My GOD. This is awful. There is really no other reason for this other than Michael's days were numbered and I am sorry I did not know what that number was so I could have taken the time to get to know this wonderful young man (my cousin) better. I truly believe that all of our days are numbered it would be much easier to know what that number was so we can take the time out of our so called "busy" schedules to get to know our families a little better, our friends a little better and other significant beings a little better. This is the time to be reminded that it is most important to let everyone in your life know exactly how you feel about them. Do not let a day go by without saying those words; otherwise you will never forgive yourself if your chance is eliminated by unfortunate times like this.
At a young age I moved away to make my place in this world and as I have I feel as if I have grown apart from my family missing out on special annual gatherings (Thanksgiving). Where everyone takes the special opportunity that was started by Nana and Squeaky to get together and catch up on everyone’s life. It has taken a terrible tragedy like this for me to realize that I have been extremely selfish in my own life to not take advantage of that time to get closer to my family. Although we have different lives and views we all share something much thicker and that is blood. I am kicking my own ass for this between the tears now. I do remember Jill beating the odds and with Ken's help having two of the most beautiful children. Those huge eyes. Before I moved away I attended the holiday gathering and remember these beautiful children running about with all of the other kids having the time of their life as I did in my early years with all of the kids my age or who is part of my generation. The fun we had. I just hope that even though the evening ended in tragedy that the time leading up was one of the most fun times Michael has ever had.
In reading the comments left on the Tracy Presses website I am obviously saddened by our loss but happy because Michael had such great friends. We already know he has a great family but great friends are hard to find. As Michael's friends remember him please do not allow you to rage because of the loss but celebrate his life. As the days pass remember the great young man that Michael was and know that we are all better for knowing him.
Marie, my prayers are with you. God may have one hand on you but remember our family is HUGE and all of our hands are on you as you pull through this.
Jill and Ken, I love you. May you find the strength to get through this. When you find yourself asking WHY try to remember that everyone is put into our life for a "reason", a "season", or for a "lifetime". Know that Michael was given to you for a "reason" and he will be remembered for a "lifetime".
XO
This amazing photo was taken by Gina Halferty and published by the Tri-Valley Herald
MICHAEL WILLIAM UCCI (OBITUARY)
On January 27, 2007, Michael William Ucci, age 17, died at the scene of an automobile accident in front of West High in Tracy, California. At the time of his death, he was a junior at West High and lived with his parents, Jill and Ken Ucci, and sister, Marie Ucci, in Tracy. Marie was seriously injured in the same accident and remains hospitalized.
Michael was born in Mountain View, California and during his lifetime resided in Morgan Hill and Tracy. He had attended Poet-Christian and Wanda Hirsch Elementary Schools, Williams Middle School and was a junior at Merrill F. West High School.
He was a bright young man with a promising future, held strong family values, had an exceptionally close relationship with his sister Marie, was athletic, a leader and loved by many. The outpouring community generosity and expression of what Michael meant to so many has been overwhelming and heartwarming to his family.
When he was a sophomore, Michael traveled to Holland with People to People International, where he played basketball on the USA team. Because of his academic and leadership skills, he was recently invited to be an ambassador to a National Leadership Conference in Washington DC to observe our federal government in action. He would have been most proud of this achievement and would have loved the journey. He was preparing for the SAT and very much looking forward to college and all the future might hold.
He played basketball through CYO and in high school. He was a member of FBLA, Future Business Leaders of America, and loved working out at the gym and going to Starbuck’s with his friends. He and Marie were more than siblings; they were best friends and constant companions. The affect he had on others is most evident through the many, many expressions on the internet – his SMILE was constant and contagious. He was a good friend to many. His father noted he was a “pied piper” of sorts – a happy individual who loved listening to and walking with others and led many. His mother believes he has a true gift in their lives.
Michael had a large family that was most important to him. From his grandparents to the youngest cousins, he embraced them all and loved the family traditions. One of his favorite traditions was vacationing every summer with his cousins at Sveadal. In addition to his parents, Jill and Ken Ucci and his sister, Marie, he is survived by his grandmother, Donna Manfre’ of Watsonville, numerous aunts and uncles and many, many cousins – to whom he was very close. Predeceased grandparents include Sebastian and Mary Ucci who were from San Jose and Bill Manfre’ of Watsonville. His life will be celebrated in Tracy and he will lay in rest in Watsonville.
Contributions in memory of Michael
It is preferred that contributions in the name of Michael be directed to:
West High Leadership Class 1775 W. Lowell Avenue Tracy, CA 95376
or to:
St. Bernard’s New Church 163 W. Eaton Avenue Tracy, CA 95376
MESSAGES FROM OUR VISITORS
SEE BELOW AND PLEASE FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL YOUR OWN MESSAGE TO jason@jasonsilva.com AND I WILL POST IT FOR YOU.
THANKS!
THANKS!
Monday, January 29, 2007
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8 comments:
I knew mike since 7th grade. I remember always a bunch of us going up to him and we were kidding around. Mike, we'll always remember you and you'll be forever in our hearts.
My prayers goes to the UCCI family and as well for Bret's family and Justin's family as well.
R.I.P Michael Ucci. We love you
Mike was a great and loyal friend. i don`t know anyone who ever hated Mike. I knew Mike since Freshmen year at west high. and it was my first day there. and Mike was nice enough to show me to my classes and to answer any of my questions. I enjoyed my friendship with Mike. everyone did. and to hear the loss of this great guy is total sadness. Mike was the nicest guy ever and a great friend.. We All love you Mike Ucci. you will always be in our hearts.
"we lost a great friend, but gained a one of a kind Angel.
mike was in my 1st period math class. he was such a nice person and a friend. he was mostly the only one who asked my teacher to explain over and over till he understood. he always had a smile on his face and always put one on others...mike i will always look at your seat you sat on and always miss u....rest in peace
Another angel is among us. I can't sympathize enough for the tragic accident your family has encured. I didn't know any of the teens but I can relate as I have teens myself. Life is so precious, and as we all want to blame, we have to forgive and have peace in knowing that the lives that are taken from us are in a safe and beautiful place. My deepest thoughts and sympathy to the families of these precious children. Mike Ucci rest in peace, as you were loved and will always be in our hearts. :'(
Wow. With regard to some of the postings on the Tracy Press website. I am amzaed at how heartless people can be during such a tragedy. This is not the time for pointing fingers. Take this time to pray for the familes and friends of the individuals involved that they will be strong. Pray for the injured that have survived this accident that they will recover and go on to lead meaningful lives. RIP in Michael. I did not know you or your friends, but you obviously touched a great many lives while you were here. God Bless all who have been affected by this tragedy.
Our family would like to send our condolences to the Ucci family.
My son Kris has played basketball with Mike since the CYO days at St. Bernards. We got to know Mike and his family over these past 8 years. They are a great family with a hugh loss in it now due to Mike's death, but I also know that this family will be ok, they are a loving and very close family.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Marie we wish you a speedy recovery, that is what Mike would want!
To the families of the other kids, you to are also in our thoughts and prayers. Stay stong and tell you kids to keep fighting, we are all thinking of you and hoping for the best.
Hug your kids and tell them you love them!
The Beck Family
God please continue to look over Mike Ucci and the other passengers involved in Saturday's accident. My heart and prayers go out to their friends and familes.
After losing my own son, Tony Crable (January 15, 2006 also from an accident), we found comfort being with our friends and family. When we lose someone we love, the loss seems too great to bear. God sends us friends to comfort us to show that he deeply cares. Let them be there for you.
Don't cry because God has decided he needed Mike with him, smile because he was here with you. Let the memories fill your hearts instead of sorrow. Share stories to help mend your hearts.
Love from the "ETC" Family (Elaine/Tony/Colt)
I am one of the security guards at West High. I'm so deeply saddened by this horrible tragedy. My heart and prayers go out to these precious children and their families. God bless,Godspeed to all.
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