Michael J. Cesare

January 13, 2024

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Michael J. Cesare, 55, of Frankfort, died January 13, 2024 at his home.  He was born March 9, 1968 in Camden, NJ to Joseph R. & Anne (Goodyear) Cesare.  He married Rebecca Galloway on June 19, 1999 in Attica, IN., and she survives.

Michael, born in Camden, NJ, grew up in Indianapolis and Noblesville.  He lived in Frankfort for the last 34 years.  He was a 1986 graduate of Noblesville High School and graduated from Indiana University in 1990 with a BA Degree in Criminal Justice. Michael was an Indiana State Trooper for 4 years, a police officer for the Frankfort Police Department for 28 1/2 years, and currently worked for the Community Schools of Frankfort in Student Support. His memberships include: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Police, and a member of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) at Indiana University.  Michael enjoyed all sports, especially fishing and golf. One of his true loves was supporting his children, nephews and nieces in all their sporting and academic endeavors.

Michael was a well-respected figure in the community mentoring students, athletes, and anyone that required assistance. You always knew when Michael was around. He had a strong voice, giving nature, and was always willing to put others before himself. Above all, Michael was a family man! Everything Michael did centered around family.  If you were a part of his “family,” you knew it. He is going to be greatly missed by all that knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider the Frankfort Education Foundation Michael Cesare Scholarship Fund, 2400 E. Wabash St., Frankfort, IN 46041. Memorial donations may be made in one of three ways: online directly to the Frankfort Education Foundation Michael Cesare Scholarship Fund by using the link, directly to the Frankfort Education Foundation via Venmo using @FEFHotdogs, or envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

 

Visitation and Services

Visitation will be 2-5 p.m. Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 22, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 600 St. Mary’s Ave., Frankfort, with Fr. Stephen Duquane officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider the Frankfort Education Foundation Michael Cesare Scholarship Fund, 2400 E. Wabash St., Frankfort, IN 46041.

Survived by:

Wife: Rebecca Cesare of Frankfort, Parents: Joseph & Anne Marie Cesare of Noblesville, Son: Camden Cesare of Frankfort, Daughter: Sydney Cesare of Frankfort, Sister: JoAnne Jackson of Noblesville, Brother: Jeffrey (Tracy) Cesare of Westfield, Nephews: Alec Cesare, Jake Cesare and Ryan Cesare, all of Westfield

Preceded by:

his grandparents, Robert and Margaret Patterson and Charles and Anne Goodyear, and a nephew, Kale Galloway.

Memorial Video

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Condolences

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66 Condolences for “Michael J. Cesare”

  1. Deborah Peart January 16, 2024 at 4:58 pm

    Becky, you and your family are in my prayers. Michael was such an amazing person.

    Reply
  2. Dianne Gant January 16, 2024 at 4:59 pm

    Beyond heart broken for you. There are no words. Know that this community mourns with you. The mold was truly broken when God created Mike. He will forever be in our hearts.

    Reply
  3. Ron Fleming January 16, 2024 at 5:35 pm

    It is with great sadness that Jean and I heard about Mike’s passing. In high school Mike played varsity baseball for Noblesville High School. I was fortunate enough to be his coach. In addition to being a good firstbasemen he was also good at being a better person. He will be greatly missed by all of those who knew him.

    Our deepest sympathy,
    Jean and Ron Fleming

    Reply
  4. Tammy Gayler-Nickle January 16, 2024 at 5:37 pm

    Becky, Camden and Sydney. I’m am shocked by this news. I am so sorry for your loss. No words will comfort you now but know I am praying for all of you.

    Reply
  5. Lynn Czizek January 16, 2024 at 5:43 pm

    So many fond memories that I will hold close. Sending healing thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  6. Sierra black January 16, 2024 at 5:52 pm

    You were a very caring person. Thank you for everything you did for our community, you’ll be greatly missed. Rest easy.

    Reply
  7. Jim Lippard January 16, 2024 at 6:10 pm

    Becky my heart is broken for you and your family. Mike was such a truly wonderful person and he will surely be missed by all of the students and staff at Community Schools of Frankfort. If there is anything you need please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. You are in my prayers.

    Reply
  8. Greg Hostetler January 16, 2024 at 6:15 pm

    Rebecca, I worked for many years at the Community Counseling Center and had the pleasure of engaging Mike in conversation at one of the schools and/or working together in a situation involving one of my work kids. Mike was one of the finest human beings I’ve ever shared work situations with. I am so sorry for your loss and wish you well moving forward and know you will be well supported by the Frankfort Community. Take care.

    Reply
  9. Teresa Ford (Bales) January 16, 2024 at 6:17 pm

    I’m so heartbroken this happened to one of the kindest person I’ve known Becky and family are in my thoughts and pray you have strength to get through this. I will always remember Mike’s laugh very contagious and his love he had for his family

    Reply
  10. Brian Heimbach January 16, 2024 at 6:34 pm

    This one is a gut punch for sure. Have known Mike for years but we really became close during Braxton’s 4 years of Varsity Golf at FHS. Lots of laughs and conversations while walking golf courses. The entire Heimbach family is praying for Mikes family. Brian, Kelli, Carmen and Braxton.

    Reply
  11. Jan Kersey January 16, 2024 at 6:40 pm

    To all the Cesare family. My heart aches with your loss of Michael. What a sweet, caring and wonderful guy Michael was. He was a great community worker and coach for FHS. He loved helping kids and it always showed. Most of all Michael loved his family so much. My love of Michael goes back to the 90’s and IU FIJI days. A life taken way too early. He will be missed by many. Hugs to all. Jk

    Reply
  12. Carla williams January 16, 2024 at 6:43 pm

    Such a good guy!
    My condolences for his family, and his work family too.

    Reply
  13. Dave and Trudie Myers January 16, 2024 at 7:03 pm

    Dear Becky
    We are so very sorry. Please know we send loving hugs and all our love.
    Dave and Trudie

    Reply
  14. Larry Fish II January 16, 2024 at 7:35 pm

    Mike was such a good guy he will definitely be missed. My prayers are condolences to his family. Sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  15. Sandi Lutomski January 16, 2024 at 8:10 pm

    So sorry. I hope past memories will help heal you. Love you all. Sandi

    Reply
  16. Jane Maltsberger January 16, 2024 at 8:22 pm

    It is in times like these that I’m sad for the miles that separate our families. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, Becky, and your family.

    Reply
  17. Laurie Barnes January 16, 2024 at 8:42 pm

    Heartfelt condolences, Laurie (Shelby) Barnes

    Reply
  18. Sherrie Carson January 16, 2024 at 8:43 pm

    Becky, Camden, Sydney, my heart breaks with you. He will truly be missed by many. He was a great friend and neighbor who would do anything for you. Sending many hugs and prayers.

    Reply
  19. Lynette Hardesty January 16, 2024 at 9:07 pm

    Becky & family, we are so very sorry for your loss. May you feel God’s love & comfort to surround you.
    Lynette and Jeff Hardesty

    Reply
  20. Tabitha Nicole January 16, 2024 at 9:15 pm

    He was such an amazing man and he’s going to be missed by so many!! He was such a big part of my life.

    Reply
  21. Piper January 16, 2024 at 9:25 pm

    Words cannot explain how much this breaks me. Loved by so many and always showed double the love back. Praying for Ms. Cesare and the family. Gone but Never forgotten.

    Reply
  22. Sherri Johnston January 16, 2024 at 9:38 pm

    Becky, I was so sad to hear about the great loss that you and your children are experiencing. Your husband was such a wonderful, kind and helpful man. He will be greatly missed by our community.

    Reply
  23. Julie Marchand Bills January 16, 2024 at 9:48 pm

    Becky
    I’m so sorry for this hard loss of your husband.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Reply
  24. Debbie Martin January 16, 2024 at 10:00 pm

    Becky and family, I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I’m praying for you and kids.

    Reply
  25. Eric Payton January 16, 2024 at 10:26 pm

    My condolences to Becky, Cam, and Syd. Mike was one of the nicest and most down-to-earth people I knew. I saw him on an almost daily basis the two years I worked in secondary education for the Community Schools of Frankfort and he always wore a smile. I sat by him at a few basketball games and we never ran out of anything to talk about. Great guy. Great family. He and Becky always treated me well and so did the kids. He will be missed tremendously by the Frankfort community.

    Reply
  26. The Harahman Family January 16, 2024 at 10:34 pm

    Becky, Cam, and Sydney.
    Our hearts break for all of you. Jesus gained his amazing son back while we lost an amazing soul here with us. Love you all and prayers continue for each of you as you navigate along your journey. God is here and will continue to hold each of you up!

    Reply
  27. Naomi Padilla January 16, 2024 at 10:58 pm

    My deepest condolences to you and you’re family, the heaven has gained a precious soul and I know he will always be in your hearts, as well as others. May his sweet soul rest in peace.

    Reply
  28. Tom Pearcy January 17, 2024 at 12:22 am

    Good officer and man. Gone too soon.

    Reply
  29. Lori Snyder January 17, 2024 at 4:04 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a very nice man and a nice officer of the law. I met Michael while working at Speedway. He’d come in for coffee.

    Prayerfully, Lori Snyder

    Reply
  30. Missy Herrington-Hill January 17, 2024 at 4:44 am

    Our family is holding you all in our thoughts and prayers. Mike was a true inspiration to everyone.

    Reply
  31. Carolyn Davis January 17, 2024 at 5:44 am

    Becky and Family,
    Your loss has been great. I only met your husband once, but I knew that he had to be super GREAT. Why? Because he married only the best. I know your children have suffered a great loss also. But you can be strong for everyone. Your husband’s accomplishments could only occur in a GREAT family structure that he guided.
    God will guide you through this moment and in the future.

    Reply
  32. Rebecca Johnson January 17, 2024 at 5:56 am

    Becky, Cam, and Sydney
    I am broken hearted for you. Michael was one of the most genuine and good hearted humans I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. During my time at FHS, we laughed together, cried together, and his love for the three of you was evident in every conversation we had. He has impacted so many people and will be truly missed.

    Reply
  33. Dale A Snoddy January 17, 2024 at 5:59 am

    Becky, I grieve so for your loss. My memories will be of Mike’s smile and his laid-back manner whenever we’d visit at FHS. His positive presence will be missed in the Frankfort community.

    Reply
  34. Judy Galloway January 17, 2024 at 8:05 am

    So sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. Am praying for you and the kids and the rest of the family members.

    Reply
  35. Gary Lutomski January 17, 2024 at 8:47 am

    My deepest condolences to the Cesare family at the loss of Michael. Wishing you peace and comfort. May the treasured memories of your loved one help you through this difficult time.

    Reply
  36. Scott Hunt January 17, 2024 at 8:59 am

    While I was only really close with Mike during our college days in a late 1980s, I am very sad to hear about his passing. Mike, or “Gapper” as he was known in the frat, was a very warm and friendly good ole boy who loved to laugh and joke around. He was a great athlete. Being from out of state, one of the highlights of my freshman year in college is when Mike took me to his hometown where I have the privilege of meeting his parents, sister and brother before attending an Indiana high school basketball game at Noblesville HS. That was an intense experience.. We even went to the high school dance to follow. Mike a very gracious host. My heart goes out to Becky and Kids as they mourn the loss of their husband and father.

    Reply
  37. Tracie Eldridge January 17, 2024 at 9:29 am

    I’m so sorry, he was a great man and will be greatly missed. Love and prayers for all

    Reply
  38. Rick Ham January 17, 2024 at 10:05 am

    Mike was a great law enforcement officer but he was an even greater man. Prayers to Becky and kids, Mike will be missed greatly.

    Reply
  39. Darlene McCurdy January 17, 2024 at 10:17 am

    So sorry for your loss; he was a great guy! Remembering when he and my son, Brian Meredith, played sports together. Prayers for family and friends!!

    Reply
  40. Brian Prickett January 17, 2024 at 10:18 am

    So sorry for your loss. I knew Michael years ago, he was truly an example of what a police officer should be kind caring and helpful in any situation. His community has truly lost one of the good guys.

    Reply
  41. Arreonna January 17, 2024 at 10:29 am

    I will miss you dearly, you were the best teacher someone could ask for fly high.

    Reply
  42. Patrick Hall January 17, 2024 at 10:54 am

    Cesare Family…

    We certainly share in great sadness with the loss of “Uncle Mike” as we knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Cesare family. Our connection to Michael was through his brother, Jeff, and Jeff’s family. While we did not spend a large quantity of time around Uncle Mike, what time we did spend with him was quality…..and very memorable. Those times and Uncle Mike will forever be thought of fondly. The time we spent with Uncle Mike was centered around family, golf, and fun..!! It was clear to us, Uncle Mike had figured a lot of the big pieces of life out. His love for family and passion for loving and laughing with others was infectious. We will all miss Uncle Mike very much. May God be with him now, and may God love on his family in their deepest of sorrows.

    The Halls….Patrick, Tiffany (“Tiff”), Taylor, Lexi, & Nolan.

    Reply
  43. Eva Kelly January 17, 2024 at 12:47 pm

    Mike’s smile always made coming to work a bit more cheerful. He is truly missed.

    Reply
  44. Jim Lynch January 17, 2024 at 2:22 pm

    So sorry to read about Michael! He certainly loved his family and community! More role models like Michael

    Reply
  45. Judith Booe January 17, 2024 at 2:47 pm

    Becky and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. God is awesome and will be with you. You have always been a great gal and I cherish memories of fifth grade.

    Reply
  46. Tanzy Hershberger January 17, 2024 at 3:34 pm

    Becky, I was so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Just know you and all of you family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs

    Reply
  47. Gayla Davis January 17, 2024 at 6:10 pm

    Sydney and family, I want you to know how sorry I am for your great loss. I spoke often with Officer Cesare when he was our SRO at FMS. He was the nicest, most uplifting, and caring gentleman that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was so proud of you all and spoke with so much affection about you. He truly loved you all. I pray that God’s comfort surrounds you. and His peace, that passes all understanding, will be yours. Heartbroken for you!

    Reply
  48. Art and Gloria Langrish January 17, 2024 at 8:22 pm

    So sad to hear of his passing and the sadness of his family. It was too soon for such a good man.

    Reply
  49. Colonel Robert Plumback January 17, 2024 at 10:01 pm

    One of the nicest guys I ever met. I enjoyed our times at the Linden Conservation Club at the firing range when I would take Abby out to shoot. Camden was always in tow and we always had a great time.
    Deepest Sympathy from the Plumback Family.

    Reply
  50. Jim Dinsmore January 17, 2024 at 10:08 pm

    Becky, So shocked at learning of Mike’s passing. My heart aches for you and your children. Mike was one of a kind. We will all miss him.

    Reply
  51. Shirley Lueking January 17, 2024 at 11:37 pm

    So sorry for your loss Becky. I know your family is grieving for Michael and God is your refuge at this time.
    Shirley Moudy Lueking

    Reply
  52. Lisa Sheets January 17, 2024 at 11:37 pm

    Dear Becky~although I’ve known you for many years I never had the pleasure of meeting Mike. Reading through all of the condolences on this site and on Facebook it is very clear, he was a special man. I want to thank you, Becky and your kids, for sharing him with the citizens of Frankfort and the staff and students at FHS. I pray that the wonderful memories you have give you comfort today, tomorrow and always. Sending my deepest sympathy.

    Reply
  53. Dan May January 18, 2024 at 10:43 am

    Deepest sympathies. Knowing Michael only a short time as a parent and dad on the golf course he was always an amazing man. He had such a welcoming personality and was fun to be around. I will miss him as will many. I will always think of him when I use my thin optics as he introduced them to me. Many prayers and blessings to the family.

    Reply
  54. Marcella Weaver January 18, 2024 at 12:34 pm

    Becky, I’m not sure if you remember me from being the Head Custodian at Frankfort. You also taught my daughter in your art class. I got to know Mike working through the school and I’m so saddened by this news. He was so nice to talk to and always had a smile on his face. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  55. Shalyn Byrn January 18, 2024 at 7:36 pm

    Becky, you and your family are in my thoughts often and I am praying for you all.

    Reply
  56. Danielle Sharp January 18, 2024 at 7:59 pm

    Any amount of sorry could not compare to the pain of a loss. He was an amazing officer. I wish you all the love.

    Reply
  57. Mary Patchett January 18, 2024 at 10:39 pm

    Rebecca, Camden and Sydney,
    I’m am so sorry for your loss. Please except my sincere condolences. Praying for all of you in this time of sorrow.

    Reply
  58. Kenny and Sally Mitchell January 18, 2024 at 10:53 pm

    Becky Sydney and Camden we are so sad and heartbroken about the sudden loss of Michael, praying that God wraps his arms around you and just know that you’re in everyone’s prayers. Love you all.

    Reply
  59. Dallas Garrett January 19, 2024 at 9:01 am

    Sending you my most sincere condolences, Mike will be missed by so many. He was an incredible person with a beautiful family.

    Reply
  60. Linda & Dan Franck January 19, 2024 at 1:42 pm

    Our deepest sympathy to all of the family. This was such a shock hearing the sad news. We have known the Cesar family for many many years and thought very highly of all of them especially Mike. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, Linda and Dan Franck,

    Reply
  61. Elizabeth Hlavek McGrath January 19, 2024 at 8:56 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss, Becky. Mike was kind and professional and cared for his community. He was one of best police officers I knew in Frankfort and I am heartbroken to learn of his passing.

    Reply
  62. Jessica Tejeda January 20, 2024 at 3:41 pm

    I was his student for the first semester and he was truly an amazing teacher, an amazing police officer, and an amazing person. I’m truly sorry for his family and friends and to other people he was close with. Sending my condolences to his family and his loved ones.

    Reply
  63. Shana Kennedy January 21, 2024 at 11:28 am

    I was in the same recruit school with Mike when we started with ISP and worked with him when I transferred to Lafayette. He always made things a little better at recruit school and was fun to work with when I transferred to Lafayette.

    RIP Mike

    Shana Kennedy
    48th ISP Recruit School

    Reply
  64. Pam Hall January 22, 2024 at 3:33 pm

    Grieving with you…I held Mike in the highest regard. He was such an excellent example of kindness, consideration and caring. My thoughts and prayers continue for Becky, Camden, Sydney & family. May God hold you close.

    Reply
  65. Jean Cunningham January 22, 2024 at 8:48 pm

    Dear Becky,
    My heart breaks for you and your children. Mike is gone from your lives much too soon. My family offers sincere condolences to all of you and hopes that you find strength in your memories and knowing that his was a life well lived.

    Jean, Chris and Cara (Kneer) Cunningham

    Reply
  66. Sharon Hoagland January 23, 2024 at 7:42 am

    Anne Marie and Joe, my sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.
    Sharon Shively Hoagland

    Reply

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