Yup, think about and talk about him frequently, especially when rack of lamb is on the menu, and still wishing I had that
Chicken Marsala recipe dang it.

As I drove past your old house last night, I thought of all the holiday parties there, all the dinners. And how you'd come up the street, tooting your horn and waving at me. It's not the same without all that music coming from your home, wafting over the neighborhood.

Always in our hearts, always by our side each day, always with us at the time of joy, always with us when we need an angel.
We love you.
Linda and family

Was thinking I needed to call Michael to 
get his advise on something, and of course remembered that would be impossible.
Found my way to this page for the 1st time, still missing you buddy. 
Everytime we have lamb...and your unique Chicken marsala recipe lost  in time...
we think of you. And well pretty much all the time. Not a day goes by you're not in my thoughts. "Have a drink and be somebody"

I went to school at St. Clare with Mike and Bob, left Santa Clara in 2000 for Sacramento area I just saw this.  Mike was always the happy person with a big smile.  Sorry to see that he is gone.  RIP Mike and I have great wishes that your family is doing well.

Thanks for all the memories from our HS days.  Always enjoyed being with you at the reunions.  RIP my friend.

Michael, it's hard to believe that a year has gone by since you left us. I still expect to see your car in the driveway when I pass your house or to hear music bursting from your patio doors. I miss your knock on the door to ask if I want to join you and your friends for an impromptu dinner. I miss your wave and tooting horn as you drive by my house. I miss that high energy and booming laughter. I miss the ever-present chicken marsala cooking on your stove as you always call out to your friends, "Hey! Did you know that Donna put my recipe in her food column?" Michael, you were -- and still are -- a huge presence. If you run into my nephew up there (he passed away two weeks after you did), you'll have fun hanging out with him. He's another one who loved a good party. We miss you a lot.

As we mark the first year of Michael's passing, I reflect on many wonderful memories.  How grateful I feel for those treasures. In the present, I miss Michael so much.  I marvel at the courage and grace of his family.   I deeply admire the strength of Casey, truly her father's daughter in so many ways.   If sadness creeps into the day, do what Michael did so well; laugh, love, live.

Dear Michael,
I'm here in the Philippines with our travel buddy Erick Wielen, I felt your presents as I handed out food to the hungry here in Tacloban where typhoon Yolanda hit last October, when they thanked me, I felt your touch on my shoulder, saying good job, you've always been my biggest fan. My truly lifelong friend, Richard 

PS
Maybe when we meet up again you can show me the ropes up there, you have always been a good guide. Chard!!

Dear Bini Family,
I just learned of Michael's passing this past weekend.  As a friend of Bob's I only met Michael a couple of times but I was impressed by how he seem to draw everyone in with his insights and wit and could entertain at any level.  I know you all are very mournful with his passing.  I pray that all your grief might be eased and that time will heal your broken hearts.

Mike 
I am thinking of you and saying a prayer for your family

Dear Michael,
My words cant even express the way im feeling right now, im sad yet happy..something told me to search ur name bcus i havent been able to reach u since our last meeting at ur office. Before then when i drove up to c you the night before ur.surgery. I truly miss you soooo very much i had a slight feeling something was wrong yet u were so.strong you wouldnt be able to tell yet i heard it in ur voice. But i know ur with me everyday. I thank you for ur presence in my life God truly brought a real kindhearted shabby, fly guy, also my tour guide. Im Sascha ive been a dear friend of Michaels since i was 18, i am now 23....n i must say u were a shinning star in my life thank you for everything youve done for me. I Love You soooo very much, hey its a celebration dont feel so bad well meet again i promise. Till then please continue to be my guardian angel.

Dear Bini Family,
I just learned of Micheal's passing and I can't say how sad I am to learn of this. Every time I saw Michael it was always a good laugh as we talked of the old neighborhood. His bright light will be missed.

Dear Michael,

Today is your 60th birthday. Happy birthday, brother! Partying with the angels? We miss you, but we know you are near. Mostly, we love you. We love you.


Suzanne Bini Shehadeh

We're thinking of you on your 60th birthday, Michael! You're probably up there cooking up a batch of chicken Marsala.

I just learned of Michael's passing. I have not seen him since college but have fond memories of his kind and happy spirit at St. Clare's.

In reading these wonderful tributes, an overall theme captures the essence of Michael: he was a generous soul. I can't recall the first time I met him, but it was sometime in the late seventies and had something to do with my dad's BMW. With someone as " larger than life" as he, it never really matters where or when you stumble upon them. He had that magic touch with whomever he met and loved. Over the years we seemed to cement our bond with our love of dancing. I had the pleasure of Michael's engaging presence combined with a smile that could generate radiance and a devilish charm. His rowdy laugh will echo forever in my memory. Dance On, Michael.

Hello Sue, I am so Stunned about Michael's passing!  He was GREAT GUY and He Was My Friend from El Camino Little League. We were on the GIANTS together and won every game and came in 1st Place and Lee Coleman's dad was our coach.  Mike nicknamed me, 'Tone Bone Alkaselzer'!!!  Why?  I cannot remember but he also called me that in High School!  What a 'GREAT GUY' Your Brother Was !!!  He was a Real Good Quarterback too!!  I wish I could have played on Varsity Football with him because we would have broken all conference records in passing!!!  I cannot believe this happened.  I don't know how but I DO KNOW HE IS EXTREMELY MISSED !!!  I was expecting to see him at the 45th reunion but that is no longer an option.  I am VERY SORRY I MISSED the FUNERAL because I didn't know until after.  This is the reason why I do not read the obits because I don't want to hear who passed away, but Michael DESERVED for me to be there and I am Very Disappointed that I wasn't!! Please know that Mike was VERY DEAR TO ME even though we hadn't seen each other in YEARS.  The World isn't as Bright as it was with Michael in it !!!!!  May He Rest In Peace.

I first met Mike in Sept. 1968, on the football field at Santa Clara High,  and from that moment, it was easy to see that he was a born leader.  We became good friends, and being only a year older than Mike, I had the opportunity to watch him grow into the wonderful guy and great athlete that he was. 
  Everyone loved Mike and a ton of us of us at SC High were very lucky to call him our friend.  He was our quarterback my senior year and we shared a lot of good times.   
  Mike was probably the most personable and charismatic guy that I have ever known. We kept in touch over the years, and living in Aptos, I would see him from time to time.  Whether it had been a week or two  years since I had last seen him, it was always like it was just yesterday. 
  I always loved this guy and will sorely miss him.  His departure was way too soon, but I know that we will meet again.  Rest easy my friend.

Today we celebrated 'you'. Beautiful service with friends and family all gathered in loving remembrances of the gracious, generous, loving, gentle, elegant man that you were. You always dressed 'to a tee' in your white shoes and jacket that only a 'real man' could wear! You belonged in the roaring 20's with that heartwarming smile and twinkle of 'devil may care' in your eyes. Michael.. at gatherings over these last 14 years, you were always the man I would look for in the crowd to steal a genuine hug from and a conversation that was true from the heart. I loved you deeply as my friend and I will miss you just as deeply as the years go on. May you be laughing and dancing with the angels!

I  knew Mike because we lived on the same block in Santa Clara. He was a great friend. So fun to be around.He has a beautiful family. Iam so greatful to have known Mike I will always remember Mike Bini.     Ben Navarrete

Bini Family.....I will always treasure our time with the family when we were kids.  May Michael's memories and good spirt always bring you joy.  I am sorry for your loss......Maureen Chadwick Paine

Michael, your contagious smile will remain in our thoughts! My thoughts and prayers for your family!

Mike and I were in the same class at St. Clare's. I did not see him for many years until he attended my mother's memorial service in 2010. I was surprised to see him after so long, but I should not have been. He was always very kind and considerate.

Dear Michael,
I will miss you very much. You loved to cook and did it well. Thank you for sharing your recipes along the way. You told funny stories. You captivated the room with your college and travel experiences. You smiled a lot and loved to dance. Your house was always open and we had a lot of fun there. I will always remember the oatmeal, and I will think of you Bini every time I have it. No one can make it like you. Rock out to the oldies with the Angels and keep Heaven loud and bright... Bye, Bye Mike!

I met Michael during our high school years, courtesy of Kevin Sullivan.That was a special gift. Mike led a group of characters that helped create indelible moments, cherished to this day: Phil, Joe, Gerry, Howie, Kenny, Mike V....His  constants into adulthood were friendship, humor, and class. Years pass, Mike remained easy to recognize since his gifts didn't fade. How could he not become tight with James? Top memory: 50th birthday party which should have been called "A Man in Full". I am grateful for our recent time together because I got to see him shine again. Michael will be remembered, missed, and loved for all he was, for all he did, and for all he meant.

Michael: You embodied the essence of life in how you lived yours and touched others. We did not talk too often since I moved to Ohio but you did call me once to say hi outta of the blue which I sincerely appreciated. That call illustrated how you touched so many people . You will be missed but your loving spirit  and memories will live on. 
Drinking season, Manny's Cellar, OJ's, The Hut, Lord John's and your Christmas parties are fond memories I always will cherish.

Mike, we go back a long way. There are very few people who make people always feel better about themselves when they come in contact with someone. You had a special ability to make people feel better about themselves after spending time with you. Thank you for being my friend. I will treasure all the memories.
Terry Malley

Missing you on Christmas, Michael. Before leaving for the Dominican Republic, you responded that you'd be at the New Year's Eve party. We know you will be there in spirit, and we will toast a wonderful and generous friend who now leaves a huge hole in our lives.

Loving cousins can forge an unyielding bond, strengthened over a lifetime beyond compare. Cousin Michael, ours was such a bond. Impervious. Impenetrable. Infinite. How blessed we were to have been born in the same year, truly growing up together in tandem. We rejoiced about this for the many decades of unbridled joy we shared together. (In the oft chance the moment didn't present itself for either of us to speak to our parents specifically on this point, allow me to do so now.  We thank you, thank you,thank you, Lou and Marie & Paul and Jackie for so thoughtfully coordinating we cousins' joint arrival!  Indeed, without exception, Michael and I enjoyed every single moment of our lives spent together~~ and will surely pick up where we left off ~~ when next we meet again. 
Until then, Michael, know you are keenly missed; that your absence is so profound that the light in this cousin's world has dimmed perceptibly beyond measure. Most importantly, you honored and cherished the many, many gifts God bestowed upon you. What greater tribute can any of us offer, than to leave  this world a far better place than we found it. Right on! You will forever remain deeply loved by us all. Thank you for gracing my life with your presence. I love you, Michael Peter Bini. Ever your cousin, 
Michelle Dominique Laxalt 
Adam Paul, Jaime and the sublime baby Sophia Laxalt
Victoria "Tori" Shea Laxalt
Therese "Tessa" Michelle Laxalt

I had the pleasure of meeting Mike early/mid part of this year through his good friend Richard Torres.  Richard, Mike, and several of Richard and Mike's mutual friends shared some very memorable times together this past Spring/Summer.  Although I did not know Mike as long as many of you have, he definitely made a lasting impression.  He was someone so fun and full of life.  He will be sorely missed.  Looking forward to the day we meet again, Mike.
- Lydia

I went to St. Clare's with Mike so many years ago.
He was everyones friend and showed signs of leadership even at a young age. He will be greatly missed by many people that knew him in his lifetime.

Michael, what a joy of life you were.  Denny and I will miss you.  Always laughing and hugging.  When I see someone wearing a moo-moo, I will always think of you.  Sheila, one of your favorite cousins, and George.

The Bramer kids and the Bini kids grew up together. I have loved Michael Bini since I was a little girl! His zest for life and infectious laugh will be missed. May you rest in peace. With fond aloha,

We will miss Michael and his ever cheerful and smiling face, his welcoming parties, and the Bini Burger. It just doesn't seem possible that he could be gone...we are very sad indeed, but at least he left us on his own terms. He had such a zest for life and it was infectious. Our community has lost a good one.  We will miss you, Bini!  
Rupert Hart & Marie Logan
[so sorry we can't be at the service on the 27th, but we are out of state]

Michael, I'll miss you and will never forget our years of Scotts Valley dinners, shared birthdays raucus Super Bowls and happy hours.  I know I will continue to see your lovely smiling face in so many favorite Santa Cruz places.  Rest in Peace with Love Christina

Michael was a very handsome and debonair man who knew how to enjoy life to the fullest. I always admired his style and panache and will miss his smiling face at all our events.

So sory for your loss.
God bless you.
Cathy Haney 
(Antichi)

Sad to hear about Mike. Mike was a man who always had a smile on his face when he visited the Torres household - Mike and my uncle Rich were very good friends.

Kevin Ragsac

I have fond memories Of Michael and Richard when they came to visit my sister -Kaye and I( Vanda) in Australia. Great memories of our times in San Jose and in Mt Martha,(Aust). He was always a gentleman and and a clown... a happy man.. and I will always remember our time spent together.   Rest peacefully >>Michael...Luve ..Vanda

I have many fond memories of Mike going back to all the parties at Grubb to running into him in Santa Cruz- always greeted me with a big smile and a big hug! RIP

I had the pleasure of meeting Michael on my travels to San Jose with my sister Vanda. He was a beautiful man and I'm saddened to hear about his passing. Rest peacefully now Michael.

Michael was a wonderful guy, a very gracious host, and a good friend. He always found a way to smile and laugh. I will miss him...

Michael loved to have fun ... his parties were always overflowing with his delicious cooking, delightful friends and dancing to Motown. A great cook. Forever gracious ... a sweet and generous man! His passing is a great loss to our community.

Dating back decades ago as a boy at St. Clare's elementary school & continuing throughout my life, I always remember Michael Bini displaying his warm & infectious smile.  What a kind hearted individual!  As a young boy, I'll never forget how much I admired Mike's widespread popularity, his trademark smile, & the fact that he was chosen as king out of his entire 8th grade class for the festive annual May Day celebrations. May you rest in peace in the arms of our Lord Almighty, and may your family be consoled after our great loss of your wonderful soul.

Michael was very respected as both an athlete, as well as a wonderful person. When I think of Michael, I think of his stories and the way he made people laugh. I will miss him.

Sincerely, Jorge H. Ocampo--Portland, OR

Michael was my neighbor and friend. He was larger than life. From the day he moved in, his home was filled with music, friends, dinner parties, laughter, cooking, and fun. He'd zip past my home in his sports car, waving and tooting the horn. He greeted everyone with a loud hello and a hug. He loved to dance and was enthusiastic about it. 

When he was diagnosed with a terminal illness, he wanted no fuss. We expected to "love up on him" during his final months with us. And then suddenly, without warning, he was gone, leaving a sting in the air. But I'm glad that my final memory of him was not in a hospital bed... but dancing enthusiastically to a rock band. I can see him now... flying through the stars and making the angels laugh out loud.

Mike and I have been friends for nearly 50 years, if you know me, you know that's a tough job, Mike never judged people, he always found the nicest things to say, even if he had to dig really deep, he'd find something nice to say.

He and I have traveled the world together, every time I get on a plane, I'll think of him, and every bottle of wine I open, I'll hear him saying   "what a great sound ENJOY ". We both said we would be friends for life, I guess he was right, love you buddy RIP.

Michael was a very kind and generous man with a positive spirit.  He had a great love for family and people.  I am very glad to have known such a great person.

Oh Michael,  the years at Grubb, secretary's day lunches at your house etc.. Always touching base again when coming into town. Your one of a kind free spirit for sure and a gentle soul.  So many talents and too young to leave us.  You will forever be remembered and missed in my heart. Love Annette Mollica xox

Mike 
Was a great guy we worked together for 15 years and went to st Clare's. Mixers in high school he will be missed

I have such fond memories of  Mike from our Grubb and Ellis days. A truly unique individual- i will miss you and never forget you.

OBITUARY

Michael Peter Bini

21 January, 1954 – 11 December, 2013

Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary

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