I am greatful and hopeful we be able to finally honor my Father. At the Dome on June 25th. More info can be found here: https://fb.me/e/15R5YF2bu

June 25th 2022

It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform everyone we feel "it" is best to postpone my Father's memorial.. I really didn't even have a say in this..

I want to honor him in the absolute best way possible... For that to happen EVERYONE who loved him should be here. His Brothers, Sisters, Buddy's, Lovers and Friends... Micheals Family. They should have the opportunity to be here for an amazing celebration. After all it's really for him but "also" for you. What is his, is how I honor and cherish him as well carry on the very heavy load of his legacy. As always more to come... Stay tuned and please help me spread the word.

It was my pleasure to work with Michael for many years. Michael had such an impressive range of skills that he adeptly applied throughout Explora and those skills, and his built-in inclination for doing, fixing, improving and creating, reached far beyond the museum. I'll miss Michael's oftentimes "salty demeanor which was truly entertaining and a reflection of what a genuine guy he was. At the end of the day Mike would help anyone with anything, make it entertaining, and do it well.

Michael was part of our team at Explora Science Center and Children's Museum for many years. He helped build our facility into the institution it is now--ensuring the building systems were working, the grounds looked welcoming, and the exhibit areas and classrooms were clean and safe for over 300,000 visitors a year. Jewels also is one of the original Explora kids, and we remember how much Michael loved to brag on her! We send our very best to all of Michael's family, and we'll remember him fondly.

Do not stand at my Dome and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight of ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my Dome and cry.
I am not there; I did not die.

("Borrowed" from the Anonymous author for Michael)

Michael...always generous, always brilliant, always a devoted Poppa. Julianna, you were a lucky daughter but even more he was a lucky dad!

The second story from Mom was from the time she came to visit after Jewels was born. Michael had been asking her to visit to see the baby. Mom replied that she would visit as long as he had an indoor bathroom. (it was the early days of the dome)
Michael said he had an indoor bathroom and mom purchased a ticket to come visit. When she arrived at the dome, there was a bathroom but no door. Funny but true, so mom made Michael take her to the lumber yard and purchased a door for him to install.

Mom shared a few memories of Michael.
The day before she married Joseph Monetti, Michael saw her and said hello Mrs Todd. Mom replied that tomorrow, he would have to call her something different because that would no longer be my name. You can call me Mrs Monetti, Charlotte or Mom. After the wedding Michael came to greet her and said hello Mom, and it was that way ever since.

Michael Monetti

Our Family Photo @ Smithtown home
L-R. Allen, Karl, David, Susan, Mom, Paul, Michael & Nancy.

So please keep Michael with each and every one of us by telling your stories of Michael over his 65 years, of him adding to your life