Quotes

Quotes from Mike Geltrude:

Upon learning of his diagnosis of melanoma on December 10, 2004:
“If this had to happen to someone, I’m glad it was me. I certainly wouldn’t want it to be my wife, my kids or my grandchildren. I can handle it no matter which way it goes and I’ll fight it until the end.”

His decision about whether to tell people that he had melanoma:
“We’ve got to get the message out to people about how bad this thing can be. I don’t think they realize how important it is to get their skin checked. If we let them know about the dangers of melanoma, they’ll have a shot to save themselves.”

Upon learning that the melanoma had traveled to his brain on December 16, 2005:
“I’ve had 66 great years. I have no regrets. I’ve always said that I have been a lucky guy and that I wouldn’t trade a single day of my life with anyone. But the most important thing to me now is my grandchildren, and I don’t want their Christmas affected by this news.”

His reaction to the idea of having a dinner for him:
“I don’t want anything to honor me. If you want to do something, let’s try to help prevent people from getting melanoma and find a cure for people who already have it.”

His reaction to the suggestion that 500 people would come to the dinner:
“You’re crazy! I’ve ran many of these types of events over the years and you’ll be lucky if 200 people show up.”

Quotes about Mike Geltrude:

“Upon reflecting on Mike’s passing, I hoped that I was as good a friend to him as he was to me. But quickly I realized that it was impossible to be as good a friend to him as he was to me.” — Jack Lynch

I believe if the Lord told Mike he had just one miracle left and he wanted Mike to take it to cure his melanoma, Mike would say something like ‘Why don’t we give it to some kid that really needs it instead.’ That’s the type of guy Mike was.” — Ted Fiore, Sr.

“Mike was very special. I’ve never met anyone like him. It’s just amazing how many lives he touched and I don’t think he ever really realized the tremendous impact he had.” — John Zozzaro

“Nutley will never be the same without Mike. He had so much good in him and he shared it all with his community through his charitable efforts.” — Mayor Joanne Cocchiola

“I will miss all the good times like when we went to see sporting events together. I will never forget the day Grandpa Mike taught me how to ride a bike. I will also miss him helping me with my math homework. I am glad that my name is Mike Geltrude because it’s the greatest name I could ever be given.” — Michael D. Geltrude, Age 11

“Grandpa Mike is the champ of all-time!” — Frankie Geltrude, Age 7