OBITUARY
Michael R. Metzger
December 11, 1990 – February 13, 2021
Michael Richard Metzger, 30, of Toms River, NJ, passed away on Saturday February 13, 2021. Born in Staten Island, NY, Mike lived in Holmdel for many years before moving to Toms River 2 years ago. He was a plumber and worked for Jim Hughes Plumbing in Jackson, NJ. Michael loved basketball and was NY Knicks fan.
Michael is survived by his loving mother and father, Christine and Roger Metzger, his devoted brothers; Tom and his fiancée Danielle and Daniel and his wife Savana, his adored niece Kira; his maternal grandmother Carol Welch and grandfather Dominic LaForgia and his wife Rita; paternal grandmother and grandfather, Joan Yellen and the late Roger Metzger, and his uncles Dominic LaForgia and his wife Caroline, Richard LaForgia, Richard Metzger and Keith Metzger.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021, at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 3010 Ridgeway Road, Manchester, NJ 08759, from 8 to 10:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30 am, at Saint Joseph RC Church, 685 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753, with interment to follow at Saint Mary of the Lake Cemetery, Lakewood, NJ.
The Metzger family deeply appreciates the outpouring of love and support, but out of safety for you and them, they will only be grieving with you from a distance. Out of an abundance of caution and to further prevent the spread of Covid, masks are required at the funeral home, church and cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.irs&ein=521736502
Services
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Visitation
Friday, February 19, 2021
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Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, February 19, 2021
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Interment
Friday, February 19, 2021
Memories
Michael R. Metzger
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYKenny Laplante
February 27, 2021
Mike was one of my closest childhood friends. Many memories center around basketball. For years we would carpool to practice in Belmar or go to tournaments that would last the whole weekend. We had just as much fun arguing and messing around in the car as we did on the court.
It was Mike and Mr. Metzger who convinced me to play AAU, and I will be forever grateful for the memories. Basketball was synonymous with the Metzger house. If it was basketball, it was at the Metzgers.
One of my all-time favorite memories was Freshman year when I passed full-court to Mike with just enough time for him to hit a 3-pointer before the buzzer. I remember it like yesterday.
My heart goes out to the whole family. You will be sorely missed Mike.
Mary Lou and Michael Figurelli
February 19, 2021
We are so saddened by Michael’s passing. We will always remember him walking through the door with a smile, a big hug and a good story to tell. Michael was always welcome in our home and he knew it. We are comforted by that. He was loved and will be greatly missed.
Linda Mueller
February 19, 2021
Christine, Roger, Daniel and Thomas
I know there are no words that can make sense of the loss of Michael . Try and remember all the happy times. Your memories will hopefully get you through this difficult time.
“What we once treasured and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply become a part of us.” Love and prayers to the Metzger family .
Love,
Linda Mueller
(Betsy’s sister )
Mike & Karen Simineri
February 19, 2021
Roger and Christine, We are so so sorry to hear about Michael. We Believe that losing a child At such a young age is the worst thing Parents need to deal with. This is a horrifying loss and our hearts are bursting
with sadness and grief, just imagining what you guys are going through at this time. We are stuck for words just like anyone who knows and loves you. We are praying for you hoping God gives you strength to carry-on, Knowing one day , after a long life With the rest of your family, you will be rejoined with him in the kingdom of heaven. I will be calling you after the winter storm passes here in Pennsylvania. Love Karen Mike Matt Nate and Carmela .
Pricoli Family
February 18, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I remember Mike playing basketball in grammar school. He was the fastest player on the court always. That kid could run. Condolences from Paul, Connor, Bryan and Erin Pricoli.
Joseph Lopez
February 18, 2021
Roger and Christine,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers 🙏are with you and your family.
Love
Doreen and Joe Lopez
Brianna Metzger
February 18, 2021
Cousins forever 💕
I have so many fun memories of our cousins Mike, Dan, and Tom living right next door to us for a big part of my childhood.
Rest easy, Michael.
Michelle Livengood
February 18, 2021
I’m so sorry for your loss. I cherish so many memories with Mike and he’ll always hold a special place in my heart. I’m really proud of all he accomplished. Sending prayers, love, and strength.
Denis and Cathy Laplante
February 18, 2021
Roger and Christine: we are so saddened to hear this tragic news: we will remember Mike on the basketball court where he was always happy: we pray that he is at peace. We are so sorry for this terrible loss.
patrick spinosa
February 17, 2021
Roger,
Fat frank called me.
I’m so sad to hear the news.
My prayers are with you and your family.
Your friend.
Pat. Spinosa
Joan Yellen
February 17, 2021
My dearest grandson Michael, there is no rhyme or reason why things happen in life. I guess God needed another angel. I know you will be looking down and helping all of us. I thank God for the time you lived with me and I got to know you as an adult. I thank you for being the perfect kid when you were here. Remember every night you watched Jeopardy with me just to keep me company. Remember how we ate a lot of Take Five candy and laughed how many calories we ate. I always said make me proud Mike. When you came at Christmas you were so excited about your job you made me proud. There will always be a hole in my heart. May God hold you in his arms. Peace be with. Miss you. Love you , Grandma Joan.
Angela OGorman
February 17, 2021
Michael, you will always be in our hearts. We will always remember the fun times when you were at our home. We will miss you. Love, The O'Gorman family
Ellen Rubinstein
February 17, 2021
Dear Christine, Roger, Dan, Thomas,
We are deeply saddened by this loss. Regardless of Michael's struggles, I am sure he was happy to be part of Dan's wedding, to be an uncle to sweet Kira, and to see Thomas doing so well and become engaged. I'm also sure he knew his parents loved him.
Sending sympathy, and wishing you all strength.
with love,
Ellen, Ernie, Sam, Sarah
Tommy & Carolyn Zappia
February 17, 2021
Dam bro. I'm at loss for words. I'll always remember all the great times we had together. Such a good, funny, and loyal friend!!! A real stand up kid
My deepest condolences to all the family & friends
Carolyn & I will miss you dearly
Christine Nemati
February 17, 2021
Dear, Christine , Roger and Family
May the beautiful times you had together always bring a smile to your heart . Those memories are why you feel so much pain today , but those beautiful memories made for so many happy days !
Mike was blessed with an amazing family
May God give you the strength in these difficult days Your family is a strong unit and you will
Hold each other a bit tighter , lift each other ,
Fight for each other, love each other!
Deepest sympathy,
Christine & Ali Nemati
And Family
Dawn Rosenstrach
February 17, 2021
To my dear friends Christine, Roger, and sons Daniel and Tommy and to ALL who love him!
May you find peace in knowing he is now with our savior and will always be with you in your hearts.
My heart is heavy with your loss!!
I am honored and blessed to have known him and to have been a part of his life.
I will miss him terribly but, I know he’s at peace and looking down on all of us!
God gained another angel.
Love you Micheal
Ellie Sica-Ruffini
February 17, 2021
Sending love and condolences to the Metzger Family from the Sica part of the family. No one should ever have to lose a loved one, let alone someone so young and so suddenly. My first memory of Michael was when him and Roger took my dad and I to the world series in 2003. Being a kid from Alaska, I was in awe with the experience and it is something I will treasure sharing with them forever. Prayers of strength and healing to the Metzgers.
Betsy Teitelbaum
February 17, 2021
Christine, Roger, Daniel and Thomas.
My heart is truly breaking for all of you and the extended family. Michael was a very handsome young man and his Life has been taken way too early. I truly hope he is at peace since he has been struggling for sometime. I remember when michael would always come to my assistance when their dog Jeter would steal my cell phone. Rest in peace Michael! ❤️
Kristine Ferrigno
February 17, 2021
I was so proud of the man I watched you become. You were at your best and I will forever be grateful I got to see it. Please watch over all of your loved ones, Mikey. We need you now more than ever. Give us the strength we need during this time of tragedy and sorrow. I promise to keep our memories alive in my heart forever. I know we will meet again one day.. but until then, I will be missing you always. Rest Peacefully cousin.
Love, Kris.
Christine Landis
February 17, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Metzger Family.
I personally did not know Michael but know his parents and his brother Dan.
There are truly no words that can be said about this devastating loss of a life.
Gain solace that there are those who love you all and will continue to offer their support not just know but in the future.
Love, Christine Landis
(Betsy's sister)
Anna Marie Garrett
February 17, 2021
I met Michael at my sister and Dans wedding in Dauphin island a few months ago. He was a stand up guy. He was so unbelievably smart. He wasn’t one to sit on the side and not say much. He was very much warm and wanted to get to know all of us, as we are we’re becoming family. We all survived a pretty intense hurricane together. The last time I saw Michael, Joe and I were sitting in our hot tub (during the hurricane) he was walking back to his condo, helping his mother and father carry food. He refused to take the car, he wanted to walk.. so did his mother. Those two, can’t tell em nothing. He walked back and fourth twice to make sure they had everything. As he walked you could tell he was taking it all in. Everything around him he was taking in. The last thing I saw him do, he was helping his mother and father, carrying food, in the middle of a hurricane. That was pretty cool honestly. You can’t say he didn’t love those two.
That whole family blew me away. I love them all so much. I love Michael too. I pray for all of your hearts. I pray you find some type of comfort in all of this. My heart hurts for each of you. Having a son myself, I couldn’t fathom this loss. Rodger & Christine, Tom & Dan.. praying for you all.
Marygene Fagan
February 17, 2021
My prayers go to you and your family. Although you likely do not know me, we are all joined by this horrible disease. I know it is s bit of comfort to know you have support from your recovery family.
Kasey Serafin
February 17, 2021
Christine and Roger, sending our heartfelt condolences and prayers to you and your family over this terrible loss. He was a wonderful guy and is now your own personal angel. We love you very much and will always be here if you need a shoulder or anything else....❤️
Dana Vaccaro
February 17, 2021
Roger, Christine , Dan and Tommy, so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.