last update 2/17/2016
new poem added
From:
Rich Edelman
Memories
I could tell about Michael's many accomplishments, of being in the Air Force Reserves for 26 years, becoming a Pilot and then achieving the very prestigious rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Or his becoming a commercial airline pilot for Delta Airlines and rising once again all the way to Captain, but I would like to tell about how great it was growing up with Michael.
Michael and many of his early friends grew up in a small enclave in Elmont called Joan Court.
Every other house in this neighborhood has a kid very close in age, to one another.
His name was Michael but because there were 3 kids named Michael three houses in a row it was determined by the parents that he would be called Lou, which unofficially made him a Junior to his father, Lou senior.
Lou was one of us, “Joan Court Kids”
We had an amazing childhood and Lou was a big part of it.
We had our own “private park” growing up; Actually, it was private land adjacent to our neighborhood owned by the local water company but we laid claim to it and made it ours.
It was our ball field, where we went sleigh riding, where we explored underground tunnels, and where we built forts.
Lou loved it there. His imagination ran wild there and everyone loved going there with Lou.
We had the greatest childhood.
There was no better neighborhood in the world to grow up in.
Lou told us all that one day he would be in the Armed Forces and that he would one day fly a plane. Amazingly he grew up and did just that.
Losing one of “The Joan Court Kids” is very difficult. We will forever miss Lou; we will miss his amazing smile, his always present laugh, his contagious energy and his passion for life.
We will never forget you Lou.
No one will!
From:
Ross Andrew
Michael and Ruthann, nicknamed the all black helicopter I maintained for 8 yrs, a beautiful Eurocopter (AirBus Helicopter, now) model AS55N. He and Ruthie would ask how is "Black Betty" treating you? :-)
Can't look at cloud formation without thinking of Michael...
From:
Renn Burling
R.I.P, Michael Povinelli. - "Pov"! I'll never forget the Chirstmas we spent in S. Korea with our newly purchased harmonicas and guitar, jamming in the hotel and streets of Osan. Or the trip to Darwin, Australia + Pattaya Beach, Thailand or so many other great times just dorking out and having a blast.... Your patienc as a teacher belied your hardened Yankee exterior and you love for Frank Zappa made you the exact kind of weirdo that I love.
You'll be missed, my friend. Do one more roll, just for me...
From:
Steve Bellino
Michael left the neighborhood a boy, an awkward adolescent, in search of the truth. He returned a man who has reached the unenviable level of almost complete satisfaction in who he was, what he was doing and who he was with. Content and secure in his marriage, loving to his family and accepting of his friends. What a fine man he became; we are so fortunate because he touched our lives. He continually seemed to grow wiser, friendlier and more dear.
If I had to be a slave to words to describe my friend, they would be honor, morality, conscience as qualities that were part and parcel of the man. Intelligent, dedicated, caring, supportive and courageous are virtues that he exuded every time I saw him. He began his personal growth with the neighborhood but became so much more because of what he did and where he went and who he was with.
From:
Tom Meecham
Farewell but not goodbye Pov
Ruthann,
I can only think of one word when I think of you and Mike, "Service". Both of you have been of such great service to your country, family, friends, and all of us in the glider community. Thanks for all the many things that you have done for me. I will be ever thankful for the many flights I have had with you and Mike. I will never forget the many times Mike was able to "refuel" the DG 1001 when we found a thermal. He was a great "Tanker" pilot even while soaring.
I wanted to share this photo of a Heber Valley sunset and tell you what an honor it has been to know Mike. I know that we will be soaring with him again. For now he has just found a higher and stronger thermal than the rest of us earthbound pilots.
My love and prayers are with you,
Tom Meecham
Heber City Airport
From:
Violet
Michael's niece (age 9)
I remember Uncle Michael
He was always smiling. He made jokes. He was nice to talk to. Had nice hair.
From:
Dale and Rhonda Parker
When we heard of Michael's passing we were heart broken. He was such a special man and this memory would not be complete without telling of his love for pitbulls especially our dog, Coco. He and Ruth would come to our home to borrow Coco for a long walk. They would spend hours with Coco and teach her many important lessons like how NOT to jump on people :~) Then when we would even walk close by the Povinelli home she would pull us almost to the door in order to see Michael and Ruth. Coco passed away a few month ago and we are sure that she greeted Michael when he stepped into heaven with her. Michael's influence in our community will be greatly missed. He is not gone for long and we look forward to a reunion of renewed friendship once again. We extend our Love to Ruth and all the Povinelli Family. May the Lord's Blessings be with you until we meet again.