Michael Franklin Ginesi

Franklin “Michael” Ginesi was the oldest child of Philip and Maxine Ginesi, followed by his brother, Douglas Ginesi (deceased) and his sister, Rebecca Ginesi Knode. Mike was born in Washington D.C. his parents had met there, at the end of World War II. They moved to Grove City, Pennsylvania and then to Bath, New York. Mike lived in three states before he was 5 years old. It was at this time that the big move to California happened. San Diego was the destination for five years- this is where Mike started to flourish in his love for playing baseball and in collecting his, very extensive, card collection. Mike was always very gregarious and he was a born leader. He was a “School Crossing Guard” which was a very prestigious and highly coveted position to hold. At one time Mike even trained his younger brother to follow in his footsteps to be a “Crossing Guard”

Both Mike and Doug took piano lessons while they lived in San Diego. Doug continued for the rest of his life to play the piano and to be church organist and Mike continued on his path to be an athlete.

At age 11, the family moved to Orange, California, where they lived until Mike got married.

Mike was always interested in sports and he even went to CIG playoffs in track and field. Mike has numerous bowling trophies and he has participated in many, many bowling leagues. Mike and his wife back in the 70’s, were in a bowling league with his mom and dad. They would bring their son, Scott, and little sister, Becky, would babysit at the alley.

While in high school, Villa Park, Mike and 2 of his friends had a “garage band” Mike was the lead singer. The love of music was a big part of the Ginesi family. You could play any song from the 60’s and Mike could tell you who the band was and what year the song came out.

While growing up, Mike's favorite two days a week were Thursday and Sunday. These were the two meals that were Italian, pasta, pasta, pasta. Mike took his “Big Brother” note, very seriously. All three kids would sleep in one room on Christmas Eve and Mike was in charge of going down the hall to check on the tree to see if mom and dad were awake, oh and to see if we got presents.

Mikes “1st job” was a paperboy. He saved all of his money to buy himself a 10-speed bike. That was his pride and joy After that, Mike worked at fast food joints and then at a friends “garage”. He learned a lot there about cars. Mike was very proud of his 1st car-he of course had an 8 track installed and a color-bar.

Mike was raised in A God-centered home with God-fearing parents and a brother and a sister who loved him dearly.