Tribute for Mr. Gene 'Michaels' Free (Guest book)
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Welcome to the memorial page for

Mr. Gene "Michaels" Free

December 15, 1956 ~ May 10, 2017 (age 60) 60 Years Old
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Message from Jeff Weiser
May 19, 2017 11:47 AM

Gene was a top pro with a wonderful voice and on-air presence. At Metro Networks he was always a helpful colleague to work with. Gene often spoke of love for his family and would show me pictures of Samantha's school play performances!
As colleagues again at St. John's U. I saw how Gene imparted his broadcast wisdom to students. He said he got a kick out of being called "Professor" which reminded him of the old Gilligan's Island TV show. I will miss Gene very, very much but his memory will live on.
Message from Samantha Free
May 16, 2017 10:45 PM

Thinking of you today, Daddy. Love you so much. Give everyone a hug for me. Hope you're having coffee with grandma, a Sapporo with Uncle Ralph, and snuggling with Nala. <3
Message from Lee Kobus
May 16, 2017 12:36 PM

Gene and I were starting out on our radio adventure together when at WEJL in Scranton. We worked those long weekend shifts together. Gene's talent and immense sense of humor made those weekends fun to be a part. He was fun to work with and a good friend. I will miss him and I continue to pray for Gene and his family.
Message from Paul James
May 15, 2017 4:08 PM



Hard worker, well liked, highly respected. A man of integrity.
Message from Rick Sommers
May 15, 2017 11:37 AM

Gene, you were a trooper and a fighter. Your sunny disposition was a gift to this industry and your contributions were many. My condolences to your family and to the many friends you have left behind. Thank you for being a colleague. If there's a Rock 'n Roll Heaven, hope they have a place for you in their on-air line up!
Message from Jeff McKay
May 15, 2017 6:48 AM

Stephanie & Samantha - my heart goes out to you both. Geno was truly one-of-a-kind and someone who I called my friend. People come & go in a newsroom & radio station, but Geno would always make his presence felt each & every day just by being there, making those around him better. I know from our conversations together how much he loved you both and how hard he worked for you, but to him that work was pleasure and because you sharing him with me and his co-workers on the journey made us better people. He was a consummate professional and a great friend & he will truly be missed. If there's anything I can ever do for you both all you need do is ask, because that's the type of person he was.
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A candle was lit by Jeff McKay & family on May 15, 2017 6:28 AM
Message from John Lorentz
May 14, 2017 11:49 PM

Gene, you were one of the finest gentlemen I've ever known in this business, a consummate professional as well. It was my privilege to know you. I will miss you!
Message from Gene Lisansky
May 14, 2017 6:56 PM

I have great memories of Gene from his days at WFAS-FM in Hartsdale. He was always pleasant and kind, as well as a consummate professional, fun to work with (and learn from). We shared a first name, but there were actually THREE Genes at the station then, and I still have the receptionist's insistent voice over the intercom ringing in my ears, 28 years later: "Gene Free, line three!!" Gene was a great broadcaster, teacher, and person. The world is richer for his having been here, but he will be sorely missed.
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A candle was lit by For Uncle Goofy. Love you. The McHugh's on May 14, 2017 6:27 PM
Message from Amy Salerno
May 14, 2017 5:06 PM

I'm saddened by the loss of a colleague and friend. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Gene was always so nice to me, He once told me I was one of his favorite people at Shadow Traffic. I will treasure that always. Rest in peace, till we meet again!
Message from Andy Palumbo
May 14, 2017 1:17 AM

Gene was one of the voices of my high school years. A good man and a fine broadcaster. I'm very sorry for your loss.
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A candle was lit by Samantha Free on May 13, 2017 11:26 PM
Message from Rhonda Burmeister
May 13, 2017 3:13 PM

I feel privileged to have known Gene, he was truly a selfless person who loved his family dearly and was a friend to all. He never liked to complain and always tried to keep a positive outlook and was inspiring. He will truly be missed.
Message from Janell Crispyn
May 13, 2017 8:06 AM

Gene will be so missed by so many. He touched so many lives in such a positive way. And that's what makes someone great forever.
Message from Glenn Schuck
May 13, 2017 7:44 AM

I was so lucky and honored to know Gene. A person with great talent and wit who always thought of others first ..even during his illness. Gene was respected and admired by so many ! May he now rest.
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A candle was lit by Tammy Klemens on May 12, 2017 10:21 PM
Message from cookie
May 12, 2017 8:36 PM

so sorry for the entire Free family and Gene's wife and daughter my prayers are with you at this difficult time
Message from Alan Beck
May 12, 2017 7:44 PM

Very sorry to hear of Gene's passing.
He was a good, kind spirit that always helped those around him. I am glad I knew Gene. Ellen and I send our deepest sympathies to his family.
Message from Chris Norton
May 12, 2017 3:36 PM

Happy memories of a wonderful friend from our earlier days in radio together.
Gene was bright and clever on the air, kind and fun-loving in person,
generous and great-hearted in spirit. He made his part of the world a better place.
Message from Shiva
May 12, 2017 2:41 PM

The last conversation I had with Gene he told me how proud he was of Stephanie. She was strong he said and she made it through. He is rooting for "his girls" now and helping them to stay strong again. Gene, Steph, Samantha, we love you.
Message from Bil Buchner
May 12, 2017 1:58 PM

I worked with Gene for only a brief time, but our friendship left a lasting impact on me. He served as my mentor in the traffic reporting business. I remember him as a guy who was smart, talented, kind to others and had a great laugh. The world is a better place because of him. Thank you Gene, and rest in peace.
Message from Tom O'Hanlon
May 12, 2017 11:09 AM

Gene was a wonderful man and a friend to so many of us in radio. I will always remember him as clever, kind and an all around good-hearted guy who would go out of his way to help a friend. His on-air remarks during his traffic reports often made me laugh out loud while I was driving down the highway. He and I would sometimes call each other when we were on the air to laugh about each other's on-air wisecracks. Gene gave me a lot of great advice over the years and it was a privilege to call him a friend. I will really miss him.
Message from Aunt Rose Marie Coleman
May 12, 2017 11:00 AM

The world lost a great guy with the passing of Gene Free aka Gene Michaels.He will be missed by all the family and his radio friends. Love Aunt Rose Marie
Message from Shiva
May 12, 2017 9:32 AM

Everybody loved Gene because he was one of the good guys. Always willing to help and to go the extra mile. He was a ray of sunshine brightening up your day. A brilliant star in the evening sky. We are praying for you dear one, beloved, and your place is now empty, you will be missed. Love.
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A candle was lit by Margaret (Free) Wallace on May 12, 2017 5:08 AM
Message from Lisa Ritchie
May 11, 2017 8:48 PM

I'm sorry I won't be able to attend the service. Gene was such an influence in my career and a wonderful boss, co-worker and role model. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Message from David Feldman
May 11, 2017 7:54 PM

Stephanie and Samantha. Myself, Laura and Daniel express our deepest condolences to you. We are so sorry for your loss. Gene was such a wonderful guy and I always enjoyed my time with him. He was very caring, kind hearted, and gave of himself to help others. I will miss him dearly. If there is anything I can do for both of you please don't hesitate to contact me. Take care.
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A candle was lit by Sara M., wishing you eternal light and love... on May 11, 2017 4:35 PM
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A candle was lit by ...in my heart forever. Chris Free on May 11, 2017 4:16 PM
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A candle was lit by Forever love and miss you my brother til we meet again! Gert on May 11, 2017 1:34 PM
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