Mike was 29 years old when he suffered severe burns after a horrific car accident on his way home from work. We were college sweetheart and married just 9 months when the accident happened; also expecting our first child.
Mike was a standout wrestler in high school and college. Following his collegiate career, Mike served as a volunteer assistant coach for the team for two seasons, and had a brief run as a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter.
Mike was a corrections officer at The United States Penitentiary, and could be caught playing video games daily, eating gummy worms, or wrestling his fur baby, Jaxon. He loved playing paintball with friends, listening to podcasts, hiking, and going to the gun range. Mike was very computer savvy, building his own computer, and enjoyed cooking, especially making his grandma’s homemade pasta sauce. He was known for his love of Batman, Jeep Wranglers, the New York Giants, the New Jersey Devils, fishing and crabbing.
While there are a lot of things that are blurry and I don’t remember from those 48 hours after Mike’s accident, I will always remember the Hero Walk. Leaving Mike’s room, walking the hallway to the operating room, with the nurses and staff lining the wall.
Mike had a heart of gold and was described by everyone as loving, caring, loyal, patient, and humble, with an infectious smile that could light up any room. Even in his death, he continued to help others by giving the ultimate gift of life through organ donation.
