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"Simply the Best"
Mike was the eldest of five brothers born to Adeline and Frank Ciavarella. He grew up in Bayside, Queens. Early on he discovered his talent for math and pursued a career in engineering. To attain that goal, he attended City College of New York and received his BSEE. Off he went with his degree in hand to Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp. He was hired as a systems engineer on the Lunar Module program. Sometime when you look towards the heavens, please stop and take a peek and try to imagine some of Mike's handiwork.
While Grumman Corp., Mike met Helene. They fell in love, married and began a family in a matter of two years. Their marriage lasted just short of thirty-five beautiful years. They brought into the world Denise, Michael and Kristine. Denise returned the favor with two grandchildren, Emily and Kevin.
Mike continued his education, receiving his MS in Electrical Engineering at Brooklyn Poly Tech. He continued his career at Grumman Corp. working his way to Section Manager for System Engineering; overseeing systems personnel on almost every aircraft project. He was most proud of his efforts on the F-14 aircraft.
Soccer was Mike's passion. He played for both The Huntington Town League as well as the Grumman Recreational League. As much as he loved soccer, he also enjoyed playing softball and basketball. He was an avid runner for twenty-two years and ran many races during that time, including the Long Island Marathon.
Mike was a brilliant engineer but his love for his family was first in his life. He gave willingly and generously to all. In this difficult and competitive world, he looked only for the good in all people and never had an unkind word for anyone. Just as Peter Pan was the little boy who never wanted to grow up, so too did Mike keep that special part of childhood alive in his heart and offered it to all. His family misses him more than he could possibly have imagined. But, we take comfort in knowing that part of him lives on — in his children, his grandchildren and in a very special way through The Organ Donor Network.
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Donors & Their Families
