About Michael

Michael Robert Jaspan was born in Elizabeth, NJ on June 8, 1961. The second child and first son to Robert and Barbara (Kirk) Jaspan, the family soon grew to include two more sons.   Mike attended St. Elizabeths school in Linden, NJ and Roselle Catholic High School in Roselle, NJ.  At age 21, Michael began to show symptoms that led to a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes.  He struggled with the diagnosis but worked to adapt his lifestyle to accommodate his daily routine of insulin injections and monitoring of his blood sugar. 

His diabetes, while an ever present reality, did not define his life. Instead his life was filled with his family, friends and work.  Many years were spent at the helm of the family run retail hardware store serving the community in Elizabeth, NJ; while in the last years he enjoyed work around the new family venture in Howell, NJ - The Ivy League Bar & Grill.  Many Christmas mornings and birthdays saw Uncle Mike arriving with the best presents for his nieces, nephews and the children of his friends who were also family to him. 

Mike brought people in, built family, and with his hard work fostered the growth of communities.   Toward the end of his life, managing his Diabetes became more challenging; however, he never missed the opportunity to roll up his sleeves or get his hands dirty for the people he loved. 

Mike died in his home on August 10, 2010 and the mission of educating children with diabetes was born in the hearts of those who love him still.