Michael John Minicucci

Michael John Minicucci joined his Heavenly Father on November 21, 2012. Michael was born February 27, 1980 to Frank and Renee O'Connor Minicucci and grew up in Fairfax, VA. Michael is survived by his parents as well as his wife Taylor Laughlin Minicucci and beautiful infant daughter, Charlotte Mae. Michael is also survived by his sister, Kelly Minicucci and his grandmothers Mae Ann Minicucci and Dorothy Brenseke.

Michael was an accomplished athlete in high school. He qualified for a national three-point contest sponsored by Don Nelson, winning the competition in Las Vegas against contestants that included several who went on to play in the NBA. Since high school, golf has played a big part of Michael's life. Upon graduation in 1998, Michael moved on to a two-year stint on the Hooters Tour. He then became a teaching professional for the Academy of Golf Dynamics in Lakeway, TX until 2005 and was a three-time member of the professional team in the Hannon Cup matches. In 2006 he took a job in commercial real estate with Staubach Retail, where he met his wife Taylor.

Regaining his amateur status, Michael won the Texas Mid-Amateur Championship in September of 2010 and qualified for the USGA Mid-Amateur which took place in the Hamptons in New York. Locally, Michael had the pleasure to compete on the Austin team in the Rudy's I-35 Cup, defeating San Antonio. He also was a member of the winning team in the Texas Shootout in 2010. Michael won numerous other tournaments in the area and state. For the last two years, Michael and Taylor resided in Richmond, VA where he continued to work in real estate. As a member of the Kinloch Golf Club, Michael won the club championship each of the 2 years he was there. He also won the Richmond Golf Association Four-Ball Championship. Michael was able to top off his golf career with two rounds at Augusta this past spring.

Michael made friends everywhere he went. He had many close friends that he met through golf, several who are playing on the PGA tour today. He also had a cherished group of friendships he developed while in Austin in the real estate field. As the Austin American-Statesman wrote two years ago on Thanksgiving "Ask any local golfer, "Who is the best amateur in Austin?" and Minicucci's name will be on everybody's short list. Ask the same group, "Who are the truly good guys in Austin golf?" and Minicucci's name will again be at the top." The same held true in the Austin business community. Many of these individuals showed their respect and admiration for Michael by supporting a fund raiser spearheaded by his colleagues and friends designed to help with his medical bills early on. Funds from this effort continued to support Michael's cost of care through 2012.

Michael fought a battle with CNS Lymphoma for the past four years. Throughout that time, he maintained a positive outlook and attitude, placing his faith in Christ over medicine. Michael was a very strong person, one who found his strength in that faith. He shared his story with others, offering them words of encouragement and urging them all to "cherish everyday".

A memorial service celebrating Michael's life will be held at the Austin Stone Church – St John's campus on Monday, November 26 at noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 297153, Houston, Texas 77297.