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The guestbook sign in is temporarily down but if you would like to
leave a short thought for Mike,
contact us at the link below or on the
the "Contact" page and we'll post your note. Thank you.
To send a confidential note to the family, please use the "contact"
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| Nick Corona | March 24, 2011 Here's a link to a memorial video Nick did from Thanksgiving, 1998.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0Ulh7Xo0WI&feature=youtu.be
| | Christopher Lembo | Sept. 9, 2010 - I was saddened when I heard of Michaels passing a few years ago. I grew up next door and we shared many laughs together. Michael had a great sense of humor and was always looking to make life as fun as possible.
I remember playing hockey in his basement while he did the play by play...He was always Walt Tzachuck from the Rangers (he thought the name was funny)....and he would make me be Phil Esposito or Guy Lapointe.
He looked up to his brother David and always spoke of what a great drummer and skateboarder he was.
I also remember his dog Skipper and how much he loved him! We used to play with Skipper in the backyard and he would lick your face like crazy!
| | John Babineau | January 24, 2009 - My memories of Mike are mostly from West Barrington Elementary Where Mike, Maynard and I used to get into trouble in Mrs. Anderson's class. Mike and I probably looked odd hanging out together because of the height difference but we had a lot in common. I remember that we were the only two in class that had bedtimes that were earlier than anyone else's (unless everyone else was lying). I also remember struggling through Mr. Nolan's classes with Mike. I was shocked to hear about his death because as I recall it was around the same time as Maynard's and those were two guys that I became friends with at Primrose and West Barrington.
| | Jonathan Hall | January 13, 2009 - I was very shocked to hear the news about Mike a few years back. It's not fair at all for someone to leave us so young. I went to school with Mike from 1st Grade through graduation. We played basketball and music together and laughed a lot. I was sad to see that he lived in LA and I've lived here for over 20 years. I really wish we had kept in touch, I would loved to have seen him here in LA. Here are a few fond memories to share:
1. Mike was always the tallest guy in the class
2. In 5th Grade I made him laugh so hard coffee milk came out both nostrils
3. He brought an old Harmony Arch Top acoustic with F-Holes into band class in 7th grade and I thought it was the coolest thing ever
4. Mike made me laugh every time we talked
5. Mike never made fun of my basketball playing (I wasn't good and the other guys usually let me know it) when we were on the Freshman Basketball Team
6. Although an extremely talented athlete, he was devoid of any typical jock behavior or narrow mindedness. You always knew the ribbing was good natured.
7. I remember jamming in Bruce Moravec's bedroom with Mike and he brought a cool 70's SG and had an amazing Earth Amp (how did he find this stuff!!)
8. Played a rock club with the Idle Rich when he was still in high school
9. Gave himself the worst crewcut of all time
10. I was really happy to see Mike every time I saw him. He always had something interesting to say, always had a funny story, always listened when you told a story, I would give anything to see Mike again
| | Bill Benford | January 29, 2008 - I ran into Mike back around 1993 when he was back in RI and working at the auto body shop. I was working out at World Gym in Providence. He recognized me and approached me. I can tell you I did not recognize him at first. We chatted for several minutes and saw each other several times after that. We reminisced about the past and had several laughs. There was a bond there that had been established in high school as teammates that remained strong despite not seeing one another for over 10-years. That bond is what stays with me when I think about Mike.
| | Coach Topazio | January 18, 2008 - This is Coach Topazio..Brian Durkin forwarded this website and I have not stopped wiping my tears yet. Michael was absolutely one of my favorite players, kids, student..You name it. What a bright personality. His passing was one of the sadest days I've encountered. He is always in my heart and I will NEVER forget him! -
Michael, we are going to get the guys of 83-84 together for a little reunion...we are thinking of running a few of your favorite drills. Care to enter the "LANE OF PAIN"?..Michael God Bless You!!!!
| | Tim Puller | December 4, 2007 - I think about Mike a lot and remember what a good guy he was. In fact for those of you who really knew him, then you know his favorite word that I use all the time, Nice!!!
| | Lauren | October 19, 2007 - Hi Auntie Glenice,
Thank you so much for sending me the note. I went to the website, read the new entries and re-read the old ones. Perused the pictures again. Michael was such a special person to so many people, it’s beautiful to read. I can not express even close to want I want to express to you but please know that Michael is always in my heart. I like to wear the butterfly you gave me and think of him. This may sound very silly to you, but I just ran a ½ marathon 2 weekends ago, and during the race and during my difficult training Michael was always in my thoughts. When you run long distances you get into a transcendent state and it gets very hard, I would meditate on him and gather strength for my body from his encouraging spirit. I don’t know, maybe this sounds ridiculous, but I thought I’d share it with you at this time. He continues to inspire me in the most surprising ways.
Thank you for emailing me.
Love to you and Uncle Ray.
Lauren
| | Jennifer Johnson | October 4, 2007
It is with a heavy heart that I recently learned of Michael's passing. Although we had not been in contact for many years, I have an abundance of fond memories. Mike was a kind, sweet person who filled my life with laughter.
Mike and I went to our very first semester of college together at the University of Bridgeport. We met at orienation and became fast friends soon after. We dined together almost every evening in Marina Dining Hall. He became aware of my voracious appetite for sweets and would often sneak cake out of the dining hall for me.
I left UB after one semester to complete my studies at the School of Visual Arts in NY. Throughout this time and a good many years after my graduation from SVA, Mike and I corresponded regularly. We visited each other a few time also. I recall at least three trips to RI and Mike visited me in NY at least the same amount.
During our friendship, Mike extended to me so many kindnesses (I am sure many people have recounted similar stories to you). I remember a person who took great pride in the ability to double me over with laughter as tears spilled down my face. I remember a person who was very aware of my plight as a "starving artist" and paid for a roundtrip bus ticket and dinner to celebrate the New Year with him. I remember a person who was passionate about bodybuilding, writing and loving his family. However, I mostly remember a pure soul who possessed a childlike awe at the wonder of life and its infinite possibilities.
I am enclosing a series of pictures I took of Mike when he first started kickboxing. Unfortunately, the exact date escapes me (I know he was living in Providence at the time).
Please accept my belated and heartfelt sorrow for your loss. It is with extreme gratitude that I reflect on the period of time I was fortunate enough to have Mike in my life.
-Jennifer
PS
As to how I found out about Michael's death, I find myself wondering too. Towards the end of this past June, Mike kept persistently and repeatedly surfacing in my thoughts. I began to feel that something had happened to him. I searched the internet and made the sad discovery of his passing through the memorial website. I have no logical answer to offer but know this is a further reinforcement of how, indeed, we are all connected.
-Jennifer
| | Graham | 7/9/2007 - I stopped by to visit Mike on the 4th and I couldn't believe it'd been 8 years! I still hear the echo's of his laugh and anticipate his phone calls. Mike was so larger than life and so defiant of it's parameters it almost seems like a cruel prank that he is gone. We had so many memorable times together that I feel as though we were meant to tell each other's stories only now that responsibility dies with me. Whether it was YBA hoops in the 70's, the IDLE RICH and U of Bridgeport in the 80's, or shooting guns and drinking beers in the 90's you never spent time with Mike that could be considered wasted. I'll never forget the day we went back to his dorm after lunch just prior to our afternoon classes at UB when Mike had been having problems with his room-mate leaving the door unlocked. Mike's room was on the tenth floor of a high-rise dorm and we had to take the elevator up. The whole way up Da Bouza' reassured me that he had talked the issue through with "Mike" (ironically a same-named room-mate; a doughy, nerdy kid who seemed to always wear horizontally-striped t-shirts) and that the issue of leaving the door unlocked had been resolved. I agreed it was good they had settled the issue but played devil's advocate and asked Mike what would happen if the door was still unlocked? Mike chuckled and said, "Oh, don't worry about that! There's no way..." and then his mind wandered off into the possibility that the practice would continue. As we approached the door I felt a Hitchcockian sense of impending doom permeate the hallway and the door loomed large and forboding, dripping with the potential for disastrous dissapointment. What if it WAS unlocked? Mike's amplifier, Gibson SG guitar, and stash of bulk-building foods were coveted away within that room and it was in the best interest of his room-mate to join the cause and keep this stuff secure. Mike paused before the door and dropped his meaty paw on the knob, then hesitated. He turned his head EXACTLY 45 degrees to my direction with an expectant smirk across his mouth indicating that the failure to meet his insistance on shared security by his room-mate was sheer madness and therefore not possible was belied only by the fact that he did not turn the knob. When whatever mental wrestling match occuring in his mind resulted in a pin, Mike Sousa turned the knob expecting to find resistance....
....instead the knob turned, clicked, and the door swung open to all and any who wished to partake of the un-chastened fruits of Mike's personal possessions. The revelation of Norman Bates' mother's corpse was not nearly as terrifying as it swung lazily about in it's chair; Mike was beside himself! He flew into the room screaming "WHY?!!! WHY?!!! WHY?!!!..." over and over and proceeded to upturn room-mate-Mike's desk, bed, and anything else that wasn't nailed to the floor...which was everything the poor kid owned...and fling it around the room. I was on the floor in hysterics! The fact that Sousa could have pounded this kid a hundred times over, speed-bagging his fat, pudgy, freckled face into pulp and yet still the kid continued to defy Mike's wishes was ironic enough but to see the physical maelstrom that was Mike Sousa tearing this fatso's half of the room to shreds like a bear on a tent was astounding. The only thing that kept Mike from killing the poor guy was me rolling on the floor laughing my ass off. After he calmed down he wrote a letter to the room-mate that we had to edit and re-write a few times, due to me having some experience on what gets you ejected from schools, and finally drew up a draft that laid out the guidelines in a fair and simple format. A few days later room-mate-Mike was living in another dorm altogether and strangers were staying away from Sousa's room. We had a great time at Bridgeport in addition to time spent before and beyond that year but that moment is one I'll never forget as being so classically Mike Sousa; seeking to keep the peace and reacting impressivley when peace could not be attained, but always with an extraordinary sense of humor. I miss Mike...alot. And I think I always will.
| | Nick Corona | Hey Mike. I never had the chance to tell you what you meant to me as a friend. All I can do is hope that you knew. You were an inspiration to me in so many ways and you continue to impact my life, like today when your face arrived on a postcard. Just seeing your face brought back so many good memories from our times in Vegas & L.A.. You made people feel special without even knowing it. Whether it was going to the gym together or gallivanting around town, everything was an adventure with you. Every day I would get to work, I would look forward to your outstretched fist (a huge fist at that). As our fists knocked, I could always count on hearing your voice - Do it buddy . To this day, I still greet my co-workers with the same outstretched fist and a Do it buddy . They have no idea what the greeting means, but to me, it is a simple remembrance of you. You gave me so much guidance and advice that I will never be able to repay. I will never forget you Mike, as you were one of the few people that I consider a true friend. While your time here was short and your departure premature, I consider myself blessed to have known you. Thank you Mike, & God Bless.
| | -anonymous plaque left at the grave | Our hearts still ache in sadness and secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you, no one will ever know.
| | Chip and Debbie (Gonville) Miller | The website was a welcomed memory for Deb and I. We were very friendly with Mike from Kindergarten to High School. The memories of Mike and the fun we had together will always be with us.
| | Heidi Schwieger | I remember Michael best from elementary and middle school. He had such soulful eyes. I have vivid images of him towering over all of us....wearing a blue cap. In high school, it was basketball and The Idle Rich. What a fierce combination. I know I didn't appreciate his strength of character and range of expression. I cannot imagine the pain and frustration you live with, not knowing for certain why and how he left this world too soon and with so much yet to discover and reveal in his own life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
| | Jamie and Karen Simone | Thank you for the effort put into creating this website. It was nice to see Michael again and learn about him and his life after our high school years. We miss him too. Fondly, Karen and Jamie
| | Chuck Anastasia | May Grace & Peace be with you and your family. The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me; you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name. Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage. You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come. 23rd psalm New American Bible
| | John Hallal | Mike, where did you go? I'm not sure exactly; but, I know I can still feel you, swirling around and around. I see you at the park, sitting on a bench, on the beach, taking a jog, and on the sidewalk, strolling by me. Sometimes, I even hear your kind voice and deep laughter. I see you in my memories, playing kick the can, shooting baskets, playing guitar, and just laughing and acting like a very, very silly cousin. I miss you.
| | Gil Fontes | One cold morning Mike arrived at my apartment for a ride to our job site. Miguel , as I always called him, was surprised when I informed him that due to the cold my 115 lb dog was going to ride in the front of the ford ranger truck cab with us rather in back as was usual. As I got ready I told Michael that the evening before I had discovered a strange thing about the one year old dobermann. While taking a shower that evening I exclaimed to my wife in a loud deep voice, "I'm beat". I told Mike how the dog started to run about and bark. I thought there might be something wrong or someone in the hallway or outside the door. After a careful inspection I found none of these things true. I thought about it for a time and then, without really thinking that it could be true, I shouted in the same voice I had used earlier, "I'm beat". The dog went nuts again and it took some time to calm him down. Mike really loved the dog, (it was before he had one of his own), and he just thought that this story was really wierd and as the three of us made our way into the truck he asked alot of questions as to the nature of such a reaction. As we drove off , the three of us crammed into the small truck a glance at the chuckling Miguel tipped me off as what was about to happen. "No, don't , I yelled just as Mike did his best to imitate my 'I'm beat'. As the dog did circles around us...actually running and squirming his way across the cab behind us and then back across our laps Michael just kept laughing and shouting I'm beat. I still remember with total clarity, the sound of our laughter mixing with the barking dog and the total joy Michael could bring to a single moment in time.
| | Joshua E. Michael Berry | Cousin, you were a man of your word and a martyr to your beliefs. What you mean to this family has not faded for an instant, but has only amplified with your death and with each passing day. Watch over me and our family as you always have, until the day we are all reunited. I have carried you on my arm, but you have carried me always.
| | Uncle Al | I'll always remember our days together, especially in Vegas, walking the canyon. A bond we shared then, we never had when you were young. When I'm home, I always visit you, although not necessary; you're always in my heart.
| | David Sousa | My brother, through our ongoing dialogue, you remain with me everyday. Everything is a reminder of our fond memories, difficult times, bitter sarcasm, laughs and regrets. With all of your god given gifts, abilities, and natural traits; I admired you. I have always been proud that you are my brother.
| | Glenice Sousa | My dear son Michael, What does a mother say in such a public forum about the loss of her beloved son? My broken heart speaks to you. This website is another loving tribute to you even though there are no formats, words or pictures that can adequately describe your life or express what you mean to our entire family. This Christmas and at every family gathering since your death, we remember you through tearful incantations. Our hearts ache with longing to embrace you once again. Yet, you are present in all the moments of our lives; in every joyous occasion and in every crisis; your name taken at confirmation by your beloved young cousins, engraved on their bodies and hearts; your spirit called when your newborn cousin was in danger. Your Nana told me that she had a long talk with you as she lay dying this past spring. In her words, in the company of Grandpa and God, you had come to comfort her and take her to heaven. .Even in death you reach out with your compassionate heart. Until we meet again, my beautiful son, I send you my love and my prayers, Your Mom
| | Raymond Sousa | Your voice is still with me. It's resonant sound brings me back in time to our life together.
Lost from this lifetime, forever distant, but so near with your ever-present image. You will always be a part of me. Love, Dad
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