I moved into Monkey Top on Pettigrew St. in Durham in the Fall of 1975. Michael moved in around that time, too. We were a group of eight sharing the house and yard, monthly expenses, food, and so many good times. Our meal time arrangement was breakfast and lunch on our own, and one night a week to cook a sit down dinner for the group. Cooking included shopping, cooking, serving, and cleaning up. It was a lot, but hey, we then had the other nights off.

Michael was a novice cook at the time. He was usually trying new recipes, some of them complicated for a beginner. It wasn't unusual for him to leave the house around five or six pm (!) to go shopping for that night's meal. Fortunately, the A and P was across the street. One meal served around 9 (10?) pm that I have never forgotten was quiche made from scratch, including the crust, which Michael was making for the first time. He didn't know to trim the crust around the edges, so when we hungrily arrived at the table those pies had golden crust hanging over and touching the tabletop. Who knew you could bake a pie like this?! To this day whenever we have a very late meal at our house I call it a Michael Mooney meal time. And every time I trim a pie, I think of him and am tempted to just leave all that extra crust falling over the edges!

Michael's other claim to fame in that vintage kitchen sans dishwasher was stacking the dish drainer in a gravity defying tower of dishes, pots, pans, utensils, you name it, and all this at maybe midnight or one a.m.  I like to think of him as an artist at work, a stealth sculptor putting in some long hours! So, too, when I manage to stack our dish drainer beyond what looks like a safe bet, it prompts a Michael Mooney memory which never fails to make me smile.

Michael was a wonderful housemate. He was laid back, fun, witty, a keen observer, a great conversationalist and storyteller, and a sport on the front yard volleyball court. He drove some memorable automobiles including the taxi cab, a source of some very hilarious stories.  

Michael was a kind and gentle spirit. I consider it a privilege to have lived those coming of age years with him and all the Monkey Top friends. Happily, those friendships included bonus friendships with sisters, brothers, and in some cases parents. 

Rest in peace, Michael. And to your beautiful Sherifa and Esmira, rest assured that Michael was and will always be loved and cherished by so many old friends.

Christy Lentz

Hillsborough, NC

9/17/2024 

Dear Esmira and Sharifa, 

My deepest sympathy for your loss 😢. I’m so sorry. We love Mike and we will miss him so much when we visit next month. I will always include him in my prayers. Be strong. Love you both 😘.

Dear Esmira and Sherifa,

I am very sorry for your loss of your husband, father, and loving companion. Please forgive my tardiness in extending my sympathy to both of you. 

With Love,

Steve 

Dear Sherifa please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sorrowful time. Sending you my deepest condolences and warm hugs during this heartbreaking time.