Tandi Lonergan Walters
My hearfelt condolences to the Balistreri family. Mikey was an honorary older brother to me for many years. For those that know the Lofrese house, you know there was an open door policy over on Bayside. I am a prime example,I was 4 when I arrived.Over the years we had friends of all kinds in and out and some stayed awhile. Michael did just that and he is was an invaluable part of my chilhood. He could wipe the mug right off the face of an awkward teenager simply with his personality-always happy ,always light ,always made you feel good when you walked into a room. He was legendary with one liners and was hilarious to watch basic tv with. He always let Kelly Bundy know she was "Smokin" or Screech that he was a "loser". Those are some of my favorite memories with him,simply watching TV and laughing the day away. One time there was absolutely nothing on and we settled on a 70's B movie called " The Andromeda Strain". I think the movie was supposed to be serious..it was about scientists trying to contain an extraterrestrial microscopic organism . Frankly Michaels remarks to the characters were endless and we were in tears.Even years later we referenced it and would be bawling. He loved laughs,funny phrases,inside jokes,nicknames. Looking back now it's a toss up whether he or my brother Chris coined me" TandiAndi". I am pretty sure it was Michael.
I can hear my Mom in my ear here saying "mention all he did for me." It reminds me of part of an Emerson quote-"To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
Michael absolutely made my Moms life easier.Whatever/whenever asked- Mikey would pop right up to help,run an errand,push a wheelchair- you name it. And of course with a smile. Now thinking on it there wasn't anything he couldn't do- he drove a truck delivering airfreight, he helped Chris with plumbing and when he got into catering -he was great! He wore many hats well!
To sum up my many thoughts- I am forever grateful to have had Michael in my life all those years. The times when there weren't 50 plus craft beers on tap, no cells,no streaming service.Life was simpler and Mikey was simply a good egg.A golden egg.(teasing here but that is exactly something silly that we would find funny!) I keep the memories close. Again -sending love and light to your family and passing on the same from my brother Ricky.-Tandi
