I couldn't drive past Philipsburg Manor this morning (primary voting day), without thinking of Mike yet again. He was such a unique individual... whether telling stories, recommending places for lunch to visitors, walking the PM site with Ginger on his shoulder, helping clear Sunnyside at the end of the day, bringing apples for Darcy the horse for Halloween events, or just waiting with me in the parking lot for a tow truck one evening... he was always there to help and support you... to carry the heavy box or whatever was needed. He never seemed to have a bad day and that is a rare personality.

To the family of Michael Garbarino - I send my condolences and acutely feel your loss. No words can blunt the impact here of Mike's passing. I can only hope that the knowledge that he burned more brightly than a comet in a world crowded with dimly flickering candles brings some solace -- he did not just so much as live in the world, or contribute to it, as he shaped it in the best possible way the world for we lucky few who knew him.

Any death - especially a sudden one - of a close friend brings disbelief, but now being old enough to have seen this more than once, the sensation of Mike's passing is nonetheless quite different. It's more that Mike's very existence "was" life, and thoroughly reflected profound energy and a hopeful engagement with the world. That makes it seem almost impossible that Mike would be here one day and then not. In the last few weeks I have repeatedly run across a book or a song or a random fact and thought not "Mike would have liked this" but instead "Mike would like this". His essence loomed so large - his loving presence so forever present, that he feels just a brief call, email, or Discord chat away . . . in some ways even as I write this down.

I know that's not the case, but I still don't "know" it - and Mike's gift of being a unique, generous, fun, wise and thoroughly lovely person and friend has kept the light of his comet ablaze. I continue to marvel at its glow.

Francis Fryscak

We just found out about Mike’s passing. I’m saddened to hear that I’ll never see him riding his bike, baking soda bread, or hiring a mariachi band again. Hopefully he’s playing trivia or a board game in whatever realm he is in (& hopefully with my brother George). Please accept my condolences. Although I haven’t seen him in a few years, he will be missed.

-Ginger Coleman

To John and the Garbarino family,
I am so sorry to hear about Michael's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Mick: You were the smartest happiest guy I ever met. You will be missed, brother. Until we meet again, I dedicate this song as you sail away up the Hudson: https://youtu.be/mlBG4DjIWV0

Mike was one of the first people I met while working at HHV. He was warm, welcoming and funny. He obviously loved meeting people and sharing his knowledge about the things and places he loved the most. He was the best ambassador Sleepy Hollow could ever have. I cannot imagine the place without him. May God keep him close.

Sadness is deep at the untimely passing of our friend and Judo brother Mike.
Memories are sweet of a gentle-man
of warmth, dignity and intelligence .

GVA

I’ve been trying to write something fitting for you my dear friend. You were my champion and my confidant. You were that for so many of us at HHV. I will miss your laugh, your jokes, and hugs. I will miss your crazy ideas. Stories about Ginger. I loved the way you would get so animated talking about things you loved. You made me smile, even during dark times. Now it’s dark again and you are not here. I miss you dearly. I adored when we’d finally say good bye either on the phone or in person, we’d laugh, hug and you’d say “All right my Tina girl, be safe. I love ya.” And I’d reply that I love you too. I will hold on to that.
I love you Mike. I will miss you forever. 💜