We Mourn the Passing of Mike Sellazzo

Whenever we hear the news of the passing of a classmate, we are all deeply saddened… each and every loss is difficult.  Sadly, over the years we have lost too many of our classmates and with each death we are made more aware of just how precious the time we share together really is.  Our memories carry us back to a special time in our lives… a more innocent time, a time when we learned the meaning of true friendship.

Though we went our separate ways after high school, we reunited as a class for our 10th, 25th, 35th, and 45th (held a year early) reunions, and we enjoyed our 65@65 Birthday Bash just a couple of years ago.  As hard as it is to believe, we are now just a few weeks away from our 50th.  Those special gatherings gave us the opportunity to renew old friendships and begin some very special new ones.  The one common denominator in all of those events was Mike Sellazzo.  While the committees for all of our reunions varied over the years, Mike was always there to lead the way.  He was truly the glue that held our class together.  He loved the Class of '65 and he was loved and respected by all of us.  We will miss his big heart, his wonderful smile, and his never-ending dedication to our class.

On a personal note, words cannot express how saddened I am by the news of Mike's death.  I last spoke to him when he first got to the hospital in Pittsburgh and I was so pleased to learn that he was going to get a long-awaited lung transplant. I had great hopes of doing a video chat with him from the reunion, so we could all cheer him on and let him know how much he was loved by all of us.  Sadly, he passed away before he received the transplant.  My thoughts and prayers go out to Laura and the entire Sellazzo family.  May the love of family and friends bring you comfort during this difficult time and may wonderful memories bring you peace and put a smile on your face today and always.  

Rest in peace, Mike.   I will miss you, old friend.
- Pook

Services for Mike will be Wednesday night 4-9 at Nardone's funeral home in Peekskill NY. His funeral service is Thursday 10am at Holy Spirit, Cortlandt Manor NY.

Mike's Obituary:  Click HERE.

 

I'm shocked and saddened to learn of Mike's passing. I'm proud to have been his classmate.

- James Allen Hodnick

My heart goes out to Mike's family, although I haven't had any contact with him for over 50 years whenever I think of OHS and our leader I can't help but smile. He will surely be missed.

- Erik Anderson

As I read the passing of Mike it not only shocked me it sadden me too loose a friend Mike was the heart of the class he will be greatly missed by class and me. Rest in Pease my friend. My heart goes out to his family, he will not be forgotten!

- Jim Evans 

I am shocked as are all of us in the class of 65'to hear of the passing of Mike. I knew of his lung condition for some time but held out hope all would go well for him. My heart hurts for Mike and his family. He is at peace without any more earthly suffering. Mike God be with you my friend. 

- Knob

I am shocked as are all of us in the class of 65'to hear of the passing of Mike. I knew of his lung condition for some time but held out hope all would go well for him. My heart hurts for Mike and his family. He is at peace without any more earthly suffering. Mike God be with you my friend.

- Bob Rodgers

I just now returned from a long holiday weekend, hearing the passing of Mike I'am shocked and sadden of his passing. Rest in peace my friend 

- Preston Adams

Our heart goes out to all of Mike's family. Our prayers will be with all of you. Mike has been a wonderful friend, leader, and organizer. Mike will be missed by the whole class of 65'.
Mike is with the Lord, resting in his arms.
Farewell, my friend
- Paul & Trudy 

I did not really know him, but still remember his infectious, constant smile. A giant of a man. What a loss for his family & friends.

- Carol Stracker Blancard

I was so sad to read that Mike has passed away.  I have known Mike since Park School days and you can't really think of OHS without thinking of our wonderful class president, Mike Sellazzo.  Thanks for the memories Mike...may you rest in peace.  My condolences to his family.

- Pamela Orts Siegel

I was very sad to hear of Mike's passing away. Whenever I saw Mike he always made it a point to stop and chat. He worked very hard to keep the class of '65 together and he will certainly be missed by all. I know Mike will want us to continue the celebration of our 50th. He will be with us all along with the others that he has joined from our class and will also be missed.  My thoughts and prayers are with Mike and his family. May he rest in peace.
- Helen Gordon Gantz

I, too, have known Mike since Park School, his humor and love of life consistently drew people to him… thoughts and prayers.
- Donna McGinigle-Gilroy