In Loving Memory of...Michael (Mike) William Ucci1989-2007: From Catrina Nicolaysen

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.

Friday, February 9, 2007

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.