Sunday, September 7, 2008
Dear BJ and Richard JR and Jyll, My deepest condolence to you all and to all the Michaels' family. I worked for Michaels in Wtby in the 70's at the downtown Wtby store under the guidance of Dick. He was an honorable man and one who 'I respected deeply.' At times I thought he was a bit hard on us in the store but I realized soon afterwards that to be professional, as he was and as he aspired others to be, required a strict discipline. It is this which I now remember fondly and appreciate deeply of his Character as an extraordinary business owner and friend. I also remember once he called me in his office up front, boy I thought 'what did I do now ?', maybe my tie wasn't straight or there was a finger-print on a showcase ?' No, nothing like that...Dick said to me, 'Sit down David, I have this book here I'd like you to reveiew for me.' He handed me this official looking book entitled 'ALL I KNOW ABOUT GEMS, BY RICHARD W. MICHAELS' wow, I thought to myself, Dick wants my opinion? I opened the Book and All there was was BLANK PAGES...I looked at him and he just SMILED that wonderful way he used to and said to me, 'Okay now get back to work out there with Harold Boulac and Al Lange and sell some Jewelry.' ;-) This was the Dick Michaels I remmebered.!! A gentle man who cared for people and treated everyone who walked into the downtown store like they were all Malcolm Baldridge. (Important) He will be missed and I will pray for you all. Richard Cenkus is a very dear friend of mine and I know he and Lee will pray for you all too. With Fonest memories of a great Man and leader. Your friend in Waterbury and a former employee, David A.Cetola http://www.davidanthonyjewelers.com
