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Michael Kenyon Reese

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Minisink Valley High School Ithaca College

Michael Reese Obituary

Michael Kenyon Reese, a lifelong area resident, died Monday, August 22, 2005. He was 23 years old.

The son of Linda Reese and the late Richard K. Reese, Michael was born on March 26, 1982 in Yonkers, N.Y.

Michael attended Minisink Valley Schools; was a member of the National Honor Society, and as a lover of football, played varsity football for Minisink, a highlight of his life. He also was an avid collector of speciality knives and participated in the Empire State Games on the rifle team, winning a bronze medal and went on to graduate as valedictorian of the Minisink Valley High School, Class of 2000. Michael then earned his Bachelor's Degree from Ithaca College, graduating in the top 10 percent of his class, and number one in the School of Business.

A family statement reads: "Michael loved his family, but his special quality was being a most devoted, faithful and honest friend you could ever find. We will always remember him with love and respect for his special ways."

Michael is survived by his mother, Linda at home; two brothers, Peter J. Reese of Montevalo, Ala., and Erich A. Reese of Middletown; one sister, Sarah E. Collier; maternal grandmother, Marie Cusimano of Middletown; one uncle, Tom Reese of Poughkeepsie, and his many close friends.

Michael was predeceased by his father, Richard, and Sean - his two best friends in life. He was also predeceased by his sister, Nanette T. Reese.

Family and friends may visit on Friday, August 26 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown.

A Funeral Service of Remembrance will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, August 27 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in the family plot in Ridgebury Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc. www.applebee-mcphillips.com.

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

Published by Times Herald-Record from Aug. 24 to Aug. 26, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Reese

42 Entries

Krystle

August 18, 2025

Rest in Peace

Krystle Martinez

August 28, 2022

Thinking of you, praying that you are at peace

Paula Wormuth

August 18, 2021

God Bless

Krystle

April 21, 2017

Thinking of you. Wish we could've remained friends and life didn't go this way. Will never forget your warm spirit

Dot

October 30, 2005

Well finding the right words is the hardest thing, hearing that you were gone was even harder. I only hope that you are now in peace with your best friend. May god watch over you and Sean. You both are forever in my thoughts, my prayers and my heart. I love you and will miss you always!

To the Reese family, may god be with you always and forever.

Erich Reese

October 3, 2005

Its been a month Mike. Its actually been over a month. I still cant believe this happened. I still find myself looking forward to your call because we were supposed to get some drinks remember? We were supposed to do all these things we talked about. All those years at eachothers throats, fighting about stupid things, complaining to eachother about stuff. All those years, times, moments, everything are so pointless.Were so pointless. Dont get me wrong, you and me had a lot of great times together. Rememeber the time you came home and just came downstairs to tell me "girls suck"? Or remember the time i'd be upstairs getting a drink and you and me would sit in the kitchen just talkin about what was going on in our lives? Remember the time you called me in the middle of the night asking if i remember watching tv with you while we were

kids? We were always there for eachother when we asked for help. Im so sorry i wasnt there to help in this Mike. Everyday i realize i could have done something different. You told me you were glad i shared your last name. Mike, i love you much. I dont seem to get through a day without almost breaking down. I dont have the strength to take you out

of my cell phone. Everytime I go down the list to call Meier, I pass by Mike and just stop. I've called your number at least 20 times but it doesnt work anymore. Everytime i call, i expect you to answer with "yo".Theres been a bunch of nights between the hours of 12 and 4 that i'll drive up to the cemetary and just sit in my car and talk to you and Dad. I'd listen to music looking through my sunroof at the stars.I'd doze off in my car expecting you to wake me up or something. I moved your things back to Mom's house. I wanted to just drop to my knees

and wish I wasnt. I sit up everynight listening to that song over and over thinking i'll see you come online or my phone will ring or something. The other day Tom was looking at new cars and I told him,"hand on, i'll call Mike and ask... nevermind" and starting crying. I need your help Mike. We just lost Grandma recently. I lost you a month ago. Nan 2 years ago. Dad 8 years ago. I told people what you told me to tell them though. At your funeral, i let everyone know how much you told

me to tell them you tried. I used your words Mike. "no matter what

happens, tell everyone I tried. I loved my family and friends the best of everything, please let them know i tried" i kept my promise to you,even if you didnt keep yours to me. I love you so much Mike. You know i do right??? I miss you so much. Everyday seems to get harder and harder.I need you to help mom ok? She needs to know your still with her. She

needs to know what you told me, that you love her. I know i said i

needed you, but i dont care about me, please show her your going to be with her no matter what. She loves you so much Mike, you knew that. You told me you did. I'd like to say i'll see you soon Mike, but i wont. But i will talk to you soon. I love you.

Steven Iorio

September 28, 2005

Mikey:

Where do I start? We went through a lot in the year that we were friends. Lot of late nights, laughs and yelling at each other. Going through this in the last month has not been the easiest thing in the world but came to peace with the whole situation when I came to see you about a week and a half ago. It actually all started at your funeral which one one of the most beautiful sunny days that I have ever witnessed and I know that was you shining down on us letting us know that you were ok. Well, about a week and a half ago I came to see you after work to bring you a beautiul rose, and I noticed something that I never noticed at your funeral, you were resting right next to your father, so peacefully, and yet again a beautiful day. I went home and did some thinking and realized that the reason that everyday I came to see you or the day of your funeral was such beautiful weather was because you were and still are such a beautiful person and I give thanks every single day that I had the opportunity to meet and be such good friends with such a person.

I love you so much man, and even now whenever you need to talk, you know where I am......

Steve

Leida Rodriguez

September 23, 2005

Mike,

I only knew you from a few classes, the rifle team, and well a couple of things we had in common that we talked about in study hall. You were always kind and encouraging to me. I had just found out the news today from a friend. I am in shock and deeply saddend. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and close friends. You will forever be in our hearts and minds.

My Deepest Sympathies,

Amanda Johnson

September 10, 2005

Mikey-

I have been trying to sign this thing for almost three weeks now and it never seems to work out. Every draft I have is never good enough. It's funny because the first one I wrote was before your funeral. Every word I wrote was full of tears and pain. Everything I said was sad and desolate. Yet now it is a few weeks later, and although none of those feelings are gone, and they never will be, I sit here with a different approach. I visited the cemetary with Erica and Chesa, it was pouring rain and week after you had gone. We just stood there crying and being soaked in the rain, and then out of nowhere a white butterfly flew across you and then back around us. As strange as it was to see a white butterfly in the pouring rain, it made us smile. The next week we went back and this time we added Brian and Nicole into the mix. We were all standing there and out of nowhere another white butterfly flew over you but this time it stayed until another white butterfly joined it and the two butterflies flew away together. I knew that was you saying you were ok and that you were with your dad and sean now. I miss you mike more than anything. You always told me that I deserved the world. But you deserved so much more, the world was not enough for you. Mike you always told me how you felt and Im not sure I ever did, but the feelings were mutual. I love you Michael Kenyon Reese. Forever and Always... That will never change. (You better be lookin out for me when I get my tattoo FOR YOU next week cuz its gonna HURT!) I promise when I get to heaven... I will sit in your section. But for now... everytime I see a white butterfly, I think of you and I smile. I Love You Mike..

Brian Kelly

August 30, 2005

Mike-

I don't really know exactly where to start except when I first met you. I realized quickly how much people loved you at Outback. You always had a way to make me crack up even when I shouldn't have been laughing. Knocking the bus-tub out of my hand every chance u got never got old, I learned to have a tight grip on it any time u were around. I was talking to those girls and you couldn't let that go without embarassing me so you came by and whacked it outta my hand. Ill never forget that. I read other's messages and I also realize I don't have anywhere near the amount of memories they have of you, but then again I've only known you for 2 months. The memories I have of you are all great ones. You would come to work on ur days off, sit at table 16 with your crown and sprite "Brian you wanna try some" nah Mike im working thanks tho. I wish that one time we planned to hang out we could have Im sure the memories from that would have been interesting. You were the most responsibe, intelligent, and down to earth guy I have ever met. You would draw those pictures of Brian on the board of him smoking and u even drew in his goatee. Man Mike I just wish I could have said good-bye. I remember going out to Outback after rafting with Cassie and Dana and u coming, sitting down and telling Suzanne that you'll have a Budlight and we were buying. Thats when I truly realized you were crazy but hey, for you we would have bought you anything. I wish there was something we could have done, but you knew how much we all loved you. You'll never realize how much we loved you and how much you'll be missed. Outback will never be the same.

"la la la la la LA LA LA ohhhh"

what i would do to have u finish that for me. I'll miss you Mike and I'll NEVER forget you or the good times we had in the short time i knew you. I just hope now you're finally happy now with your 2 best friends.

You'll always be in my heart

"We can't go in the back we'll stay in the front so we don't have to do sidework or run food" I'll remember that when I become a server. Ill never forget you or ur crazy smile. Ill miss you Mike.

One final time...la la la la la LA LA LA oh...Everybody's going to the party have a real good time, dancing in the desert blowing up the sunshine.

-Brian

August 29, 2005

To the Reese family and anyone who knew Mike. Before Mike died he asked me to let everyone know that he wanted to be remembered as he was before Sean died. He was a devoted and loyal friend to everyone of us. Do him the favor and remember him as happy and smiling, I know that is hard for so many of us to do after the last few months...but he had a wonderful smile, and a great laugh.

chuck ford

August 29, 2005

jeanne, emily, kathleen, nora and tom, i am so sorry for your loss. you are in my thoughts and prayers.

chuck

jason and melanie mozingo

August 29, 2005

GOD BLESS THE REESE FAMILY IN THIS YOUR TIME OF NEED. WE WILL MISS YOU MIKE AND AS WE LOOK UP AT THE SKY WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE AN ANGEL KEEPING US ALL SAFE. LOVE THE MOZINGO'S

Rebecca Assande

August 28, 2005

You never think that when you say goodbye to someone it just may be the last time you see their smiling face. Over the past few years Mike has grown to be someone I would to talk to about anything, joke around with... especially if you mentioned Kings of Comedy. You could always count on Mike to know the latest rap lyrics. Even if you had no idea what they were saying in the song, you could always count on Mike. Anytime you walked into that kitchen you could always hear him singing. We would always be food scavengers together, especially if there were cheese fries on the togo area. At Outback you can always find ways to fool around even though you should be working. From stealing each others towels, hiding them, or whipping each other with them, you could always count on Mike to find them, no matter where you hid them.

Even moving 1400 miles away, you never forget those memories of the good Ol' Outback because those people become like brothers and sisters to you. I know I will never forget all of those people or all of my memories from that place. I'll never forget you Mike. I never stopped thinking or praying for you, even though I was not around. I can only pray now that you are in a far better place with the people you longed to be with. We all love you Mike and that place won't ever be the same without you.... Forever in my memories......

Love ya,

Tootie

"To get some milk and cookies"

Kristin O'Connor

August 28, 2005

Mikey...

Where do I start mike?? I miss you already...Met you 5 years ago,at Greg's house, and you were the nicest guy i ever met.. and these past 3 years working at Outback ,I have grown closer with you..Mike, you are the most amazing person.Always making us laugh, so many good times.. Anyone that has ever met you will never ever forget you. Please don't ever think for even a moment that we all did not love you , because we did, all of us, in the most sincere way..I miss the sound of your voice at work.. I miss seeing you @ the cove... budlight will never be the same..Don't ever forget sleeping on the floor @ Greg's, party @ Leslie's... the "wrestling match" ,you spray painting the escort all black, law and order, crazy customers( can i have the nile??! NOOOOO!!), "apple juice"...Mike as devestated as we all are right now, the only thing that makes me @ ease is the fact that you are finally at peace. I know you are with your Dad & Sean looking down on us, and that makes me smile.... You didn't deserve to suffer that much, and i would have done anything to make the pain go away.. we all love you Mikey... and you will be in my heart forever.. thank you for being the truely amazing person that you were for the time you were here..One day i'll see you again mikey.. at the gates of heaven, i know you will be there to make fun of me, and i love you for that mike...Forever. "Don't be dismayed @ goodbye, my friend, for goodbye is necessary for us to meet again.." Always, Kristin OC

Joy Nigro

August 27, 2005

Mike...

I don't even know where to start. You were the most intelligent, genius person I have ever met. Working together for the past 4 years was crazy...we've been there for each other for the good times and, sadly, the bad times. You knew I would always be there to talk and listen whenever you needed to. I'll never forget the "Heeeeyyy..Joy" when ever I would walk in, and correcting you over and over again about the proper glasswear you needed for the drinks at the bar! I will never forget all those nights you, Sean, and Greg would come in and drink a few beers whenever I was working. You were all so full of life, and your smiles would cheer me up if there were some not so pleasant people at the bar. Now I am going to try to figure out all of those math problems you tried to explain to me over and over again from your math theory class... I still have them. It may take me a lifetime to figure them out, but I will try. I know that you knew that each and every one of us cared about you like a family member..I know I sure did. I know you are now at peace with God, Sean, and your father. To Mrs. Reese, the Reese family and the Keller family, I send my deepest condolenses. May God be with you in the difficult months to come.

Erica Weeden

August 26, 2005

Mike, I was shocked to hear what happened and saddened because you were such a wonderful person. You were sweet to everyone you knew, brilliant-but never arrogant, and sensitive to the feelings of everyone around you. I hope that you have finally have found the peace you have been looking for. You have so many people who love you and will continue to miss you.

To the Reese family-I'm so sorry for your loss and Mike and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Erica Griffenkranz

August 26, 2005

Mike,

Every night since the first day we had the chance to talk, I prayed for you. You told me if there was anything I could do, it was to pray for you. So I did. I just hope that my prayers went through and you are now happy and resting in peace.I can still remember the first time I ever saw your face, a beautiful image I will never forget. Your laugh and your smile was simply unforgettable. Your beautiful red hair always stood out and I always knew it was you coming around the corner, especially when I would hear from a distance "Lala La La" or "no no I understand completely". We shared a bond not many people did. I always understood you and you always found a way to make me laugh or smile. Whether you tried or just the mere prescence of you. I waited up at night for your phone calls and texts between 12:30 and 3:00 am. I am so glad i was there to listen to you. I wish so much that I could have done more to help but I'm sure you are finally resting as you wanted to. You were right when you told me "life isn't fair". This is not fair, this pain is unreal and I will never forget you. I apologize for not sitting in your section the last day that I got to see you. If only I had known. I miss you so much Michael Kenyon Reese. You were one of the best friends/person I have ever met. I'm glad you're back with your two best friends now just like old times. I look up at the night sky and i know you're up there. I can't help but think of you when I am oustide staring out at the night sky.. endless phone calls with you while you would stare at the stars and share all your secrets with me. I just wish you could have stayed. But if you had ever wanted to advertise for hot dog costumes(Not kangaroos) you would definatley succeed in that because we all know that you were the best Outback artist around. Many many memories shared with you at that place and the hostess stand, I was the first to figure out your middle name. When we meet again in heaven maybe we will have our south park marathon that we never got to have, and I will get to see your smile and hear you laugh again. I miss you. I love you. One day we will meet again...

Katie Selg

August 26, 2005

I was so upset to hear about Mikes passing. It was such a shock to everyone. I knew Mike a long time ago in high school. We shared many classes together. I have seen him a few times since then, mostly when I went out to eat and he always had a smile and a wave for me. He was the most friendly person I ever knew. He will be missed.

Jarrod Hornbeck

August 26, 2005

Mike, for over four years you and I worked together. During that period of time I grew to not only respect you as a co-worker, but recognize what a caring, loyal, trustworthy person and friend you were. Whether it was cracking jokes in the kitchen, or sharing a beer after work, you made a difference in all of our lives on a daily basis. You were like family to all of us, and words can not truly express how deeply you will be missed.

August 25, 2005

Stefania Gareri

August 25, 2005

Mike... I'm still in shock after hearing the horrible news from my sister and then confirming it by reading your obituary. All I can say is that you will be deeply missed and forever remembered. I will always remember the kind and friendly person you were and the little moments that I will treasure forever. Such as you always offering to help us shovel the snow, the waves of hello everytime you drove up the road, and the little talks we had every once in a while. I will truly miss you!!! My prayers go out to Erich and the rest of your family and friends.

Christine LaNasa

August 25, 2005

Mike, When I told you I loved you and cared for you I truly did mean it. I will never forget your smile and the way you loved all of us. I have been truly blessed to have had you a part of my life. I am so sorry for your pain but I know now you rest in peace. I know God greeted you with open arms and now you are in bliss, never to hurt again. I love you and forever will you be in my heart..Christine

Aubry Trotta

August 25, 2005

Mike,

You are loved by so many, May you rest well now,you will hold a special place in so many peoples hearts. My mom said she knew exactly who you were when she saw you picture, she said you had the brightest smile at outback.RIP angel

Karl Brabenec

August 25, 2005

Dear Linda, Pete, and Erich -

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was very shocked by this horrible news. Mike was a great person and he will be missed.

Cathy Braun

August 25, 2005

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Reese family. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Jamie Matthews

August 25, 2005

Prov. 18:24 "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

Dearest Mike, I know the memories that everyone has with run through them like a river runs through the valley. I know when they look at the night sky, and the stars are shining, they will think of you, and remember all the wonderful times that we all spent with you. Everyday is a new day, and yesterday and tomorrow will be cherished forever. May you walk among the heavens, with a smile as brilliant as it was when you were walking among us.

We love you for all eternity.

Until we meet again, love always, Jamie

~ Amy Eckert ~

August 25, 2005

Linda, Erich and PJ,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I can't imagine the feelings that you are all going through right now. I offer my greatest sympathy. I am sorry for your loss.I wish you all well and may Mike rest in peace.

Jill Kendall

August 24, 2005

Linda,

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Nicole Armijo

August 24, 2005

When Krystle called me today and told me that you had passed on I really couldn't believe it. She sat there and read me your obituary over the phone and we couldn't believe it - even with the proof right in front of us.

I will always remember what a sweet person you were, the times we spent together, although they were few will always be cherished.

We'll see each other again someday.

Ann Menard

August 24, 2005

Linda, PJ, and Eric,

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most trying time. I am at a loss and can only offer our sincere sympathy. We will pray for Michael's peace and strength for all of you.

God Bless you

Ann(Rivers)Menard

Molly Rivers Baldwin

August 24, 2005

Our hearts go out to Linda, PJ, and Erich. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Denise Zucatti

August 24, 2005

May our dearest Michael be wrapped in the warm, safe comfort of angel's wings.

Denise

August 24, 2005

May our dearest Michael be wrapped in the warm, safe comfort of angel's wings.

Ryan Gorman

August 24, 2005

What a terrible tragedy. I was never really close with Mike, but we were in many of the same classes and had many of the same friends. I hope my fellow graduates are there to remember him this weekend.

Athene Chase

August 24, 2005

Mikey... I don't even know where to begin. You were definitely right when you said "life isn't fair." Mike, you were such a beautiful person and such a nice guy. It was always a good time working with you whether it was a "waazzzzuppp" or drawing Outback in flames (ha ha)... I'm gonna miss your wonderful smile and those kind eyes and laugh of yours. Every time I would hug you or give you a quick squeeze and that "I love you Mikeyy!" with a big cheesy smile, I hoped you would believe it, because I did... we ALL did. I wish you could have known how special and significant you truely were to all of us and how you will forever be in my heart. I just wish so bad you could come back to us but I guess one day we will meet again Mike and until then, I'll be thinking of you. I love you kid and I miss you so much.

-Athene

Chesa Lanasa

August 24, 2005

..I still remember the first time you talked to me..you came up to me while i was standing on door and asked me what my name was.. you were never afraid to talk to anyone..that was a year ago and working with you has been amazing. everyone would always come to eat and one time I asked you to put a lime in my water and ofcourse you came back with atleast 6 limes in the cup, i told you it tasted like a pine tree and you just laughed at me. and those drawings on the board of me working, you always made my hair look great and those kangaroo's you tried drawing..you were the best artist i knew..ill never forget those two riddles you showed me, that one with the dots i show to everyone..the point is, you always made me want to come to work knowing you were gonna be there to make me laugh or to keep me occupied because we all knew how boring hosting can be. i always tried to get you to come host and once again you just laughed at me..i loved when you came into eat and sat there for hours..i would always try and eat your food.. when you came in with that amazing smile on your face it never failed to brightened my day, everything you did and said came from your heart, you were so smart and such a good person Mike and we did see that, but i hope now in heaven you can see just how much we all loved and cared about you. The other day you asked me if i remembered Toms party, yes ofcourse i remember that party i sat on that counter and we talked for almost two hours, and i hope you remember everything i told you because i meant every word.. The last thing i said to you was "i'll see you later Michael" and its true i will see you later, in heaven, and i promise you i will sit in your section..

Bryan Bernstein

August 24, 2005

To the Reese family, I'm deeply sorry for this terrrible tragedy. Mike you will be missed every single day, I hope your in a better place now, reunited with your best friend. I've missed sean every second of every day since last August, and now I will think about you as well.. Your family is in my thoughts. Now I don't just have one guardian angel.. I have my boy's watching over me.. :(

Ronald Konowitz

August 24, 2005

My sincerest sympathy on your great loss. If I can be of assistance in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Paula Melanson

August 24, 2005

You are in my thoughts & prayers

Kimberly Standish

August 24, 2005

May peace be with you and those that loved you. Kim

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