I am sorry to learn of Mike’s passing no matter how late I am to the news. Mike and I were roommates and teammates at GCU. One day he told me what it was like to be Homecoming King. lol. Great guy.

Mike was an elementary classmate of mine along with Rusty at Spiceland elementary.  We played sports together at recesses.
In high school; Mike we a starting guard with Shenadoah H.S. and I was a starting guard with Tri Hi High School. We were very competitive against each other. I am sorry for your lost. If possible; tell Rusty I said "Hi"
thank you
Steve Bridges

It is so bittersweet to see the news of Mike Reno's passing. While I am saddened for his family's loss at his relatively youthful passing, I am pleased to see that he lived such a full and happy life doing what he loved. Mr. Reno was an influential figure in my childhood. While I attended Spitalny Elementary School, I knew Mr. Reno as a P.E. teacher and then soccer coach. He was always positive and encouraging, but with soccer he also had to be extraordinarily patient because none of us knew what we were doing. Soccer was such a new sport to American culture then and I remember watching instructional videos of Pele in the cafeteria. I don't know who was more impressed with Pele, me or my dad. I played on teams coached by Mr. Reno for 3-4 years while my folks' marriage was dissolving. Unknowingly, Mike Reno became a surrogate father figure to me, offering the constancy of male role modeling that I needed. At practice, I got consistent messages of "work hard," "you can do it," and "trust your teammates." I still remember breathing in the dust of those dry fields and the "cold" (I live in CT now) of night games. I was never a strong athlete, but I learned to love sports in part due to Mr. Reno. I moved to Tucson with my mother and brother before sixth grade, but I have always remembered those teams. They are a beautiful part of my childhood that I can feel to my bones. I have two children, the first heading to college in a week. I'm a successful father and I attribute some of that to the kindness and dedication of Mike Reno. May he rest in peace.

"Mr. 13", so many great memories at Spitalny. You both are my family & Gracie too (a sister to Scholar). I feel as though I have lost a brother. Mike made life fun. His smile, laugh, wisdom, advice, expressions, his concern & care for others, he was tough, but gentle. He made you feel safe & warm (warm being when he lent me his sweatshirt on a very unusual windy day during recess duty, which by the way, smelled amazingly good "). He was always joking & finding the positive in things. Master at his craft, awesome role model, setting boundaries for students, & always there as a mentor. He helped kids get motivated & improve their skills. I will honor Mike's memory with my trophies that were won by my class & retired with me, when I left Spitalny for Flag War & Dodge Ball. Thanks for the tremendous memories that make my life better: dressing as a nurse on Nurses Day; Mike & Marsha switching roles/outfits when the students reached an AR goal; his Goldwing; him trying to get my snack hat during spirit week; the walking program; field day; awards given to students at the end of the year; district track meets; the time he hid my class when I went to pick them up; "Mr. 13" license plate; his story telling; his presence, MAN ON CAMPUS; his deep voice, never needing a microphone; his love for my dear friend Marsha, when at our back to school meeting at Luby's, he announced he had asked his best friend to marry him & you said yes! Watching your wedding on the baseball field. These and so many more fantastic memories have made my life enriched. You both are cherished so deeply, I love you so much. Thank you for the part of my heart that is filled with love, laughter & joy that has been placed there by both of you. My prayers are with you for strength during this time. Our lives are better because of the way Mike lived.               Jean Swanger (Collins) Phoenix, AZ

Marsha and Cam....It was so wonderful to see you both a few weeks back.....enjoyed reminiscing with Mike and really appreciated his remembrances of working  together....such wonderful memories from the Spitalny Haunted House and his words of wisdom in warranted situations. God keep you in His care.

 Mike's name is always at the top of the list of the people I call my friends.  At Spitalny, I was always able to count on Mike when I asked him to help any of my students who needed some extra attention and encouragement.  One of my favorite memories of Mike is when he would give me a hug.  It was always genuine, and boy, he smelled so good! Marsha, you and Mike's family are in my prayers.  May you find comfort in the belief that he will be watching over you from where he is now.

Mike and i went way back to the 19 70's  when his ex-wfe introduced us and started playing softball. He slways had a big smile we grew so close that we were like brothers. He was an excellent athelete. He never put anyone down rather tried to lift everyone's  spirits up. No matter what he did he was good at. Knowing him you couldn't  help but like him. He made everyone feel like family. You will be missed but not forgotten  my friend. I just wish i had known you were ill to have been there for you.

We haven't been in contact for some time but you were brought into many conversations with our crossing paths. We were on many a field together and spent time out on the road. You were a true friend and I am grateful for your part in my being wed to my beautiful bride to this day. Rest In Peace my good friend...you will be missed.

Marsha and family,
     Throughout our many years as friends and colleagues at Spitalny School, I seldom remember a time that Mike didn't have a smile on his face.  I guess some of my fondest memories of those times are the get-togethers at each other's houses, the jokes and the laughter, and of course, his nurse costume that he wore on Halloween.   It took a good half hour for me to get my class settled down and back to work after they viewed Mr. Reno in his nurse's outfit.  I must say, I got a pretty good chuckle out of it, too.
     There are no words to express how sorry I am for your loss.  Hold on to all the wonderful memories, and they will see you through.
     The world was a better place because he was here.  Now, heaven is a better place because he is there.
     My sincere condolences,

Cousin Mike is one heck of a guy. Someone I could always look up to. Weekends playing ball with Rusty, Mike, Jeff, and Robbie was always the best of times. We will do it all again one day. Rest easy Mike. You deserve it. Thanks for all the times you picked me to be on your team, when I clearly wasn't the best choice. See you soon. Save me a place on your team.

Mr. Reno...my PE teacher from Spitalny.  flag war, field days, track and super track.. running our laps after our exercise and he and Ms Fike there with their stopwatches to catch our times :) they were my PE teachers from 1st to 6th grade in the 80's and early 90's.  When my kids tell me their PE stories I love to compare them to mine.  They play a game that to us was called flag war and I tell them to tell their PE teacher that the name of the game is flag war and it's been flag war since I was little lol ! He was a great man and loved to wear his Bike shorts in those days  I think of those days often and always wonder how they are doing now He was a great man who had such a positive impact on all of us kids. RIP Mr Reno.. praying for the family

Mr. Reno is one man I'll never forget... such a sweet person and boy could he make you sweat!! I always looked forward to PE where he made us race and do pull ups and play dodge ball!! May he forever rest in paradise

Mike married my best friend and always made her happy and has loved her most of his life.  When we last talked, which was a couple of days before the Lord took him, he said be sure and look after my love Marsha when I'm gone. He was more than a great man, he was a loving and caring husband and Father.  Remember life is short, so love, laugh, and enjoy each other as Mike did.  We will miss you.

Reno was the best man I have ever known!
Dance like you have never danced before my friend.
XXOO

I love you My Buddy. I thank God for 30 years of memories.  May you rest in peace and I'll see you someday

Marsha, Cameron, and Michael-
We are praying for you all.  And for God's peace and comfort during this difficult time!

Mike was the type of man that other men looked up to and women new they could be themselves around. You were instantly a friend and in his inner circle. He Loved me like a brother & the feeling was mutual. You will be missed and always in our thoughts Mr.13 God Bless You May You Rest In Peace. Love You Marsha & Family.  T.J.

IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY FOR EARLY TIMES..

So sorry to hear about Mike.  I graduated with your aunt Debbie in 1973, so I have known the Renos for years.  God bless your family in these hard times.

We watched Mike play basketball at Shenandoah his entire career and enjoyed every moment.  So sorry for your loss. May God cover you with his grace at this time.

Jim & Paula Ramsey

Is this the Mike Reno that played softball in Phoenix in the 70's and 80's? At one time had the nickname "Bear".

I am so sorry to learn of Mikes passing. I met him when our schools consolidated when we were in tenth grade at Shenandoah High School. One thing I will always remember about Mike is his smile and his great sense of humor! Peace be wi th you all!

A great friend and always the teacher. You will be missed.

I'm so very glad to have had the opportunity to work with Mike at Spitalny Elementary School. What a character and prankster! Mike always had a smile on his face and was willing to help anyone out. What a great guy...you will truly be missed, Mike.

So many fond memories of Mr. Reno from my Spitalny days!! Wishing you all strength and peace during this most difficult time.

In memory of great teamwork.

Ron & Barbara Beltran
(Raleigh, NC)

Thank you Mr. Reno for the great memories. My sister and I were students of yours back in the early 80's. We offer our condolences. 

Samuel D Melvin

OBITUARY

Michael Reno

March 19, 1952 – October 12, 2016

West Resthaven Funeral Home & Resthaven Park Cemetery

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