Obituary

Michael Robert Parker Podesta passed away tragically on February 18, 2020 at 7pm.

Michael was raised in Lake Forest, California. He went to Rancho Canada Elementary School, Serrano Middle School and El Toro High School. He loved and participated in sports: the Dolphins Swim Team, Lake Forest Little League Baseball, and AYSO Soccer.

Michael was attending classes in the Culinary Arts at Saddleback College. For the past two years he was honing his skills at Splashes Restaurant at the Surf and Sand Hotel in Laguna Beach, California.

Besides Michael’s passion for food, he also loved to travel and was looking forward to more culinary experiences in such places as Morocco, Portugal, France, Switzerland and maybe returning to Thailand.

For anyone who was not blessed to know Michael personally this is the best way to describe his soul:

From the time Michael was an infant, he was a content, happy, joyful boy. Regardless of some health issues while growing up that were physically visible which led to being self-conscious about his appearance and also lead to some childhood teasing, he overcame all of those things with grace. He grew up into a dignified caring young man.

Michael had a great sense of humor, a big warm loving heart, electrifying smile and a laughter that was contagious. Anyone who really knew him could see all these qualities; and all of those qualities Michael possessed touched and changed lives around him. There will always be a hole in our hearts that only he could fill.

Michael leaves behind his Father, David; Mother, Deborah; and his Sister, Madison. He is also survived by his Grandmother, Joanne; Aunt Tricia; Uncle Jeff; Cousins Allison and Amanda; and dear friends.

If you would like to order flowers, please contact Michelle at Lily Fiore Floral Artistry through the flower links on this page or by phone, 949-328-9694.

A block of rooms at the Surf and Sand Hotel in Laguna Beach has been set aside for out of town guests. To make reservations, please contact:
Misty Lindo (mlindo@jcresorts.com)
or
Angie Lyons (alyons@jcresorts.com

Memorial Mass

Date & Time: March 23, 2020 (11:00 AM)
Venue: St. Edward The Confessor Catholic Church
Location: 33926 Calle La Primavera Dana Point, CA 92629 - (Get Directions)
Phone Number: (949) 496-1307

Reception

Date & Time: March 23, 2020 (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Venue: Surf & Sand Hotel

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11 responses to Michael Robert Parker Podesta

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Maggie Briskie says:

March 7, 2020

Dear Deborah and David,
So sad for your loss. Remember all the happy times you had as a family.
Take care.

Reply
Everett L Gogin says:

March 11, 2020

Michael was one of my best friends and I am thankful for the time I had with him. He was such a selfless guy and would always put everyone else before himself. Rest in peace buddy.

Reply
Alec DeSantis says:

March 12, 2020

Known Michael since Rancho Canada. He always walked around with this contagious smile and if u weren’t smiling when he walked by he’d do something to make u smile.
Kid played every sport at recess, dude had the most energy I’ve ever seen. Michael had the biggest heart and stood up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. Love you brotha! Rest In Peace

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Brianna Jefferson says:

March 12, 2020

Mikey miss you so much I’m still thinking your still here my heart still hurts. Work is not the same without your courageous smile and love for cooking.You always helped me in the kitchen and had my best interest at heart to push me to do better. And you had so much love to give even when you know some do not know how to love themselves. Will miss you and will remember you always Mikey bauh buah Rest In Paradise

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Lawson Romero says:

March 17, 2020

I wish the family of Micheal Podesta the best of wishes he was a great friend and great person to be around.

Reply