LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Friends Remember |
The headlines in New York papers were reading "Michael Pecora Stabbed to Death: Internet Killer Suspected." "Most Likely Met His Killer Online." Had we not known Mike, we would have likely read this story anyway. However, on Wednesday, June 17th, we lost a member of our family. As a result, several of us who were his friends are sharing our memories of Mike with the readers of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, since Rehoboth was a place that he truly enjoyed. He deserves to be remembered for the person he really was.
Mike Pecora (left) with Craig Forte and Tim Magee Craig Forte Mike came out in Rehoboth. It was in the summer of 1998 and we had known each other for one year. We went to the former club called The Renegade. "Ray of Light" by Madonna was blasting through the speakers. I will never forget the awe in Mike's face when we entered this massive room filled with beautiful, shirtless men. The raw, kinetic energy in the room was overwhelming. We went up to the second level to get a birds eye view of the dance floor. I lost count of how many times Mike pointed at someone and said (giggling, of course) "He's HOT". This led to a succession of weekend trips to Rehoboth. Some of the best times that Mike and I shared were just simply lying around the hotel, cranking up the air conditioning, eating snacks from the Harry and David outlet and talking about our futures (would we find the "one"... and how difficult it is to make connections). He would inevitably end the conversation with his trademark laugh, and then just sigh "...oh Craig," turning over to go to sleep. Time passed and the trips to Rehoboth continued, lessening over time when Mike moved to New York and I moved to Atlanta. But the trips would still happen and I would always look forward to them, the last one taking place in summer 2006. Nothing monumental occurred, but, that's OK as sometimes "doing nothing" is exactly what you seek out in a trip to the beach. Tim Magee I met Mike through a mutual friend in the summer of 1998. Impromptu visits, phone calls, tennis matches, outings to Philly, Baltimore and Rehoboth were trademark "Mike." We all learned quickly not to let Mike drive as coordination of his foot, accelerator, and brake were never quite in synch, making us all a bit nauseous! Rehoboth was a favorite destination. Rental homes, hitting the beach for the day, brunches and dinners are all fond memories for all of us. I will always remember the signature Mike dance moves at the Renegade and other establishments we frequented, which always seemed to get reenacted over the next 11 years to the laughter of everyone, including Mike. There was a lot more to Mike than the good times recounted by friends. Mike's professional life was a mirror image of his personality. Mike was a well-respected senior vice president at MasterCard. Although Mike graduated magna cum-laude with a master's degree, he never let his professional success go to his head. He remained the same person until his untimely passing. I still remember the last phone conversation I had with Mike, which included a very upbeat "how is everything going with you guys?"...and "when are you coming up to see my new place?"... followed by the trademark giggle we all knew so well. Jennifer Hoover I had the pleasure of hanging out with Mike several times over the past decadesome of the best times shared in Rehoboth. One thing that really impressed me most about Mike was his economy of words; he would be quiet, just taking in the scene, then out of nowhere, throw a zinger of a line at us...which cracked me up every time! Mike was a very giving person. I remember one of our many stays in Rehoboth, I had shoes that weren't so comfy; Mike had an extra pair of brand-new flip-flops that he generously offered. Luckily, I have giant girl feet so they fit! It is this generous spirit that is all too rare in this world that made Mike so special...he will truly be missed. Devan Blackwell In the time that I knew him, Mike was always looking forward to something. His enthusiasm was usually contagious. I know that he was looking forward to spending time at the beach this summer. Mike always enjoyed the company of friends. You could expect numerous phone calls from him to discuss possible itineraries leading up to your time together. Mike was generous that way in life. That generosity continues in the bond that we all share today. He reminded us that life is fleeting, and that the people you love should be kept close and appreciated. Lately we've been looking back because that is where we've been left with his sudden passing. However, to truly honor Mike, I know that we must look forward and simply enjoy what we have while it lasts. Over this past July 4th, we gathered for a much-needed weekend together, however, it was not the same. We will all miss Mike and I am sure that there will be moments where one or all of us will recall a story that will lead to silence and some tears. But we will do what we can to continue with life, because as clichd as it may sound, that is exactly what Mike would want us to do. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 19, No. 09 July 17, 2009 |