OBITUARY: A Community Honors Michael DeAngelis, of Carlsbad

Below is a tribute written by the Enfield Family:

MICHAEL DEANGELIS 

Michael was surfing with his girlfriend Giana last Tuesday, September 24, at sunset, when they decided to take one last ride in. Giana got to shore first and was waiting for Michael. A lady told Giana she was concerned as she saw a surfboard with no rider out in the surf. She pointed the direction she saw the board and Giana ran into the water yelling for her to call 911 and get help.

There were no other people around the location where Giana entered the water for a long time. Once she and Mike were in shallow water, the lady returned with 2 other ladies who moved Mike to dry land and relentlessly continued resuscitation with Giana but unfortunately Mike was unresponsive.

Giana remembers many people stopping to pray and offering rotations of CPR and the offering of support from the few beach goers present was amazing.

Michael was an incredibly vibrant and fit man. It was determined that he had unknowingly suffered from heart disease which was the ultimate cause of his untimely death. During his vibrant life, Mike was a diligent practitioner of traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-Do, and a valued member of Goju Karate Center for well over a decade. His patience, compassion and commitment have always encouraged others to do their very best.

Over the years Mike has brought tears to our eyes with anecdotes so funny we are rolling off our seats, and moved us profoundly with his commitment to his role as a Father and mentor to his son Matthew. He has been a cornerstone of the dojo for so many years and now a gaping void has opened with his passing that we will try our best to fill with all the great memories that he has left us to cherish.

In August this year Mike was promoted to Sandan (3rd level black belt) by Masaji Taira Sensei here in Carlsbad. We know this meant the world to Mike and we are so proud of his achievement. Our thoughts are now with his son Matthew, his mother Mary and all his family and friends who love him dearly. We will miss Mike greatly but are so thankful for the years we could spend with him training, laughing, talking, traveling, sharing, and just hanging out. 

The Celebration of Life for Michael DeAngelis will be held at Goju Karate Center, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr., Ste 110A, Carlsbad, CA  92008 from 4-6 p.m. on October 2, 2013, by his sister Gina Rollo & son Matthew DeAngelis.

Michael will be cremated with his Karate Gi (uniform) and all his gear and will be wearing Sensei Paul’s first black belt from 1985. Michael’s Karate family will perform kata for him, followed by Sensei Paul Enfield performing Michael’s favorite kata.

We will then be led in a bagpipe procession down to the beach where one final performance will be held for Michael at sunset, allowing us all to gather in love and gratitude for the life he shared with us. Gina and Matthew will deeply appreciate all his friends being present.