I found out from his obituary (below) that Michael was one of the founders of a charity called Take the Lead which is "dedicated to provide direct services, support and care for all qualified participants in the sport of dogs who suffer from the devastating realities of life-threatening or terminal illnesses." In keeping with this week's "It's a Small World" theme, the current chairman of it turns out to be one of my old deans from TCU, who I now recall was involved in judging dog shows.
LARIZZA, MICHAEL DEAN
Michael Larizza, 47, of Port Chester, passed away on November 27, 2006, at his home, from a massive heart attack. He was the beloved son of Louis Larizza and Arlene Amigron, born on August 21, 1959. He is survived by his companion, Rob Sloop, his siblings, Louis, Gina, Renee, and Mark. He also left behind his five nieces, two nephews, sisters-in-law, Nella, Tricia, and stepmother, Kathy. For the past 30 years, Michael was the devoted owner of Stonybrook Kennels in White Plains, NY.
He had an undeniable passion for his dogs. Michael traveled to various shows where his dogs often won Best in Show. He also had the privilege of judging at Madison Square Garden's Westminster Dog Show. Michael was also one of the founders of Take the Lead. This is a nonprofit organization dedicated to provide direct services, support and care for those suffering the devastating affects of AIDS. In lieu of flowers, please donate to, Take the Lead, PO Box 6353, Watertown, NY 13601.
Alvey :
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Take the Lead
GrimJack
EZ Street
Jon Sable, Freelance
Comments (12)
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Niki Alvey 1994 days ago
Oh Brian, I loved him so much. I am so sad. He was the best guy.
He loved you too, every time I saw him he told me how lucky I was to have you.
Gina 1993 days ago
My brother, Michael, was an amazing individual. The amount of people that attended his wake was overwhelming and very comforting to us. It showed how truly loved and respected he was. He will be missed by so many. Michael would want us to celebrate his life, not mourn his death. Dying at the age of 47 reminds us that life is too short to waste, do as much as possible!
Mary Jane Pisani 1992 days ago
Your comments:
Thank you Brian for your kind words, and for giving me the opportunity to share mine. I was privledged to have known Michael my entire life. He was not only my cousin; he was my client and my friend. If only I had the chance to say goodbye, to let him know how much I loved him. Although he may have complained that his life was the kennel. I think deep down it was his true passion in life. He is one of the few people who made a living doing what he truly loved; raising and caring for dogs. They were his children.
I remember when he was about 11 or 12, he had this idea how he was going to breed a Silky Terrier. His dog Alphie was a Yorkshire Terrier and our dog Missy
was an Australian Terrier. He read that long ago that's how Silky Terrier's were bred. Well thanks to Mike's assistance, Missy became pregnant and gave birth two three adorable cross bred Silky Terriers, and he gave his little sisters and cousin a lesson in how puppies were made. He certainly was ahead of the times, considering today there are so many NAMED cross breeds.
Michael I miss you and know you will be missed by many. Mary Jane
Karen Drogin aka Carly Phillips 1990 days ago
I posted this on another link I think ... Michael was a wonderful person and a good good friend. Please read my tribute to him:
http://www.plotmonkeys.com/284/a-lot-to-say-today/
I will miss him every day. My condolences and best wishes to his friends and family.
Karen Drogin aka Carly Phillips 1981 days ago
Alex asked me to post his thoughts and his thanks to everyone:
"After 22 years working in the same room, you get to know a person well. When the news of Mike's death hit me, all of my focus was on the future of his dogs because I knew that is what Mike would worry most about. I knew he would want loving permanent homes for the dogs he considered his family. There are many different types of homes: houses, apartments, trailers etc. Mike's home was the kennel. Because of Mike's unique home, his dogs had very special needs. So many people offered to give Mike's family homes. I know all these offers were made from the heart but I had to choose homes that were a perfect fit for each animal and his or her personality and needs. As of today, I have found homes for almost all of Mike's dogs. Almost every dog placed went to someone who already had a dog from Mike, so I know the home and family already had his approval. It is a great honor to have one of Mike's dogs. But there is no shame or embarrassment if I turned down an offer to give one of Mike's pets a home.
Now that the future of Mike's dogs are well on the way to being secured, I can start to think of mine. Luckily I have no deadline. Mike and his family and the landlord want me to continue Stonybrook Kennels. I want you to know that your dogs will always be cared for the way Mike wanted. The same level of safety, comfort and happiness will always be maintained. No one can come close to Mike's skill and talent as a groomer but your dogs will be well loved and taken care of in the way Mike would want."
Alex
Tomeka 1989 days ago
Michael was a wonderful, loving and extraordinary person. This was aptly demonstrated by the out pour of loving support and concern for the family during this very sad time.I had only known Michael on a personal level for approximately four years,but we have created some wonderful memories during such a short period. Whether it was going to see Whoopi, Cirque De Sole, hanging out at the house or just a brief visit at the Kennel.....Michael's smile was always welcomed.I considered Michael a friend and adoptive family whom I loved very much. I also felt honored that he named his little "black" puppy Mika.....he said he did so"because I like you". We all know Micheal did not readily throw out too many bouquets. I feel privileged and honored to have known and loved him though all too briefly.
Jeff Smolen 1987 days ago
To all of those wonderful people who spoke so glowingly about Michael Larizza. All I can do is thank all of you from the botom of my heart. Michael's family is so appreciative of the love that all of you have expressed. I am a friend of the family, and, I know that this has comforted them so much. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
Jeff.
Gina Pierro 1983 days ago
I had the privilege of being a "fixture" at the Larizza home as a young adult. I'll never forget how my stomach got butterflies every time Michael walked in the room! He was a very special person; one whom I will never forget. The evening of his wake, which was difficult because I hadn't seen Michael's family in a long while, left me feeling sad and hearbroken for them, and in particular, his wonderful mother, Arlene. No parent should ever have to bury their child. When I arrived home that evening, I clutched my beloved Roxy, my Jack Russell terrier, with all my might and in my own way said goodbye to a wonderful person. Your compassion for people and dogs will never be forgotten, Michael.
All my love,
Gina Pierro
Anny De Giorgio 1976 days ago
Thank you so much for creating this wonderful webpage, where we (who were fortunate to know Mike), can open up our hearts. Mike brought me to this country nearly 15 years ago, as a gift to my mom, who was his employee and friend of so many years. I was 14 years old, and even though I didn't know any english, Mike's smile always made me feel very comfortable. As the years went on, Mike became more than just my mom's boss. He was part of my family, he was part of my life. He used to give me advice about boys, and ALWAYS made me laugh. He taught me many nauty words, and constantly had a compliment or two once I entered the grooming shop. When he met my son Nicolas, (at 4 months old)he introduced Timmy and Tyler with such proudness. As to my mom, he was such a great friend, a man of a great big heart. He always stood by her and helped her through many paths of her life. I've always appreciated everything he has done for the both of us. Mike, as I had said to you, I love you like a father. Sorry for staying far away in the past year. YOU WILL NEVER,EVER BE FORGOTTEN. Thank you for sharing Striker with us and thank you for being so good to me. Until the day we meet again, in my heart I'll keep the good memories. Sincerely, Anny.
Peg 1933 days ago
I just called the kennel to catch up with Michael. It was ONLY 7:30pm
and I assumed he would still be there. Through a cracking voice,
Alex broke the news to me--he knew how close we were. I have known
Michael since 1985 and I loved him like a brother, a teacher, a
confidant, co-conspirator, and a best friend. Needless to say, I
wept. I have a hole in my heart right next to the one that I still
hold for Oreo. I recognize some of the names on both blogs. I felt
good about that. We all shared Michael and now we are sharing his
loss. I first met Michael because somehow I fell in love with a giant
fuzzy panda-looking furball named Ch.Ha'Penny Black Orpheus. What was
I thinking? What was I doing with a creature like that? A show dog?!
I never asked for THAT responsibility. But Oreo was just destined to
be in my life, as was my dear Michael--my dear, dear friend through
so many years and through so many journeys. I drove all the way from
NYC once a week for 13 years to have Ores groomed only by Michael [and
Alex]. When you have dogs like that, the special ones that you never
forget, sometimes your mind can wander to what it would be like if
they weren't around because death comes so quickly in dog
years. Michael and I would sit on the low stone wall in front of the
kennel and wonder about all sorts of life's mysteries. Michael once
said tome, "Peg, you are special because you don't see WHAT someone
is, but WHO someone is." In hindsight, he was really describing
himself. Michael was one of the wisest, truly wisest, people I have
ever met, and believe me I have shared time with some very
interesting, educated, and accomplished people. But Michael...Michael
was a treasure. He was a treasure in his insights, his compassion, and
his understanding. He was a treasure in his commitments, his vision,
and in his values. And he was a treasure in his accomplishments and
his honesty--with himself and with the world. Michael did not have
much patience for hypocracy, nor hypocrites. He was a warrior for
justice and for those without a voice. With a subtle, yet
side-splitting, acerbic wit, he was true to himself and he lived in
truth. Most of all he TRULY made a difference in the world on the
small and large stage--he helped to change the world in so many
tangible ways while also making it a little bit better and kinder. He
left a legacy. Not many people can claim that! When that half way
point arrives in your dog's life and you begin to dread death's
onset, you can't imagine life without that incredible wonderful,
loving creature who you know, through thick or thin, will always be
there when you reach out. I know Michael will forgive me for the
comparison, but he was like that. What I am also trying to say is
that Michael was not even half way through his life!!! Two months ago
we spoke--I had a crisis--I brought home a new puppy that I couldn't
resist from a "pet store"--an impulse--after ten years of being
without a dog. I was panicked--what had I done?! Michael in his
inimitable honesty and patience and compassion put it all in
perspective and made me laugh. We relived old times as we always did,
and planned for new times. I have a hole in my heart for you Michael.
I will miss the years to come that we will never share and the
adventures that we will never weave. But I know you will always be
there for me and for the many people you loved and who loved you.
You will find a way to be there for us all as you always have been,
because that's WHO you are. And don't you worry about anything,
Michael; we will also be there for you. And Alex...Alex will be there
for you, incredibly strong and brave, as he has been for us all. You
are doing a brilliant job, Alex, of pulling together the pieces that
remain and holding them above the tide. The pieces will heal and grow
together, and we will be there for you too, supporting you and helping
you to carry on for us all. Thankyou Alex from the bottom of my heart.
And thank you Michael--for everything. Like the sun and the moon and
the stars -- I will love you forever and ever and always, Peg
Monique Milo 1681 days ago
Gina, Renee and family,
I did not know this news until yesterday and to say the least I am crushed to hear this.I lost contact with Mike many years back when I moved to Florida. We seemed though to remember each other on email from time to time. Well months back I emailed him and it bounced back. The same thing happened yesterday then I googled him to hear this horrific news. As I will always remember Mike for all the years in the 90's will be with such love and sweetness.His kindness and caring can never be replaced. A friend he will always be in my heart and I will see that smiling laughing face for the years to come.He holds a special place in my heart. He is the shining star above we all need to look to.Life as you can see can change in just a moment. I only wish I had spent more time with him and we hadnt drifted away and lost contact. I will though cherish so many precious moments we shared.
Monique
www.solarwindscats.com
I will be naming my show kitten in his memory.
SOLARWINDS TKTHLEAD
Alex Mike would be so happy to know you will carry on the kennel.
Gina and Renee be strong. He is in your hearts forever
Cynthia Mather 1331 days ago
I have known Michael it seems like forever. He was 15 when we met and became good friends for many years. Always a smile, offer of advice and sometimes fun and games. He is the Godfather of his namesake my son Michael. I too, had lost touch and was blown away when calling to say hello to an old and dear friend, was told by Alex the news of his death. Renee and Arlene my heart breaks for you. I don't know if you remember me but Michael was very special to me and I will miss him with all my heart. I wish I had kept in touch......