From Jennifer Ferguson

I used to baby-sit the Mike and Marie years ago. They were both angels. I can’t believe this has happened I remember them running around and playing in their front yard. It just seems like yesterday, Mike has such an amazing sprit. I am so glad that he had made such an impact at his school; I have read the articles in the paper. Jill and Ken you must be so proud of the amazing young man you have raised.

Jill, Ken and Marie you are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that god wraps all of you in his peace and comfort. He will sustain you!

Love, Jennifer Ferguson

From The Chuck Manfre Family

All the things we learned from Michael. Michael may not be with us physically, but there is a part of him that’s been past on to every one of us. This can be best explained by telling you all the things we learned from Mike. First and most notable would be Michael’s SMILE. A smile so warm it went straight to your heart. A smile that truly showed that he was happy to see you. A smile, shining like sunlight coming into a room. The HUGS!!! We can’t even begin to explain how meaningful his hugs were. It wasn’t one of those hugs that said, “Hi how are you doing.” Michael’s hugs were full of unconditional love. A hug that showed, you really meant something to him.

Mike lived his life, which most people could only strive for. He has mastered the ability to lead through example. To accept every person for whom they were and see the kindness and good in them. Never asking for anything in return. He was the definition of teammate, not only in sports but also in life; to always give whatever he could to make others better, to stand by your side through highs and lows, to have the ability to rally when times got rough, by just being himself.

To pass so much goodness on to all of us is almost impossible, only Mike could do this. He gave us a gift that can only be described as priceless. Every life he touched he gave a piece of his sunshine and we all know it. He achieved so much. He was not only an inspiration but a natural leader.

He and “Baba” shared many of the same traits and now their hanging out together looking out for us, waiting until the time we all reunite. All Mike’s qualities have touch each and every one of us. He will be part of us and future family members forever. We love you and will miss you Mike.

Uncle Chuck, Aunt Sandy, Matt, Sean & Monique, Jay & Steve

From Uncle Mike & Auntie Sandi

Michael was our nephew and also our Godson. We were so honored when Ken and Jill asked us to be Michael's Godparents. He always held a special place in our hearts and will continue to hold that special place.

We feel so blessed to have had him in our lives for the short time he was here. He was such a happy, carefree little boy and he could always put a smile on our faces. We are so proud of the young man he turned out to be.

We will miss you deeply Mikey and we love you so very much. Be happy until we meet again. We love you, Uncle Mike and Auntie Sandi

From Freiler Staff Members

Our deepest sympathy goes to Michaels family. We are all very saddened by his tragic and untimely passing. Michael attended our school, Art Freiler his 6th grade year. Next year our school is putting in a newly developed quad area and we are selling bricks to Freiler families for engraving. One of our teachers has organized a pool for the staff so we can contribute money to purchase a brick in Memory of Michael Ucci. We hope the family can get through this with love and wonderful memories. May god bless Michael and his family. Sincerely, Freiler Staff Members

From Catrina Nicolaysen

Wow, words cannot explain how much Mike meant to me. I was and still am blessed to have him as a friend. I considered him my best friend. He knew everything about me. We could talk hours on end about anything and everything and not get tired of each other. Mike and I got very close over the past year. He was my support system. Everyday I wake up wishing and praying that I will see him at school. It was a daily routine to get a big hug from Mike and then walk together to first period and to second period. Our classrooms were next door to each other. Walking by his class gives me the chills. Knowing I will never see his beautiful smile or hear his wonderful laugh brings tears to my eyes. Lunch will never be the same either. He would always, oddly, drive right behind me. Seeing Mike jump in his seat to wave to me with his music blaring always made me smile. He always knew just what to do or say to make me laugh. Sometime I look through my text messages to read some of my saved ones from him. They were always so cute. My father was in the hospital one day and I was extremely afraid. Mike hadn’t known my father then, but he would call me everyday to see how my dad was and how I was feeling. He always wanted to help. He made me feel better just by listening to me and reassuring me that my dad will be okay. Since we talked everyday, we ended up talking about what we wanted to do when we got older. He mentioned being a plastic surgeon and I was going to be a chef. We promised each other that he would give me lips and he would eat at my restaurant for free. I’m still expecting him to fulfill his promise. I’m sure one day my lips will magically appear larger, so I’m waiting anxiously for that day. It’s so surreal knowing he won’t be at the basketball games sitting with me. If we weren’t sitting together we would catch up after the game and go out to eat or just drive around. We could have a blast just listening to music as we drove randomly. Since we are both Italian, we would find ourselves always going to dinner. Over the summer, I was in Italy for a month, he was so jealous of me, but also very happy for me. I remember buying a phone card, just so I could talk to him. I sent him post cards and brought him home a gift. He was so appreciative. He ended up taking me out to dinner in return. Surprisingly we went to olive garden. He ordered his favorite, steak gorgonzola fettuccini with a sprite. I still to this day, remember that night. It is one of my fondest memories that I will always cherish. We planned to always stay close so our kids would be best friends also. I love him so much. He was a one in a million guy. Mike was very respectful to everyone. He made every girl feel beautiful and good about herself. Mike was raised by great parents, Jill and Ken, whom I adore. He will never be forgotten. R.I.P BABY! I will never forget you, you are my everything. God Bless.

BLOOD DRIVE

Delta Blood Bank is holding a blood drive today, Friday 2/9, from 2-7:30 pm.

West High (Mike's High School)
1775 W. Lowell Avenue (cafeteria)
Tracy, CA

Call 209-831-5430 for more information

*Valid ID is required

From Rob Burn

Mike. Why did you have to go so soon ? I have so many questions as to why this happened to you but i'm left with nothing. just blank answers. When we met, I was about to leave high school while you were just entering in the gates of adulthood. I remember looking at you smile and I would thinking to myself " how could someone ever be so happy to be here?", but then I realized you weren't just happy to be at school with all of your friends but you were happy to be young and alive. I can't remember one day that I didn't see your smile. You knew the true meaning of happiness and what life was all about. That's the only reason I can think of why you were taken away from us. You knew that one secret to life that everyone spends their whole lives trying to find out. I admit that i didn't know you as well as I wish I did. But I'm glad. Glad that when people mention your bright smile, I remember what it was like to see. Or when they mention your laugh I can hear it in my memories. Goodbye Mike. I hope you are smiling and laughing like you spent much of your time down here doing....wait...what am i saying good bye for? we will meet again. Not down here but up there.. where you are. In the presence of God and in the heavenly clouds that surround you. You will Never be Forgotten.

From Nancy Touma

I read Michael Ucci's story on a friend's webpage and have to say that I was touched. Michael Ucci's death has brought tears to my eyes and I want to give my deepest condolonces to everyone who was affected especially his family. I lost a friend in a car accidient also and I cannot begin to say how much it hurts to go through a loss of a loved one. A very important person once told me that with every bad comes a good and its unfortunate that this had to happen but Michael is free from this world now, he's the lucky one. He now enjoys the rest of his life in heaven with all the other saints and angels and even though it saddens me, I still am happy for him as all should be. We all should remember that God does everything for a reason and even though no one may clearly understand the reason now, I'm sure everyone will know soon. I pray for the family and pray that all will find happiness soon. God rest his soul. You've touched my heart Michael Ucci without even knowing.

From Jeff & Damian Gray

We do not know the families that have been involved in this tragic accident. The only connection would be having children of our own. Our hearts have been so heavy. Our family has experienced a lot of loss in our life time, but I can honestly say none compares to what these families must be going through. Our prayers are with them. Do not let Mike Ucci's death and the injuries to Bret, Marie, and Justin be in vane. Honor them every time you get into a car. Help prevent something like this from happening again. From what we understand these four kids were good friends and this tragedy has been called an "accident". Be there for each of them when they need you. Not only will they all have physical healing to endure but emotional healing as well, as you all do. God bless you all.

Jeff & Damian Gray

From Chunpreet Basra

Michael William Ucci.Do you remember when we saw the Persuit of Happyness? Do you remember what we promised? We promised each other that no matter what happened, we would be happy. We would be as happy as they were in the film, as they were in real life. We would live happily forever, and no one would, or could tell us otherwise. Right now, I don`t know how happily I can live. Without you, it`s so hard. I`m afraid to be happy. I`m afraid that if I live happily, I`ll forget all about you. I`m so afraid, Michael. I was always happy, especially with you. Just seeing you, even without a hello, was just enough for my days. We used to talk so much. Our cousins both thought, just from a mere photograph, that we were a couple. It was such a scandalous moment, and we had so much fun making jokes from that. You`d always call me Moon Love, just because you loved the fact that it`s what my name meant. You were also my 1st New Years text for this year. I yelled out to you outside like an idiot when the new year came. I remember when we talked about our careers... what we wanted to be when we were older. We both wanted to be lawyers. I will keep pursuing my goal to be a lawyer for myself, but I will work even harder for you, Mike. You also used to be part of my daily routine. School days, I`d see you about 7-8 times a day, and then we`d text each other. Weekends, you were usually busy, but you still had time just to talk to me. Now I don`t see you anywhere. I search for you, only to find nothing. I`m afraid to go to basketball games because I know I won`t see you there. I`m afraid to look at your seat in human geography. I`m afraid to get into our usual group in human geography that included you, me, Jassy[chyea!] and Danielle[aka the Hippie]. I`m afraid to walk towards the spot where I always find you before heading to the parking lot to go home. I`m afraid of living happily without you, but if I don`t live happily, I know you`ll be angry with me and call me "jerkface." It`s just, I don`t want to forget you if I do live happily. That`s what`s really making me scared, but I know that I won`t forget. Your memories are my memories, and that`s why they`ll live forever. I miss you so much. I love you Michael. You`ll be in my heart forever. The boy whose smile snatched my heart. -Chunpreet Basra [aka Moon Love]

From The Montalbo Family

Ken, Jill & Marie, We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Mike. Jill, I(Stacey) remember growning up with your sister Chrissy and always thinking what a beautiful smile you had. You obviously past that smile on to your beautiful son. My son Connor had the pleasure of getting to know your children at Sveadal with Matt. He feels so blessed to have known Mike, and thought he was a great person. Your family is in our thoughts and prayer everyday. Hold on tight to the wonderful memories with Mike and remember he is always right there in your heart. Marie we hope you recover quickly and maybe Connor will get up there to see ya with Matt. God bless you all, Aaron, Stacey, Brittany & Connor Montalbo(Molina)

From Farah Haseq

R.I.P. Mike Ucci...Even if I didnt know you, I wish I did. You are such a great person in every way. I wish I knew you because everybody says that you are such a great best friend and you were friends with everybody and anybody...even if you didnt know them at all...If I knew you, I know we could have been the best of friends. You made everyone smile even for no reason...I wish I had a best friend like that...But now your in such a better place than here...In Heaven, you dont have to worry about anything...Heaven has everything that you could ask for...Every night and day I pray for you that God and His angels are protecting you in every way...You're the BEST angel/guardian angel up there, Mike!! Show the world whats missing!! I swear I would give up anything just to have you back here with us...I wish that God had the power to bring you back here...In West High...with your family...with us...I wish...One day we will all be up there with you and we will have the best time ever!! GOD BLESS YOU MIKE UCCI!!!! I am also praying day and night that Bret, Marie, and JUstin all feel better soon...Stay strong guys!!! May God and His angels protect all four of you in every way!!!
Yours Truly,
Farah Haseq

From Angel Custodio

Although I haven't known Mike as long as most of the people on here.. Mike was truly a blessing to my life. The first time I met him.. I knew i'd never forget him because of his remarkable trademark smile. The smile that could shine on anyone's bad day. Seeing him once or twice, or just random times around, there was never a day where I wouldn't see him happy. Me & Mike had a few inside jokes here and there, although it wasn't much, it was still something I could cherish for a lifetime. I knew that it was something that only him & I could laugh at and no one else would understand.. Mike was a wonderful young man and no one on this earth, could ever replace the happiness that he's brought into each of our lives.. Especially mine.

Even though we are left here, with the wonders of why his time had to end so soon.. We have to be strong, and know that everything happens for a reason. We should all be living testimonies for Mike. Pass on his wonderful attitude to the rest of the world. Even though he doesn't remain here w/ us, look deep into your heart, and he'll be there. God gave him talents, faith, and the attitude that deserved to be shared with all the people that surrounded him. I believe, that his mission was accomplished. There would've been no better time to take him. God brings people into this world, and he brings them out.. Most, at unexspected times. But at these times, is when our faith is tested the most. We must remain courageous, and bring joy to the world, just as Mike did for us..

Waking up every morning.. Being reminded of the pain that's been set upon me.. Makes me not wanna wake up at all. But knowing the fact that he's in a better place, gives me the strength to get up and face the world, just as he would face it too. We are all left bewildered to such things that happen to such great people.. But EVERYTHING happens for a reason. I know for a fact, that Mike was a reason were all living.. To his family and close friends, My prayers are with you all. He touched all of our lives, and that gorgeous smile will leave an imprint on my heart forever. To Bret, Marie, & Justin, you are courageous people, and living testimonies.. You are here for a reason, and may God continue to bless you..

Thank you Mike, for the joy, cheer, and comfort you've brought to my life. I wish God would've given me the time to know you more, but I am so thankful for the time that he did give me. I wouldn't trade it for the world..

God bless you all,
Angel Custodio

From Sylvia Belmontes

To the Ucci family,my heart goes out to you and I will continue to pray for each and everyone of you. I too lost my parents in a car accident and I know how painful it is to accept such a tragedy. You will go through so many emotions and it is all normal. When you feel like crying, cry.The memories you have of your beautiful child will never leave you. You will never forget this sad moment, but I can tell you time heals. Stay strong, your son would have wanted that. Love Sylvia Belmontes

From Lynette Jones

Please let the Ucci Family know that even in this most devestating time Mike is in the best place he could be Heaven. God needed an angel. His sister and family are in my prayers. I don't know them, I live in tracy and drive by the HS and that is how I found out what had happened. I am very sorry for your family's loss. Mike is looking down upon you guys and he is at peace. God's Grace Saves My Soul,Lynette Jones

From Mike & Debbie Ciulla (cousin)

Dear Family,
Please know that our hearts and prayers go out to you. Nancy Vinciguerra contacted us on Wednesday and told us of your great loss. We send all our sympathy and prayers for the strength of God to overpower you in the days ahead. There really is no greater comfort than God Himself in times like these.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Marie also, as she fights back to health and wholeness. May you know the great love of God Almighty through the family and friends He has brought alongside.
Sincerely, Mike and Debbie Ciulla, Boise, Idaho (cousin of Ken Ucci)

From Erin Latour

Hello, My name is Erin, and I am also from Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. I'm a cousin of Justin Baker. What happend that night was very unfortunate and no one should have to deal with that. I don't know Mike personally, but by reading some of the coments that friends & family left him, I know for a fact he was a great guy. We see these tragedies all the time, and we don't realize that it could happen to one of us. Take the time to tell the people you care about how important they are to you. Justin, I know it's been a few years since I've seen you, or talked to you for that matter, but I love you and I miss you sooo much. To everyone who has been affected by this, you're all in my prayers. I wish the best of luck with everything in the future, and to the the Ucci family, everything will be alright. He's looking down and smiling right now because he can see everyone who loves him. Stay strong & God Bless. Erin <3

UPDATE FROM FAMILY

The services for Michael have not yet been arranged. As soon as they are we will be letting people know so they can make whatever plans they need to make. Thanks for all your care, concern, support and love. The Ucci family appreciate it. At the moment they do not need food, etc as there is plenty. Your prayers and positive thoughts will help with the long term process of grief and healing. The family will read whatever is sent to them, with the suggestion that whatever is sent is to their home. Many thanks to all during these difficult days ahead.

From Shay & Shelby St. Louis

Hi,

Our names are Shay and Shelby St.Louis. Were from Cornwall Ontario. Our cousine Justin Baker was involve in the accident that took place. Eventhough she will make a full recovery, we would like to offer are sympathy to Mike's family. Even though we don't know him, he was a friend of our cousines and this is not something that shoud happen to anyone. Especially at such a young age. However we would like to offer are consolidation to Mike's family in this devastating lost. We will pray for Mike and his family. And for everyone else who was affected by this. Just stick together and stay strong. Many prayers are being said for you!

All the way from Cornwall,

Sincereley ,

Shay And Shelby St.Louis

From Jahmae Patague

Every morning since the accident I have waken up struggling to face that Mike is really gone. It`s hard to believe, in fact..it seems so unreal. I guess the hardest part of understanding & coping through this all is simply because Mike was such a great guy. He had the personality that made everyone feel like life was worth living. He was always smiling, always laughing, and always cracking jokes. He knew how to have fun, & still stay focused on his priorities. I had Mike in my 6th period class. We sat next to eachother first semester, & he sat behind me in second semester...although i only met him this year, Mike talked to me as if we knew eachother forever. Despite having to walk around campus hearing about what happened, or seeing pictures posted of him everywhere...what hurts the post is having to face the fact that Mike Ucci will be marked absent for the rest of this school year. I have to admit that this whole thing has definitely been a wake up call. We`re all struggling to find the answers to our questions, wondering why Mike`s life had to end so soon & why things had to happen this way. But just remember, Mike`s in a better place now...he`s in the safest place he can ever be in. Just remember if you find yourself really struggling, there`s a God who promised he`d never forsake us. Trust me on this, God didn`t mean for this to happen so we can suffer in pain... our answers to our questions aren`t being answered so quickly, but I believe God will continue to reveal himself as the days go by. Heaven is soo lucky to have another angel, & even tho Mike isn`t here with us physically, he`s with us spiritually...& everyday he`s watching over us smiling like he always did. Let`s do the same & smile back... cause if anything, the least Mike would want is for us to be happy. Someday...we`ll meet again. Rest in Peace Mike Ucci. You`re forever LOVED & MISSED =) PS- Drive safe, do it for Mike. ...To Bret, Marie, & Justin... stay strong & know you`ve got millions of people praying for you all. Love you & hope to see you soon.

From Diana Duran

Mike was like no one I had ever met before. I met him last summer and I only knew him for a few weeks, and in that small amount of time, he had such an impact on my life. I have never met anyone who was always smiling like him and who always made your day better just by talking to you. I can't imagine the kind of pain his family is going through, but my condolences goes out to them. The thought of not being able to see him or talk to him anymore is unbelievable, and the pain is unbearable. It still hasn't hit me yet; I keep hoping that none of this is true, but it is, unfortunately. It seems like we take special people like him for granted everyday, and we do. I know that this is showing us that we should appreciate everyone special in our lives and to tell them we love them everyday. It's unfortunate that we had to lose someone so dear to all of us to show us what we should have known all along. Mike will always be in our hearts and we will miss him greatly.

Diana Duran

From Mary Ellen Martinez (Mama)

Dear Jill and Ken,

My heart goes out to you in leaps and bounds, to you sweet Jill, we as moms know that there is no greater love than the love we have for our children, for it was that we got to know them before they were born, and what I can only imagine in the most exagerated sense of the word could not even compare to what you are going through, I am thankful that through Colby (Martinez) Connor, Morris and I have been able to share in a friendship with you and your family, and the precious moments spent with you and Mike getting lost oh so lost trying to find my house to pick Marie up the first time, and I recall Mike didn't mind how lost you guys were, "he was driving" it was a classic moment the grinn he had from ear to ear as you were telling the story....

Mike such a loving and compasionate young man who touched all who he came in contact with daily, only represents the comfort he dwelled in and the kind and loving mother, father and a sister in Marie who adored him just the same.

Allthough you having to leave us so soon it brings me great comfort to know that you are now in the site of God himself, and a reminder that the precious gift of life that God gaves us he can easily take away for this we should never take a moment for granted. Mike I promise that the next time we go to Pier 39, Colby, Connor, Marie, Morris and I, we will take you with us. Mike, I can promise you that Colby will always make sure the way that you did that Marie will be ok... My sweet sweet Marie, we love you and you need to stay strong and endure the road ahead because God has chosen you for a very special reason and your life from here on will prove that there is a God and Mike will be so proud to see and watch over you at the right hand of God our Father.

Remember that it may not seem so now but just know that there will come a time that you will be able to laugh and smile again and it will be ok to do.... the loss you feel now will become loving memories of who he was and how he will live on in all the lives and hearts that he touched.

We will pray for not only your physical recovery but the recovery of your hearts and souls to mend.

We send you all our love, prayers, and incouragment,
Colby, Connor, Morris and I and baby too!.

P.S. Marie you have to get well soon you said that you and Colby would babysit one day, you promised and I will hold you to it..,,,, I've sent some pictures so that Mike can take a peek at that fun we had at Pier 39....And we will do it again!!!

Love you and miss you,
Mary Ellen Martinez (Mama)

From Natalie Rigor

I came across Michaels story on-line and was so touched with sadness, although I did not know this young man and his family please send my prayers to them for the strength to get through this loss. I have a son who is a freshman in college and in the last 2 years he has lost a few friends from his High School and it is just devastating. My families love and prayers are with the Ucci family.

Thank you

From Sheri Savage

My heart is heavier than normal knowing another Tracy family has to go through such devastation. Our world turned upside down on Feb. 25th, 2006 when my daughter Kelly, age 22, was killed on Tracy Blvd. Her little Honda was hit head on by a young man driving an SUV who decided to run a red light. I am so very sorry your family and this world has lost yet another very special young person due to another senseless accident. My thoughts have been with your family and friends every day since the accident. What helped me get through the first several weeks was taking lots of deep breaths, forcing myself to eat something and I tried to only concentrate on what I had to do for the day to get through. The rest is too overwhelming.

From Rebeca Enzaldo

MIKE WAS ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING GUYS I HAVE EVER MET, I DIDNT KNOW MARIE BUT IF SHE IS RELATED TO HIM SHE MUST BE AS GREAT AS HE WAS. HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED BY ALL, AND I HOPE SHE GETS BETTER SOON. TO THE FAMILY, MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND I HOPE YOU REMEMBER WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS IN JOHN 5:28,29 - THE TIME WILL COME WHEN ALL THOSE WHO ARE IN THE MEMORY OF GOD WILL HEAR HIS VOICE AND COME OUT. THE BIBLE TALKS ABOUT DIFFERENT PEOPLE WHO WERE RESURECTED BY JESUS IN THE PAST TO ONCE AGAIN JOIN THEIR FAMILIES AND AS YOU CAN TELL BY THIS TEXT GOD PROMISES TO DO IT AGAIN IN THE FUTURE WHERE, LIKE REVELATIONS 21:4 SAYS, THERE WILL BE NO MORE DEATH OR SUFFERING OR PAIN, THESE THINGS WILL BELONG TO THE PAST.