Story and photos by Julie Carasone
What was originally a fundraiser to help raise money for Michael Tenebruso as he battled cancer, turned into a celebration of his life, when he lost his battle with cancer on Friday, August 31st.
(Organizers of the “Be Like Mike” event, front-Paul Berardini, Jessica Radam, back- Marc Till and Rick Mancuso)
With the family’s blessing, Rick Mancuso opened his doors at TF Browns, so they could continue with the fundraiser.
During the day, there were basket raffles and 50/50’s. Three bands, Shotgun Pauly, Savage Cabbage and UNRULY played throughout the day.
“I was more than happy to do this. It will be a great emotional outlook to the great life that he had, the wonderful things he did and the ray of sunshine he was for everyone,” says Mancuso
A common theme throughout the day when describing Mike, was inspirational, loving, caring, encouraging and Michael’s smile.
Friends and family reminisced about the person Michael was and how they are going to miss him.
“We are going to miss his smile,” says cousin Jessica Radam one of the organizers of the event.
“I was a brother he never had. My brother was a brother he never had. ” says Paul Berardini.
Berardini’s favorite memory was their trip to NYC where they went to a Yankee game, had a couple of beers and just got closer.
“He was a saint and was just selfless. I will miss his smile and his calling me fatty, fatty, fatty,” says Berardini.
Jen Houseknecht got to know Tenebruso through her late husband Michael Houseknecht.
“They played poker together and I used to listen to the hilarious banter only good friends can say to each other, ” says Houseknecht.
“Michael was a great storyteller and my Michael admired him and cared about him so much. So, when I lost my Michael, Tenebruso became that encouraging friend. I will miss him encouraging me and telling me that I can do this without him. He became a great friend to me,” says Houseknecht.
Marc Till met Michael three years ago when they got together to create a logo for “Team Tenebruso”.
“When I was going through tragedy, out of nowhere he called and said if I ever needed anything, whatever I can do to help, I am there, he become my mentor, my brother,” says Till.
Michael’s family says family was always first with Michael.
Kristine Tenebruso, Mikes older sister, remembers when they danced at her wedding.
“We danced to “Eye of the Tiger”, because it gave him inspiration to inspire others. We rejoiced, clapped together, and celebrated together. Everyone he loved surrounded us and danced. And that is how I would like to remember Mike, an inspiration and enjoying the best of life,” says Kristine.
“What I took with Mike is that everyone he came in contact with, he made a difference in their life. Being in his presence, he was someone special. Always positive and caring about someone else,” says Patrick Sloan.
“When I traveled with him to Atlanta for treatments, Mike would embrace everyone and they would embrace him back. He would remember their names, what type of cancer they had. He would remember everyone,” says Stephen Lockmeyer, Mike’s brother in law.
His sister, Jen Tenebruso says Mike fought for his kids. Not for himself, but for his kids.
“All he wanted was to be alive for his kids. That to me is Christ like, and for that, I am grateful I have a brother I can be proud of and his Christ like fatherhood. He was a beautiful father”.
Michael Tenebruso was a teacher and a principal.
One story Mike’s Dad Tony Tenebruso wanted to share.
“When he was in charge of activities for the students, every now and again, Mike would spot a child who would be ignored and not be part of the activities. Mike would stop what he was doing and go to that child, put his arm around him and make that child smile. It is a testament of what type of person he was, always taking care of others and making sure that they were ok,” says Tony Tenebruso.
Marcia Tenebruso, Michaels mom, says she will miss her son.
“I will miss his presence, his beautiful presence. I know in my heart he is with us in spirit and the love we have for him will go on forever, until we meet again.”