He was one of a kind. May he RIP
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It was my good luck to enter the business working for Mike, and Cindy, also. His passing is, to me, quite a loss. All our condolences to Mike's family and friends.
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Nice chatting with you Cindy and learning your great family history. I always looked forward to laughing uncontrollably with Mike at the reunions,Probably won’t make the memorial but will sing a Mass for the Cavagrotti family, all the best, Chris Cunningham ( out in New Mexico)
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So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Learned a lot from him working on TV commercials. May God comfort you all through this time of loss.
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Since I was 11 years older Mike was always like the little brother that i loved during our lives. Our families lived side-by-side on N. Union St. in Rochester, New York until I left for Buffalo, New York at age 21. After he had also finished college, our journeys through life took us in different directions. However, there were so many times during our after school years where we would again be in Rochester to share various family ties involving births, marriages, deaths; so many other family functions. I shall always miss him and always love him. He was a remarkable man who loved his family and friends. His wife and his three children had his complete attention and love for all the years that they were together. He also was so fortunate to find his professional life as a film director. He lived life and may he Rest in Peace for all eternity.
Till we meet again Cuz.
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Mike was a teammate at Georgetown and for over 50 years a friend and one of the funniest guys I knew. When we'd get together at reunions or alumni football weekends, he was one of those guys that everyone gravitated to because he was fun to be around. We spent a couple of hours at Clyde's after our 50th reunion dinner in 2023 and I feel fortunate to have had that time with him. He really will be greatly missed.
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Mike had a way of cutting through the noise—direct, no-nonsense, and quietly. He rarely had to raise his voice, just an eyebrow, that look, that grimace, and you wanted to get it done, double time. If a job was an important one, and which job wasn’t—Marc called Mike. Especially if I was the DP. He could be gruff, sure, like a human deadline reminder with a walkie. And every once in a while, he’d flash that rare smile—just enough wattage to keep you going for another hour to wrap. Mike was the real deal. Authentic, steady, and deeply missed.
I like to think he and Marc are together again now—kicking back with a varied assortment of fine wines, or stronger, a short panatela, and the kind of panoramic view that takes your breath away. The kind you earn after a job well done.
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Mike was the epitome of many things, the first being that of integrity. You knew at all times where he stood (and not just because you could hear him from the other side of Thunder Studios… without a walkie 😂.) He was “all bark and no bite” personified. Sure, he could quiet a set like no other, but those mischievous eyes gave him away. Show a little emotion and Mike became a teddy bear. Because that’s who he was: a warm, kind, no BS badass. Miss you and your vest jacket lots, Mike. My condolences to the Cavagrotti family. Mike talked to us a lot about you, and always with pride.
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My condolences to Michael's family. I met Michael on several commercial shoots during which I had the privilege to the reap the benefits of his vast production expertise. We instantly bonded over our love for the Yankees and the Honeymooners TV show. Mike and I would trade lines from show during the hours on the set. He always made the long tense days a pleasurable experience with his quick wit and professionalism. Will miss you, Mike. I can think of no better well to end this note then to quote from how Ralph Kramden often ended an episode: Mike, “Baby, you’re the greatest!”
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This is hard. Mike and I were brothers at GU and on the football team. He used to call us: "Cavagrotti and Crim, last of the all time greats!" We stayed in touch over the years and his e-mails to me when I was in Iraq could make me laugh even on the worst days. He was the first person I called when I got back. My sincere condolences to all of you. One day, the "All time greats" will be together laughing again. God bless!
Captain Ken Crim, USN (Ret)
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Mike was like a brother to me! A real character and a great guy who could always make me laugh .He loved his family, he loved the film business and he loved the Yankees. He will be missed.
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