worked together at Frank B Hall in pleasantville, which was eventually sold to Aon. I went on to work in NJ he was transferred to the WTC before that horrendous act of terrorism. He was a great friend, gave me a few great recipes which i cherish each day when I see his handwritten words.
Carolyn Mulholland
September 12, 2017
Never forgotten my beautiful friend ❤
Trish Sutterfield
September 11, 2017
I worked with Michael at Frank B Hall and Aon. I could sit in his office and chat about anything. I eventually came out to him and we were both hidden at work in those days. I miss him and send thoughts and prayers to his family. What a great guy! Very smart and made me laugh and laughed with me....
David O'Leary
July 23, 2017
Today would have been your 55th birthday... not a day passes that I don't think of you and wish for what should have been. I love you forever.
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Victoria Lepore
September 11, 2015
Thinking of you today. Love always, Victoria and Petey
David O'Leary
September 11, 2015
Always on my mind forever in my heart.
Carolyn Mulholland
September 11, 2015
Will miss you forever my friend, love Carolyn
August 30, 2014
Almost 13 years that you were taken away from us.....but time has not erased any of your memory. You remain in my thoughts every day and will remain in my heart forever, Dave
S J. Friscia III
May 8, 2014
In Memory
With Honor& Respect.
September 11, 2012
Eleven years have past and I will always cherish the years we had together. Your incredible smile, your laughter and love for life are never forgotten. The memories never seem far away. You are always in our hearts, our thoughts and our dreams. Love Always Anthony
Paula Ciccone
September 11, 2012
We worked together in Briarcliff many years ago. I remember you visiting my side of the building and ALWAYS making me laugh. I wish you peace.........
July 23, 2012
Happy birthday...it would have been your 50th today. So many memories that will never be...always missing you...always loving you. Dave
December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas my love...forever yours....Dave
September 11, 2011
I am a former neighbor of Michael & David's - we're the Black couple that moved in two doors up the hill from them. Each year around this time I say a prayer and often write a little note on my facebook page about the wonderful blessings that small gestures from virtual strangers can bring. I didn't get to know Michael and David very well at all in our brief time as neighbors, but I have vivid memories of Michael as a broad smile, a friendly wave and a kind, joyful greeting as I walked by the house with my daughter in a stroller. I remember the cocker spaniels wagging their tails in that beautiful garden - we had the fortune of being able to view those wonderful flowers from our side patio and carport. At the time, only a couple of neighbors had extended themselves, so Michael's cheery greetings stand out. The sort of kindness from strangers that turn an otherwise ordinary or difficult day into something manageable, or even joyful. I felt crushed and incredibly sad when I saw the "missing" flyer tacked onto a tree in front of their home, even though I didn't really know him. I posted a little tribute to Michael on my FB page today, not as a reminder not of the tragedy, but as a reminder that treating strangers as friends and extending love to one's neighbors in small gestures changes lives and saves the world. God bless you both. Ginger C.
Victoria Lepore
September 11, 2011
Rest in peace.
July 23, 2011
Happy Birthday my love. Always missing you.
Dave
December 13, 2010
This time of year is always particularly difficult without you. Remembering all the beautiful holidays we shared...our time together will always remain my most precious gift. Forever yours,
Dave
David O'Leary
September 2, 2010
Always on my mind, forever in my heart.
Dave
Doug Abraham
July 23, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Doug Abraham
July 23, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
P Tabbernor
December 8, 2006
In memory....
Kristine
November 13, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Frances Redding Wallace
September 11, 2006
Michael and I worked together at Frank B Hall where he was always one to give a smile and encourage others. He is often remembered by his colleagues from Hall who are now dispersed throughout the country. On this fifth anniversary, as in past years, I'm receiving numerous emails reflecting on Michael and how he and other co-workers continue to remain in our hearts. His smile and spirit will always be with us.
David Vogel
September 15, 2002
I wore a badge honoring Michael in the Rolling Requiem on Vashon Island, Washington on Sept. 11, 2002. Our chorus of 80 sang to an audience of 2,000. The concert was beautiful and moving. After visiting this site and learning about Micheal, I'm sure he would have enjoyed it. Condolences to his family and loved ones.
Tyelise Jamurath
September 11, 2002
I work with Dave and I have to say that he is one of the nicest people that I ever met. I only met Micheal briefly once when he came to work to visit Dave with one their dogs. Dave I want you to know that you are constanly in my prayers and thoughts.
Peggy Brundage
September 11, 2002
Dear Michael,
We all miss you so much. It's a year ago today that we lost you & your outrageous sense of humor and wonderful smile. You could make me laugh at any situation and I know that you're smiling down at us from heaven. I'm grateful for having known you but I know that we'll meet again. Remember that death ends a life but not a relationship. I'll look forward to when we all get together again at that great big party in heaven.
Love, Peggy
Nikki Dutko
September 11, 2002
I met Mikey through Kim Dyla (nee Pinter) when we were all working at Aon together and he was commuting to Chicago. On 9/11/01, it had been a year since we had worked together and been in touch, but I immediately thought of him when I heard the news and haven't stopped thinking about him since. I always wanted to be around Mikey - he always made me laugh and was such a wonderful person. Mikey walked into a room and you knew it. He just filled it up. It's all so unfair to lose such a wonderful, fun-loving person, but hopefully we'll find comfort knowing that he lives on in our hearts forever.
Irene Boyd
September 11, 2002
I am so sorry for your lose
Joanne Lerro
September 10, 2002
To the Lepore Family and Mr. O'Leary:
I am a pediatric nurse case manager for special needs children. My employer, Keystone Mercy Health Plan, plans to celebrate the lives lost on 911 by asking each one of us to pray for a victim of this tragedy. As a result, I received Michael as my special angel. I was so pleased to be able to learn about him and how he lived his life surrounded by family, friends, and beauty....all this in stark contrast to the events of that day. This fact not withstanding, I believe that Michael's sacrifice will not be in vain since it sets an example for each one of us to live our lives bravely and to the fullest extent. My special prayer for Michael is that he is now surrounded by peace, beauty, and the love of all those who have gone before him. My prayers also include all of you whom he left behind....that each time you see a flower, Michael is in each petal.
All my best,
Joanne
angela fiks
September 10, 2002
Dear David & The Lepore Family
My daughter Liz worked with Michael at Aon & we were shocked to find he had transferred to Marsh and had been lost on 9/11.
Through Liz, I became Michael's Travel Agent and sent him and David to Puerto Rico one year.
Michael was so full of life and a pleasure to deal with. You will be missed and I hope that your will rest in peace.
Angela Fiks
Casey Bailey
July 11, 2002
I did not know Michael, but I do know his brother, Anthony. Anthony and I worked together and I remember Anthony speaking so highly of Michael; there was love and admiration in his voice and I found that so very comforting. Michael must have been a hell of a guy.
Anthony - you're in my thoughts.
Michael Iezzi
April 19, 2002
Father we entrust our brother Michael to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Larry Lepore
April 18, 2002
To Michael Lepore's family,
I lost my Dear Brother Michael just short of 5 years ago, due to cancer.
I know it is so very hard for all of you, and I am sorry to say that it doesn't get better, but rather, easier to accept in time.
God Bless, and I will keep you in my prayers.
Jim Stuebgen
March 11, 2002
Michael...
On this, the one year marking of the horror, I hope that all in life you touched are learning to move on and that you are, as we speak, cracking jokes and laughing at our misfortune to still have to work here on earth :) .
Though I didn't know you left Aon, when I heard of the tragedy, I immediately inquired about you and didn't until later find that you left for Marsh and sadly, the news of your death.
I wish peace for you and those who counted you, as I did, a friend, and especially those who counted you as family.
regards...
a former ARS FTS....
Debbie Lepore
March 1, 2002
We are praying for you and your family. I have a son named Michael Lepore. We are probably not related. I visited the site of WTC last week........We will never forget 9-11 and those of you who lost your lives.
February 22, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN..MICHAEL LEPORE AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY JESUS AND ST.MICHAEL GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Michael Doery
February 10, 2002
I had the pleasure of knowing Michael, both professionally and personally over the past 13 years. He was a wonderful person, full of life and always ready to lend a hand. He will be greatly missed.
K. Melaragni
January 30, 2002
God bless you Michael, your family and David! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Til we meet again...
stephanie romeo
January 29, 2002
My name is Stephanie Romeo. My father - Ignatius Romeo or GooGoo as our family calls him- and Micahel's Father -were cousins. Michael and I are second cousins. I didn't know Michael was lost in the WTC and found out when another cousin - Mary gave me the news. The last time I saw Michael was many years ago at his fathers funeral. I can still remember it - yes it was so sad but Micahel and I stood talking and laughing - you know how funeral's get. He looks so much like his Dad.
When I told my father about Michael he cried out in anguish. We cried together. I am sorry that we drifted apart. I am so sorry that he had to be lost - - I am so glad that he had a wonderful loving life and I am sure that his partner and entire family take comfort in knowing that. I wish his partner courage to continue on......If his family reads this please feel free to contact me. I wish you all peace. Love Stephanie Romeo
Linda Jones
January 19, 2002
I only recently found out Michael was a victim at the WTC. We worked together over 10 years ago and I considered Michael a very good friend. My greatest sympathies go out to David and the Lepore family.
Suzanne Hasbrouck
January 14, 2002
I will truly miss Michael. I worked with him for over a year and I still think about all the fun days we had together. He could always make me laugh and I was looking forward to having Michael as a new, lifelong friend. I will never forget him and anyone who knew him would say the same thing...he was true gem.
Teresa Jahn
December 25, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Michael. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Joann Kornas
October 17, 2001
When I read about Michael and his garden, something in my heart went out to David and his other friends. He sounds like such a wonderful person and partner. After I escaped that day I never cried until the next morning when I went out to my rose garden to cut a few blooms. As I leaned down to smell my beautiful roses, I was so grateful that I was there to smell them and cried for all the people that I knew would never be able to do that again. I hope you can have peace someday knowing that this wonderful man was a part of your life. I will pray for him.
Joanne Alfano
October 3, 2001
I have cousins with your last name, Michael. I wonder if we are related. I will think of and pray for your family.
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