Michael Joseph Renga

1969 - 2014

Michael Joseph Renga obituary, 1969-2014, Arlington, VA

FUNERAL HOME

Murphy Funeral Homes

4510 Wilson Boulevard

Arlington, Virginia

Michael Renga Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 11, 2014.

Michael Joseph Renga, age 44, died on October 9th in Arlington, VA. Preceded in death by his beautiful and charismatic wife Anita Cheng. Survived by two wonderful children Lily and Peter. Beloved son of Catherine and the late Richard V. Renga. He leaves behind his sister Mary Catherine Carr and her family, husband Brian, and their three children Christopher, Elizabeth and Patrick. He leaves behind his sister Ann Marie Dubanowitz and her family, husband Paul, and their three children Mason, Andrew and Morgan. He leaves behind his brother Peter Renga, and his wife Lisa, and their three children Gabriella, Arianna and Rocco.

Michael was raised in Plainfield, NJ. He was a graduate of Villanova University, class of 1991 and he received a masters of Environmental Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. He recently worked as a business manager at Covanta Energy.

Michael was an outgoing and a caring person to many friends and family. He enjoyed playing golf and spending vacations at the Jersey Shore. Contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders or The Renga Cheng Children Care Fund. Please make checks in the name of each child separately for Lily Renga and Peter Renga. The gifts can be mailed to: Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 330 John Carlyle St Suite #120, Alexandria, VA 22314. Contributions are also accepted at www.gofundme.com/ftyyts.

Arrangements are entrusted to Murphy Funeral Home in Arlington, VA (www.murphyfuneralhomes.com). Services will be held at St. Ann's Church in Arlington, VA at 11:00 am on Saturday October, 18th. The family plans to have a memorial service at the Church of St. Helen in Westfield, NJ at 11:30 am on Saturday November 15, 2014.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Renga

What is your first memory of Michael?

Share a favorite memory you have of Michael.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Michael.

Describe a time when Michael made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Michael?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Michael.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Michael.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Michael.

What is something you learned from Michael?

Not sure what to say?

November 30, 2018

Coworker

Joseph Rizzo

Mike and I worked together and quickly became friends as we both shared a love of golf and talking about our kids. I miss joking about our golf game over lunch and a beer. I know Mike is watching over us and I'm fortunate to have found a confidant and friend.

October 20, 2014

Kathleen McGowan

My mother, (the late Grace Flannery Dick McGowan), was a first cousin to Catherine Renga; (Michael's mother). I am not sure if that makes me a first cousin once removed or a second cousin . . . nonetheless a blood relative. I never knew Michael. I am not sure if I even met him; but I remember the Renga's visiting our home in Connecticut a couple times and I imagine I was more entranced with the beautiful Renga girls and their long brown hair. I am surprised to know Michael was born only 11 days after me in 1969. Surely, he visited our home, but was dominated in play by my seven brothers. Nonetheless, I look at his face in the pictures that have been shared, and I see my brother Sean's face, his mouth, his nose, his hairline. Now Sean has blue eyes, but I look at Michael and I see my heritage. Although, I am not in real touch with the relatives on my mom's side of the family, (as she passed 20 years ago), I am sad that I've missed out. I wish I had known Michael. My heart goes out to his precious mother Catherine and his children Lily and Peter whom I have not met. I live in St. Louis and would make time for any relative who comes this way. My prayers are with his family. In Jesus name I pray for the Lord to carry you through.

Kindest Regards,
Kathleen McGowan

October 20, 2014

Scott Blair

So sorry to hear this news. Mike was a good, good man. I'll forever remember his genuine, kind soul and his wonderful sense of humor.

October 17, 2014

Mark and Miriam Hetfield

Just knowing Mike made all of our lives better. He was such a mensch. There are no words to describe this loss, but all of us who knew Michael as a friend gained so much from knowing him. We miss you, Mike, but your memory will be a blessing to all of us.

October 17, 2014

Julie Bouchoux

Michael- the warmth of the candle you will stay with us forever!

October 16, 2014

Julie Telep

There are no words for the loss of a wonderful young man. Our heartfelt condolences, every encounter we had the pleasure of sharing with Michael was full of sincerity and his larger than life smile. It's an honor to be Ann-Marie's sister-in-law and to have the opportunity to experience the love of the whole Renga family. Our deepest condolences and prayers for peace.

xo
Julie, Chris & Nathaniel Telep

October 16, 2014

Dr.and Mrs J. L. Stasi

Cathy,
Our prayers for you and your family at this sad time. May your faith and charity comfort you and yours.
Sincerely,
Ann & Jack Stasi

October 16, 2014

Eileen Brown

Catherine, Mary Catherine, Ann Marie, and Peter - I was shocked and saddened when Maureen told me the news. Sending my love and prayers to all of you during this awful time.

October 16, 2014

Cathy, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, Lily, Peter and the rest of the family. We are so very sorry for this incredible loss. May you find some peace and healing in the time ahead. Ginny and Jim Higgins (Jupiter, FL)

October 15, 2014

Ron Link

I am shocked and saddened hearing of the news of Michael's passing. He was very kind and generous in spirit. Blessings.

October 14, 2014

Debbie Roeseler

So saddened to hear of the loss of Michael. What a wonderful, kind and incredible father he was. I pray for the healing of his family. My deepest condolences. Debbie

October 14, 2014

Robert-Connie Neri

Catherine, may the Grace of God keep you strong for yourself and your entire family. Michael looked like a beautiful young man--cherish the wonderful memories. With all our love and prayers.
Connie and Bob Neri, Westfield, N.J.

October 14, 2014

Craig Jeter

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to the family.

October 14, 2014

wendy taylor

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you especially Lily and Peter.

October 14, 2014

Allison Silberberg

What an unthinkable loss. And what a shock. All of us adore Michael. My heart goes out to Anita, Lily and Peter and his parents and your whole family. My deepest sympathies to one and all. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Allison Silberberg
Vice Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia

October 14, 2014

Robin Miller

I will always remember Michael with a smile on his face, warmth in his heart, and laughter in his voice. I am deeply saddened by his passing, My deepest, heartfelt condolences and prayers to the entire Renga-Cheng family.

October 14, 2014

Brian Hotchkiss

Mrs. Renga, Lily, Peter and family may God bless each of you with the comfort, strength and hope that you need each day, that only He can give. "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8) As you mourn Michael's passing, I pray you will each feel the Lord's presence as never before.

October 13, 2014

Beth Cooney

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Renga Family during this difficult time.

October 13, 2014

Dale Heinen - Richardson

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle Autumn's rain.
When you wake in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

Scott & Dale Richardson

October 13, 2014

Jeff George

Very sad to hear of Michael's passing; my thoughts are with the entire Renga family during this very difficult time. Like this flame, may his smile be eternal to all those he touched.

October 13, 2014

Matthew Newman

Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael's family during this trying time. May God watch over those left here on Earth to struggle with this terrible loss. Sincerely, Matt Newman (Tulsa, Oklahoma)

October 13, 2014

Cherise Mattera

Mrs. Renga, Lily, Peter and family. Our thoughts are with you. Michale and Anita were truly amazing people. Wishing you strength and peace during this very difficult time.

October 13, 2014

Pat & Marty McGowan

Dear Cathy, Lily and Peter, Mary Catherine, Ann Marie, Peter and families,
Feel all the prayers that have been coming your way and know that God will help you through this sorrow so deep.
Pat & Marty McGowan

October 13, 2014

Greg Gromer

I am deeply saddened by this horrific news, Michael was a dear friend of mine and he will be missed so much, may the lord take care of him now and forever watch over those children and keep them safe.

October 13, 2014

Chris Duckworth

Our prayers are with Lily and Peter, whose parents were wonderful people.

October 12, 2014

Jonathan Myers

I am so very, very sorry to hear of Michael's passing. He was a very good man who, I know, will be much missed here in Arlington. Wishing you all possible strength, and deepest condolences.

October 12, 2014

Elizabeth Meechan

Dear Mrs Renga, MaryCatherine, AnnMarie, Peter and family,
I'm very sorry to hear such devastating news about Michael. My thoughts are with you.

October 12, 2014

Ed and Noreen Sitar

Dear Cathy, Mary Catherine, Ann Marie,
Peter and family.
Shocked and without words. We send our deepest sympathy,love and friendship in this most difficult time.

October 11, 2014

Lisa & Mateo Perez

All our love support and prayers

October 11, 2014

Marybeth O'Malley Prusher

Mrs. Renga, MaryCatherine, AnnMarie, Peter, and families,
I am so incredibly sad to hear about Michael's suffering and your family's unbelievable loss. Please know that Peter, Lily and all of you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences.

October 11, 2014

Mike and Shannon Higgins

Mrs. Renga, Lily, Peter and family,
We were devastated to learn of Mike's passing. He was always a positive presence in our lives. We very much valued his friendship and, as fellow Arlington transplants, our shared connection to Plainfield, NJ. Please accept our deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Renga's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Renga

Oct

18

Service

11:00 a.m.

St. Ann's Church

Arlington, NJ

Nov

15

Memorial service

11:30 a.m.

Church of St. Helen

Westfield, NJ

Funeral services provided by:

Murphy Funeral Homes

4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203

How to support Michael's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Renga's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more