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.
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
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more