8/17/45 – 11/9/17
Mike fought a valiant fight with prostate cancer and later succumbed to brain cancer with glioblastoma.
A native Californian, he was born and raised in Bell, California. He attended the University of Southern California where he received his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in education. At the age of 23, he began his teaching career at Charter Oak Unified School District, in Covina, California. Mike taught at Royal Oak High School for 17 years and then at Charter Oak High School for 19 years. He taught Honors History, English, P.E., and coached Basketball and Tennis. He was the voice of the Chargers, where he announced many of the high school football games. He also coached his youngest son in Little League.
In addition, Mike was involved in the Baccalaureate program at the high school. His greatest joy was teaching and preparing his students to become responsible adults.
He enjoyed many sports and was an enthusiastic USC and Dodger fan. Always wanting to expand his knowledge, he became interested in the stock market and real estate. Mike was an avid reader on many subjects especially history.
Michael married the love of his life, Kathleen, in 1969 and they were married for 48 years. Before they began dating Mike and Kathy made their first communion at age seven at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Maywood, California. Later they both received their confirmation at the same time. They finally met in 1966 and married 3 years later.
They were blessed with three children Michael, Annette (Kling), and Christopher. Annette and Jay are the parents of grandsons, Dylan and Kyle. Mike is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Linda Mandala of Williamsburg, Virginia and his niece Nicole.
Mostly he loved being with and spending time with Kathy and his family. He was a true family man and a gentleman. His philosophy on life was to treat everyone with respect, kindness and love.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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