It’s hard to write anything when your crying so hard. Mike was such a wonderful guy and will be missed by all his family. We just must believe he is sitting next to his Grandmother with a big smile on his face…..looking down on us all. My love goes out to Tom…Kathy…Ryan and Lindsey
You all are in my thoughts and prayers

Jan

Wishing we could have made it home for the memorial tomorrow but knowing we will always keep him in our hearts. Even though Mike is my “2nd” cousin I spent more time with him growing up than most of my 1st cousins. I will always remember the good times we spent working together at Hank’s, learning to decorate cakes, keeping up a friendly competition of who was better at it. Mike always watched out for me and I am thankful for that. I’ve never forgotten how after Ronnie and I broke up in high school Mike was the one who dragged me out to parties and after work get together’s to keep me busy. When I was most down, he was there and I will remain grateful for that. His quick wit and sense of humor were such incredible gifts. Really wish we all lived closer as adults. Tom, Kathy, Ryan and Lindsey, our love, thoughts and prayers are with you.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mike thru work but when he left us all too soon as it was, he was a friend. Words can not express the sorrow my heart feels for his family at this time. I see exactly where Mike got his kindness, whilst dealing with such heartache and pain his family made sure there was a place for all of his loved ones to share their memories. I can’t thank his family enough for this beautiful website that was put together. I will never forget a week ago today. No more than 2 weeks ago were we laughing and joking together in my office as well as running around and gathering as many pumpkin spice and French toast flavored K cups 4 hands could hold. I’m proud to have been able to be a part of Mikes life even in the littlest of ways whether it was just listening or making jokes.
The last big snow storm we got we both were feeling a bit stir crazy and rather hungry honestly (and after reading some of these stories we all know how big a part food played in his life) as was in his nature he offered to come pick me up mid blizzard to try and find something to eat. The one and only place that was open was American joes, not more than a millisecond after walking in the door did the fire alarm start going off. I personally thought this was hysterical and couldn’t stop laughing just seemed like someone did NOT want us to eat that night. Mike stood diligently in line asking, practically screaming over the alarm “can we still be seated” even as the single file line started forming and people were walking out. We did end up finding something to eat that night needless to say it wasn’t at American joes, this is one of many times I will cherish forever.
I know you’re watching over us all smiling down on us and keeping us strong thru this difficult time. Tomorrow is going to be profoundly hard for everyone you have touched, but for your family and friends it will be made easier with the thought that we are all gathered together to celebrate your life and what a gift your friendship is. I have lit a candle everyday and say a prayer every night for you and your family and will continue to do so. Your kind heart, generosity, and beaming personality will NEVER be forgotten!! May you rest in peace my friend!! Xoxo

Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

I first met Mike when he came to work at Strong Nuclear Medicine. We’ve been friends since. There were many good times, at work and outside of work. Even when Mike moved away, he would call me or I would call him to catch up with whatever was going on, especially on his drive home from work in Boston to the Cape. Nobody could describe any situation going on like Mike. No matter the situation, his explanations would make me laugh.
I’ll miss those good times, laughter, phone calls and friendship. My life is better for knowing you. Thanks for all you gave to me.

Words cannot express how much we will miss Mike. He was such a positive part of so many people’s lives, and our family has been truly touched to hear stories and memories from everyone that knew and loved my brother since his passing.

Knowing how many of you cared for Mike, it was important for my parents, Lindsey and I to create a site where you would be able to share these stories and relive all of the great memories and photos from throughout the 34 years we were blessed to have him in our lives. Please do not hesitate to post as many as you would like, as often as you can to help us honor Mike’s life.

Be sure to check back regularly as we will keep updating the site as much as possible.

Thank you for all of the love and unconditional support you’ve join thus far. It truly means the world to us.

Ryan

This is just a short story about my son who will live within me forever. I’m so Proud of all his accomplishments that I could never begin to tell them all. Sure, we had our moments but we always got through them.

Michael was truly a people person. He would come home for the weekend and spend his time with his family during the day and friends at night. He couldn’t always make it home for the holiday’s because of the weather or his work schedule but we knew he was in good hands down at the Cape. His friends always opened their hearts and home for him which made it easier for us. There are no words to describe how empty I feel. I will think of him everyday as always. I’ll cherish the 34 years we had him and be glad I told him I loved him.

Thank you all for your prayers, pictures and the great stories. For those who knew me, my famous line was “another first for my book” well guess what? This will be my final chapter. The book is closed.

Thank you God for my other son Ryan too, he has been a rock for us all. I know its not easy for him but again his friends are great and will help ease his pain.
Thank you again for all your support at this difficult time. I hope to see you at his memorial Friday.

My husband and I were privileged to meet Mike a few years back when our son Brian was staying with Mike on Cape Cod. Mike’s warm nature always made us feel so welcomed when we stopped by to visit. Mike spent a few holidays with us in Auburn when his work schedule prevented him from making the trip home to be with his family. Mike spoke of his family ..their holiday traditions and the food they shared. It was evident that he loved and cared deeply for his family. Mike brought us some fresh oysters on Thanksgiving from the Cape that he had dug that morning. That was Mike… always generous and thinking of others. Another time my husband mentioned that he liked the Iris flowers in Mike’s yard. Well the next time Mike visited us, he brought us a container of the Iris’ from his yard for us to plant. We still have them and will think of Mike everytime we see them.
We are truly grateful to have known Mike and for the friendship he shared with our son. Our hearts go out to his family. We plan on attending the memorial service on Cape Cod in May.

I had the honor of working with Mike in the PET scan unit at St. Elizabeth’s several years ago. I would always look forward to seeing him (even though it was only once a week).
I remember how great he was at his job. How he would tell stories and laugh and joke with the patients. The patients LOVED him, and it was easy to see why. He had a that certain “knack” of putting them at ease during a most worriesome and vunerable time in their lives.
I remember looking up to Mike not only as a co-worker but as a person. I remember thinking, I hope that I will be as good as Mike is when I start my career in radiation therapy. Mike had both the “brains” and the “intellect” which made him so successful. (And the fact that he was cute, didn’t hurt either). He was a natural “giver” and “helper”…. Always willing to lend a hand (or cover for me when I was running late!)
They just dont make many guys like Mike.
Our friendship grew outside of work as well, and even though our lives went down different paths, we remained in touch with each other. He always reached out to ask “How is Arizona treating you?” over the years. I am thankful that I just spoke with him just last week.
Clearly Mike was an amazing person who left many fond memories behind. He touched countless lives through his work and friendship including my own, and I will never forget him.
I can only hope that reading through these stories and reflecting on how much of an incredible person Mike was can ease the sorrow of the many friends and family members he left behind.
He truly left a legacy of compassion and kind-heartedness to all who had the honor of meeting him. My deepest sympathies go out to the Giunta family and friends of Mike. God Bless.

We have many fond memories of Mike’s presence in our lives. They will remain with us.

Our relationship with Mike goes back to middle school when he, Brian Beh and our Brian became good friends. During those years we had the joy of seeing him on a somewhat regular basis. We remember those days very well because Mike stood out in the most positive of ways. Even in those years Mike showed the attributes and people skills that defined him as an adult. He demonstrated insight and compassion beyond his young years. He was sensitive to the needs of others and he showed vision. He was bright, articulate, outgoing and a good conversationalist. He was the “idea” guy who always came up with interesting and fun things to do with his friends. He was never afraid to think and dream outside the box. He was always there for his friends and gave from the heart. We respected Mike in those years just as we do today.

After college and career moves, we didn’t get to see Mike often enough. But on those occasions when we did see him, he was still the same Mike we had known for years. Often we would talk about an idea or plan he had for his future like a move to Boston or a job change. We always enjoyed talking with him. We admire him for letting his dreams and vision take him far.

Mike was true to himself. He became the kind of man his parents and brother can be very proud of. He lived by the Golden Rule, he truly did for others as he wanted others to do for him. We will miss him greatly but our admiration and respect for him will never leave.

I met Mike working on the PET trailer. From the minute we met it was like talking to an old friend. All we could do is laugh when we were together. Between the laughing and the sarcasm-never seemed much like work. Such a giver always putting others first. He had such a large heart. I could talk to him about anything. I’m lucky to have had met such an extraordinary guy. I consider myself to be very lucky that Mike became such an instant & true friend. I’m in such disbelief. It just seem real yet. Someone so full of life had his taken from way too early. With tears in my eyes I can say is even though he was taken away too soon, Mike will never leave my heart. You are already missed Mike. You will never be forgotten. Miss and love you my friend. XO.