Message from Matt Murphy
November 19, 2019 1:35 PM
My God. I only today became aware of Mike's passing. We worked together back in our UniCom days and were fellow Domers. Mike was a fantastic guy - smart, funny. I really wish we had stayed in better touch. He was a pleasure to work with and to know. My heart felt condolences to his entire family. Having lost my Dad too young, I know how hard it must be for you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. And I'm so sorry for his/your lost.
A candle was lit by Tim malone, ND '88 friend
on November 22, 2018 1:28 PM
Message from Margaret Johnson Keohane ND 88
December 11, 2017 7:30 PM
What a kind and warmhearted person who brightened many days across the quea with a HELLO and wave that was exactly who Mike was. My prayers and thoughts go out to his whole family over this next year and more! I hope you find hope in God's love for you and for him.
Message from Bernie Gburek Brother Rice ‘84
December 5, 2017 10:15 PM
Mike, you made high school a great time wherever and whenever you were part of the scene. My condolences to your family
Message from Patrick Smith, Brother Rice HS '85
December 5, 2017 5:16 PM
Oh my Lord! I was JUST thinking about Mike (who is a year older than I) and his brother Paul (who was my closer friend/classmate at Brother Rice) this past Sunday morning!
I was wondering how they both were doing since they were both such great guys when I knew them at Rice and since it has been way too long since I've seen or heard from either of them ('84 for Mike; probably '85 graduation for Paul).
Having just found out today of Mike's passing, I am in total shock to hear this terrible news and at the same time I am honestly wondering if Mike was somehow visiting my thoughts from the other side on Sunday morning?!?
Mike and I both played trumpet in the band at Brother Rice and I will never forget the first day I showed up at marching band camp which was the summer before my freshman year classes began. Unlike most other Rice students who came there from the normal 4-6 feeder/Catholic schools, I came from a public school, so I knew absolutely NOBODY in the band room out of the 100+ kids who were in attendance that day. I think our band director (Mr. Z) saw how nervous I was, so he told me to sit down in the middle of the trumpet section, right next to Mike.
Mr. Z obviously had specific intent in placing me right there because when Mike saw me coming, he made room for me right next to him on the risers and it wasn't more than 5 seconds after I climbed up and sat down before Mike introduced himself along with a bunch of the other guys in the trumpet section.
Even though he was older than I was, Mike gave me the feeling that he was honestly interested in getting to know me and in just a few minutes, my nerves and apprehensions were 100% gone. He was super friendly and he made me feel like I was truly welcomed in both the band and at the school in general.
Mike had a natural way like that; he could make anyone feel welcome and important. The statement "he never met a stranger" is a perfect way to describe him as it is absolutely true. When you met Mike, you immediately felt like you had a friend.
I liked being around him. I was actually sad when he graduated BRHS 3 years later as in some ways, he was like the big brother that I never had at Rice. Always there to help if needed, making sure to include you when you felt alone.
The old saying "only the good die young" MUST be the absolute truth as there is no other explanation for Mike's untimely passing. The Lord blessed him with talent, kindness and grace during his time here on earth and I am 100% sure that even Heaven is slightly more "awesome" with Mike now being present there.
I wish Mike's wife and children my deepest and most heart felt condolences and I pray that the smiles that I am sure Mike left on your hearts and souls will be the beacon that will guide you through what must be unfathomable sadness and despair.
Rest in peace big brother Mike! I will never forget you...
A candle was lit by Mary Grace (Giorgio) Dyleski ND '88
on December 3, 2017 11:30 AM
Message from Mary Grace (Giorgio) Dyleski ND '88
December 3, 2017 11:29 AM
All my memories of Mike are full of smiles and laughter. You have my deepest sympathies and i pray your happy memories will bring you peace.
Much love,
Grace
A candle was lit by Kevin & Michelle Stoutermire
on December 2, 2017 6:09 AM
Message from The Way Cools Chicks
December 1, 2017 11:01 AM
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Michael. While there is no way we can feel your pain, we deeply feel your loss. Peace and love to you and your family during this most difficult time.
A candle was lit by Jackie Suarez Dettling and John Dettling
on November 30, 2017 3:36 PM
Message from Mary Depman
November 30, 2017 1:21 PM
Helen, Mona and Family, You have my prayers for all the Diegel’s at this difficult time, Cherish every good memory of Michael.
Message from Molly Sullivan Sliney
November 30, 2017 10:30 AM
Roxanne my heart is broken for you and your girls. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Molly
A candle was lit by Tracy Dorsey
on November 30, 2017 9:37 AM
Message from Tricia & Scott Hesse and family
November 30, 2017 9:21 AM
We are so sorry to hear the news of Mike’s passing. He was such a wonderful person ... and so much fun to be around. He will be deeply missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with Roxane, Corinne, Callie, and the Diegel and Vittori families. May God Bless all of you during this difficult time.
Message from Matthew Hanley
November 30, 2017 8:59 AM
Condolences to the Diegel family. Although I didn’t know Mike as well as others at Notre Dame, I do remember his humor and effusive love of life. So sorry to hear the devastating news of our classmate. The Diegels, his friends and family, and the Class of 1988 have lost a great man too soon.
A candle was lit by Jason and Shari Blaeser
on November 29, 2017 9:48 PM
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May your memories and the love you shared bring you comfort and peace. We are so very sorry for your loss and we will keep your family in our prayers!
A candle was lit by Jason and Shari Blaeser
on November 29, 2017 9:39 PM
Message from Amy Treder Holland
November 29, 2017 9:30 PM
My deepest condolences to Roxane, Corinne, Callie and the whole Diegel and Vittori Families on the loss of such a wonderful husband, father, brother, son and relative. Please know that all of you will be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming months. I will always cherish the great times I had with Diegel (sorry but I never really called him Mike) at Notre Dame. God gifted him with a terrific personality and the gift of gab. He was just plain fun to be around and always smiling and joking. Diegel was the kind of guy that people gravitated towards. I know that heaven will have plenty more smiles and laughter now that they have opened up the golden gates for Diegel.
Message from Sheree and John Jungwirth and family
November 29, 2017 9:08 PM
We are so devastated to hear of Mike's passing. Our prayers go out to Mike's daughters, wife, and the entire Diegel family . May your loving memories comfort you and God give you strength.
Love always,
Sheree & John Jungwirth and family.
A candle was lit by Travis & Kristin Naber
on November 29, 2017 8:00 PM
A candle was lit by Heather Murphy
on November 29, 2017 6:57 PM
A candle was lit by Colleen Case
on November 29, 2017 5:54 PM
Roxane, Corinne, Callie, there are no words. Mike is one of the sweetest, most generous and fun loving guys I have ever known. His heart was as big as they come, and he would go to the moon and back for anyone, but most especially, " his (3) girls".
You need to know beyond a shadow of a doubt, Mike is watching you from heaven every day, he is protecting you and praying for you every day. And now he is the presence of his Lord, bending his ear, for you. (...and you KNOW he is!) -May Christ's peace comfort you as you move thru the days that come.
A candle was lit by Stephanie& Randy
on November 29, 2017 5:40 PM
A candle was lit by The Case Family
on November 29, 2017 5:39 PM
Message from Daniel Alfaro
November 29, 2017 4:48 PM
Mike, you're one of the nicest, patient and understanding people I've ever had the luck of crossing paths with. Really funny too! You're already missed, man. Catch you on the flip side.
A candle was lit by Skip and Donna Clarquist
on November 29, 2017 4:05 PM
A candle was lit by Bob McNaughton MIL emplyee
on November 29, 2017 3:20 PM
A candle was lit by Mary Esther Baldwin and family
on November 29, 2017 1:16 PM
A candle was lit by Corey Richardson and family
on November 29, 2017 1:07 PM
A candle was lit by Mr & Mrs Wroblewski
on November 29, 2017 12:24 PM
A candle was lit by Joel Woppert
on November 29, 2017 12:09 PM
Message from Susan TenBrink
November 29, 2017 11:46 AM
Beloved, adored, devoted, and loving. All great descriptors for Mike. He was fun, sweet, and kind. Please accept my dearest sympathies and prayers for peace and understanding while you cope with his loss.