Memorial Service To Be Held For Laguna Beach Doctor Hit, Stabbed

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The South Orange County community is grieving over the loss of an impactful doctor after an act of senseless violence resulted in the death of Dr. Michael John Mammone.

Residents looking to pay their respects to Dr. Mammone and his family can do so at a public memorial service held at the Festival of Arts grounds Thursday, Feb. 16.

Dr. Mammone died on Feb. 1 while riding his bike in Dana Point, when a driver struck him in broad daylight before exiting his car and stabbing him. He died of his injuries at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo.

According to friends and family, Dr. Mammone was a loving husband and father known for his infectious joyful energy and his silly jokes.

"He would often bring the family together to enjoy his homemade pizzas, perfect guacamole recipes, and signature cocktails," an obituary for Dr. Mammone read. "Michael’s family will forever cherish the beautiful memories they share with him and will continue to celebrate and honor his wonderful life and legacy."

Family members said Dr. Mammone always had a gift for taking care of others. When he was 18, he took a job as a lifeguard with Los Angeles County while he worked toward a Bachelor's degree from UC San Diego and his medical degree from USC.

In 1996, Dr. Mammone was Medical Board Certified and accepted a position at San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland, where he worked for 20 years.

Ultimately, Dr. Mammone and his wife, Julie, moved to Laguna Beach after he accepted a position in 2010 at Providence Mission Hospital, Laguna Beach.

"Michael was known by his colleagues and patients to be a doctor that humbly took the time to listen to and care for each individual and their needs," the obituary said.

The memorial service for Dr. Michael John Mammone is set to take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16 at the Festival of Arts grounds in Laguna Beach, 650 Laguna Canyon Road.

In lieu of flowers, residents were asked to make donations to Wounded Warrior Project, the Laguna Beach Food Pantry, or The LA Mission.