Michael Thomas Massey, cherished family, friends
Michael Thomas Massey, born in 1964, recently passed away at the young age of 57. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, godfather, and great friend.
Mike Massey had a genuine smile and big handshake that put everyone at ease. He could talk to anyone about any topic, but especially lit up if the subject was music. He once very accurately described himself as a “breath of fresh air,” and used his love of life to show us all that you should seek out a good laugh every day, know that helping others is incredibly important, appreciate the value and importance of hard work and above all be true to your word. Mike loved his family more than anything, cherished every one of his many great friendships, valued his business associates, and found purpose and fulfillment in his work.
While his life was heartbreakingly too short, he packed in many years of fun and adventure. When he and Wendy were newly married, his grandparents wisely advised them to always accept an invitation, take the trip, go to dinner, have the party, be with your friends, and enjoy the things that make life worth living because someday you will not be able to. His brother, Chuck, likes to tell the story that for a time he and Mike had the same job, making the same money. At the end of that summer, his brother was able to buy a car. Mike had some new friends, a lot of really funny stories and a great tan.
Mike was a fantastic host and thoughtful guest. While he traveled for business throughout the U.S. and could find a local gem restaurant anywhere, none of them could touch his skill of making breakfast; he sure made one hell of a pancake. His hard work led to many award trips including Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Europe. He was a wizard at packing a suitcase, and as a lover of all things sports, was thrilled to play at Pebble Beach and loved going to the Super Bowl. His handwriting was almost illegible and his dancing was horrendous, but he didn’t care – and neither did we.
The happiest day of his life was surely when his daughter was born. His wallet always had the most current picture, and he would show it to everyone, especially when mentioning why he never traveled on the weekends. Though he has left this world, let's all take great comfort in knowing he is in a place where he can feel our love, there are steaks on the grill, a round of golf to be played, concert tickets ready, guests about to arrive, and every station is playing the Grateful Dead.
Embracing wonderful memories are his wife, Wendy; his daughter, Kendall; his mother, Carol Woodcock; his brother, Chuck Massey (Linda); aunt, Barrie (Mel); Uncle Charles (Ruth); mothers-in-law, Joanne, Lori and Carol; brother-in-law, John (Diane); sisters-in-law Carol and Jane; stepbrother, Kevin (Brieanne); stepsister, Corrie (Donald); godson Wyatt; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his constant companion, Marty, who will miss him dearly and treasure the time they spent with him. His beloved father, John Massey; grandparents Edwin and Jean Long, and Harold and Esther Massey preceded him in death.
Join us for a memorial service and celebration of life at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 21, at Christ Church, Christiana Hundred, Greenville, and remember to give an extra-big hug to your loved ones every day.