Michael J. Cukro Memorial Page      April 9, 1952 - February 20, 2007

This online memorial was created in loving memory of Michael J. Cukro, a one of a kind person and wonderful man, who was respected by all those who knew him.  He was a dedicated father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Michael proudly served the Huntington Lacrosse community for many years since he played at Huntington High School.  He enjoyed all sports, but his love was lacrosse - webmaster and keeper of the Huntington lax records herein.

We will remember Michael forever.  He will always be missed by those who knew him and loved him.  Each of us carries a piece of him with us.

 “If Tears Could Build A Stairway, And Memories A Lane, I'd Walk Right Up to Heaven And Bring You Home Again”

Michael J. Cukro Newsday obituary guest book click HERE

I met Cookie in 1970.  I was brought up to the varsity football team as a sophomore, Cookie was a senior.  He was the team’s quarterback and linebacker.  We instinctly connected in what would become a friendship, a brotherhood, of 37 years, until his death last Feb. 20, 2007.

There have been a lot of great players that have roamed the halls of Huntington High.  I have been fortunate to know, play with, or count as friends players from the 50s – [Aaron Littman] – 60s – [Pete Cramblett, Hutch Vander Schuyt, Chris Alex, Jeff Mingin, and more] - 70s  - my gang, - [Chris Olson, Mark Paar, Frank Picozzi, Andy Pettit, Jimmy Burke, John Pirro, Jay Howell and more], the 80s  - [my brothers team] - up to the more recent group of knuckleheads such as Charlie Paar and Brett Olson.  I had the privilege of playing with most at one time or another and can say that Cookie was as good as they get for his generation.

Cookie was a feared and dominant attackman.  He played hard, hustled, and played smart.  He was a head first ground ball guy, played the ride tough.  But what separated Cookie was his dodging and shooting skills.  He had one of the quickest releases I’ve seen in any generation.  His shot usually came from in tight, stick close to his head, in the vein of Tom Postell, the shot was never telegraphed and usually came right off his ear.  He could drop down and shoot from all angles, but usually his stick was tight to the body and head.  He was the first high school kid I saw do the look-away and was one of those athletes you just loved to watch with the ball.  A natural, a team guy first, not a me first player who was counted on to finish and usually delivered.  He was easily a top ten attackman in the country his Jr. and Sr. years and his game in the late 60s and early 70s was raising the bar for all who came after him, raising the level for the next generation of this great game we love.  Simply put, when compiling an All-Time Huntington High lax team, Michael Cukro’s #15 will always have a spot on that roster.

  My friend’s life was his family.  Mike dedicated his life to his wife Diane and his two sons Jesse and Matthew.  My buddy cared a lot and all of us who have enjoyed this site owe a great thanks to Diane and Cookie for giving us our school’s lax history and giving the current players pictures, updates, scheduling and all the great things he's provided herein.

Many nice things are said sometimes about those who have passed.  Sometimes we exaggerate.  But today I will say with all honesty and give my friend the greatest compliment I could give any man, Cookie was a gentleman, was a great father who was kind and compassionate, and gave his time to others.  My buddy was one of the good guys in this life, a good human being.  He also showed a courage in the final months of his life that I have never seen before and will always admire him for that warrior spirit that came back to life in his final battle.  He lost this one, but lost the same way he used to win, with grace, dignity, and courage. I will miss my buddy more than words can say.  Much thanks to Al Sappol who saw a friend fall in a hole and jumped right in with him.  To Andy Pettit, I still can't believe you missed that shot against Brentwood!!!  [Smiles]

Good luck to this year’s team that Cookie was looking so forward to documenting.  

Fly high my friend, you'll always be loved, and thanks to all who came to pay their respects.  My friend was a good man.....................................................Jeff Indence ..72'