In Memoriam: cordelli
Mike Cordelli at Lucille’s Bad To The Bone BBQ in Delray Beach, Florida. Photograph ©2007 by Brian Cohen.
Michael Cordelli — also known as FlyerTalk member cordelli — passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 10, 2013, according to what his wife posted on facebook.
Mike posted this content on FlyerTalk on August 8, 2013 at 7:57 in the evening Eastern Daylight Time — which became the last time he posted on FlyerTalk:
“Can we do this call call tomorrow please, it’s too late now”
Although not in the context in which he posted, this sadly is an unfortunate reminder not to put off for tomorrow what you can do today, for tomorrow might not arrive for you — the last of many valuable lessons imparted by Mike on FlyerTalk.
Mike was regarded by fellow FlyerTalk members — who are shocked and stunned to learn of what has been called a “tragic event” — as a “good guy” who was helpful, supportive and friendly, as he gave plenty of valuable and useful advice on FlyerTalk over the years. In fact, Mike even served as moderator of the Travel Technology and Travel Photography forums on FlyerTalk.
I first met Mike in South Florida at what is considered by some to be a historic event on FlyerTalk when FlyerTalk members Dovster and BEYFlyer met in person for the first time, as they were unable to meet in their respective countries of Israel and Lebanon, both of which are technically at war with each other. The meeting was a result of the accounts posted by Dovster pertaining to being awakened by explosions of rockets launched from Lebanon greater than seven years ago. As was characteristic of Mike, he generously offered to host space for photographs of the event and also quipped about the photographs that “they are great to have next year so I don’t wear the same shirt” — and he was proud to be one of the people who witnessed Dovster and BEYFlyer accomplish what no government officials seem to be able to do: reach a mutual agreement for lasting peace between Israel and Lebanon in fewer than eight minutes.
A sense of humor, a passion for travel and always available to assist fellow FlyerTalk members: that was cordelli.
You will be sorely missed, Mike. My condolences and thoughts are with your family and friends. Reach for the stars — and may you rest in peace.
Condolences to Mike’s family
RIP Cordelli
He was one of the most intelligent and well-informed posters I’ve ever seen. I was always glad to see him posting on a thread. Somehow he always came through with the pertinent information, even on the most esoteric topics.
Truly a sad loss to FT and family and the world
My condolences 🙁
Sad news indeed. He was never unkind to first timers asking the same old questions again and again. His presence will be missed. Rest in peace, Mike. My prayers are with his family.
I never met Mike, but he helped me and so many others on FT with his concise, friendly, and always right to the point replies. He was truly an asset to the FT community in so many ways.
Rest In Peace, Mike, you will be very much missed.
bj-21.
I always respected his posts. On the level and he knew what he was talking about. I read his last post right after he put it up. So sorry that he’s gone.
Mike, rest in peace. My heartfelt thoughts and condolences to his family and friends.
RIP.
Rest in peace. I hope the afterlife is chock full with great in Italian food.
rip
Monitoring the Hertz forum was made tremendously easier thanks to users like Mike Cordelli. He really was the epitome of what these forums are all about. He was always out to help his fellow travelers and I’m glad to have had the opportunity to interact with him on a number of occasions. RIP, Mike. You will be missed.
It is always great to do as much activity as possible. One NEVER knows when life will be short!
On April 12, 2013, my cancer spread to my left lower heart and my Doctor (Oncologist) told me that people with my cancer live an average of 6 weeks. I chose to fight this new cancer with new chemo and they gave me 10% chance my body will respond. I was hospitalized for 6 days on 4/12/13 (heart attack watch) and for 6 days from June 17-23 for a blood infection due to chemotherapy complications. I do not let these things get in my way of doing things I enjoy.
On July 18, 2013, I went back to work full time and my & I took a couple very recent long weekend roadtrips from LA to Northern California.
I used to fly a lot (25 countries, 49 US states, various countries multiple times including Australia/New Zealand/SIN trips, $198 base LAX-LHR, etc).
NO REGRETS!!! Can’t wait to get back on an airplane!! Trust it will be soon!
I cannot think of any FlyerTalk member more “qualified” — for lack of a better word — to offer that advice about living for today as much as you, chemist661. I remember seeing you at the Chicago Seminars last year — and I greatly admire your tenacity and spirit despite all that you have been through. Thank you!
RIP to Mike!! He was a great asset to this board!!
RIP
Mike enriched many human and four legged critters’ lives in many ways. He leaves an empty space on FlyerTalk and goes to a better place – one where he will not be devoid of Flyertalkers, as some have gone before him. At some point, we may attend the grandest DO of all, because we’ll see them again.