of West Orange, 66
Tireless advocate of the disabled
Basketball was not just a pastime – it was his life
Michael D. Lione, 66 of West Orange, N.J., passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2013. A memorial gathering to celebrate his life will be held at the Liberty Middle School gymnasium, 1 Kelly Dr. (off [Rte.10] Mt. Pleasant Ave.), West Orange, N.J., on Monday, June 17, 2013, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Born in San Antonio, TX, Mike lived for 14 years in Newark, N.J. before living in West Orange for the remainder of his life. He held a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Newark College of Engineering (NCE) N/K/A/ New Jersey Institute of Technology. He worked for over 30 years with Verizon (nee New Jersey Bell/Bell Atlantic) as an engineer and a manager within various departments throughout his career.
Mike was a polio survivor since age 2, and never allowed the polio to be an obstacle in his life. His ability to overcome the challenges of life in a wheelchair served as an inspiration to many who also used wheelchairs, and to more who did not.
Mike worked in several capacities to champion awareness of the challenges for the disabled. He was a member of the Board of Trustees on organizations such as the Community Health Law Project (CHLP), past President of Disabilities Issues Awareness Leaders (DIAL), an advocacy group for Verizon employees with disabilities. He was in the forefront of ADA Compliance issues. As President of DIAL he followed up on those issues. In 1978 he received the NJ Bell Citizen of the Year Award.
Mike developed an interest in basketball during his high school years. He began playing at 17 and his devotion to the game blossomed into a lifetime of basketball as a player, coach, creator, organizer, mentor and general manager. Some of the many teams and organizations include the NJ Wheelers, United Spinal Association (USA nee EPVA), NJ Blue Devils, Parsippany Elks Wheelers, Kessler Sports On Wheels, NAWAA (North American Wheelchair Athletic Association), EPVA/USA Nets, Jersey Shore Summer Basketball League. He was a member of the Olympics Torch Relay for the 2004 Summer Olympics.
A moment of silence will be observed on Monday July 1 at the opening of the 43rd season of the Jersey Shore Summer Basketball League to honor longtime coach of Larson Ford, Mike Lione. Mike coached for Larson from 1972 through 1993, winning 5 championships along the way. He then served as General Manager. In total Larson has won 10 championships in the League's 43 year history. Many Pro, future Pro and overseas players came through Mike's program in addition to Pro-Am Leagues and Tournaments over the years that are too numerous to mention. Larson Ford will dedicate this season to Mike's memory.
Mike is survived by his loving sister Mary Anne T. Lione of Long Valley, N.J., and was predeceased by his parents Michael and Olga C. Lione of West Orange, N.J. He will be missed by his family members and the most amazing group of friends anyone could ever hope to have.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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