On Thursday September 1st, a Celebration of Life event was held for Mike Sotelo. Mike was diagnosed with cancer and passed away on June 25th. Several members of our Association attended the celebration along with Mike’s friends and family.
We all came together to share stories about Mike and the incredible life he lived. There was music, food, and lots of photos. There was testimony of Mike’s accomplishments, lots of laughter, and lots of crying. Mike Sotelo was a structured and disciplined man. He was a man who cared deeply for his family and a man of faith. He was loyal to his friends and had lots of them.
Mike also knew how to have fun. He was never satisfied with simply accomplishing something. For him, it was all about the experience. He was an avid Charger fan known as “Charger Mike”. As a season ticket holder, Mike attended hundreds of games and accumulated tons of Charger paraphernalia. He loved the team, and he loved our team too.
Mike was one of our most loyal and dedicated officials. We will all remember him for his attention to detail, the times he got knocked down in the middle of the field, and the times he would call for an official’s timeout, only to seek a trainer’s assistance for himself.
On behalf of the San Diego County Football Officials Association, THANKS MIKE! And THANK YOU Sotelo family for bringing us a man who did great service to our Association, the game of football, and our community here in San Diego. I know how proud the Sotelo family is of Michael. And they should be!
Terry Bernard
SDCFOA President
