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Michael Mares Obituary
A retired partner in the CPA firm, Witt Mares, Michael was a graduate of the University of Virginia, and the Marshall Wythe School of Law, and was Accredited in Business Valuation by the American Institute of CPA's in 1999. Mike currently was a partner in Mares-Nichols CPE, a professional education company.
He was a member of The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Bar Association, Virginia State Bar and Newport News Bar, the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council, American Tax Policy Institute Trustee, and Peninsula Estate Planning Council. Michael had authored and co-authored many books and videos in the area of tax law and planning.
Involved in the community, Michael served on the Mary Immaculate Hospital Board of Directors, Virginia War Memorial Museum Foundation Board of Trustees, Rotary Club of Newport News, Transitions Family Violence Center, Virginia Tax Foundation, Hampton Mayor's Commission on the Handicapped, and was an honorary member of the Jr. WCHV, where he had been a longtime performer.
Michael is survived by his wife, Terri Mares; daughter, Carol Mares; sons, Bobby Mares and wife, Tina, Tom Mares and wife, Natalie; mother, Pat Mares; two sisters, five brothers, six grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many other family members.
A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, St. Andrews Episcopal Church by the Rev. Dr. Robert D. Marston.
As flowers are not allowed in the church, memorials may be made to the St. Andrews Episcopal Church Perpetual Trust or a charity of your choice. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Mares
John Baxa
November 4, 2009
My sympathy to Mike's family--I know he will be missed. I always had great respect for his abilities and focus; it was a delight to know him.
Nancy McPhail
November 3, 2009
I knoew Mike through serving on the Board of Directors for Transitions with him. We all valued his great capacity for head and heart. This news is very sad and I extend to his family my sincere condolences.
Judith Letchworth
November 1, 2009
To the Mares Family: I only knew Mike through Rauch, Witt and Company and my employer who used their services. He was a wonderful, smart and caring man who will be missed in this community. Such a loss. My prayers are with you all.
Janine Hernandez, CPA
November 1, 2009
It was my priviledge to have known and served under Mike in my employ with Witt Mares. An esteemed intellect, master of tax law, and an overall great human-being; his larger-than-life presence in this world will be sorely missed.
Mike was one of the "Big Bosses," and yet was as real and genuine as anyone I have known. To paraphrase a quote, of which I cannot remember the source, that comes to mind when I think of Mike: At the end of our short lives here on earth, it will matter not how many hours you worked, how much money you made, etc., but how you treated others, the relationships you built, the lives you made a difference in, and how you loved your family. Mike was able to accomplish success in all aspects of his life, and he leaves a large footprint that few can measure up to.
My deepest condolences to Mike's family. God Bless You All.
Donna Andrews
October 29, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Mares. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I only met him a couple of times and I could see that he was a caring husband, father and grandfather. Keep your memories close and remember that he is watching over you from heaven. God Bless all of you.
Bob Gibson
October 29, 2009
Mike Mares was a human dynamo who also worked as a great mentor to many University of Virginia students. He helped large numbers of young men and women who volunteered at student-run radio station WUVA, where he was beloved!
U. G. Ballard,Jr. CPA
October 29, 2009
I pray that Jehovah will bless and keep
your family in this time of your sorrow. I did not know Mike other than
by his professional reputation. I pray
that Jehovah will provide confort as
you and your family continue the faith
in God and service to others that Mike
exhibited. I am sure Mike will be missed by many who knew him well and
by those such as I who only knew him
by his accomplishments.
October 29, 2009
I worked with Mike at Rauch, Witt, & Co., before I left to go into industry and then education. Many times after starting to teach at Saint Leo University, I would call Mike for information about taxes. Mike will be greatly missed by all who knew and/or worked with him.
Annette Tollett
Nicole Emard
October 29, 2009
Dear Mrs. Mares & Family:
On behalf of the American Association of Attorney-CPAs our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Michael was a member of ours for 20 years and he will be missed.
Sincerely,
Nicole Emard, CAE, CMP
Executive Director
October 29, 2009
Terri & Family,
So sorry to hear about Mike - my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Will be out of town this weekend, but will see you when I get back. Ann Rhodes (Next Door Neighbor)
Sue Johnson
October 29, 2009
Terri, I am so sad about the passing of Mike. What a fun, smart, and giving man he was. My memories of him on stage at the Junior Woman's Club Dinner Theatre will sustain lasting memories with me. He will be missed in many corners of our community.
Allen Casey
October 28, 2009
I had the pleasure of knowing Michael Mares as a neighbor in Northampton and as a student in his tax classes at Christopher Newport. My favorite memory of Michael occurred when I was backing out of my driveway one morning. I saw a "flash" behind my car and stopped. It seems I almost ran over my tax instructor out for his morning run. He smiled and waved to me. I could never have explained that! He was an excellent teacher. My condolences to the family.
Darcy Center
October 28, 2009
Terri & Family,
Words are never enough at this time but I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. Take comfort in each other and share the warm memories and love that he shared with all of you. Let it sustain you during this sad, sad time.
Melanie Espineira
October 28, 2009
Tina,
Im so sorry to hear of the loss of your father in law. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family
Gina Stump
October 28, 2009
To the Mares Family, Please accept my condolences at this most sad time. I met Mike about 8 years ago when I came to work for my current employer, Allen Management. Whenever he would come to our office he would always take a moment to stop and speak with me; he was such a nice, kind man. I pray that God will comfort you and provide you with strength at this most difficult time.
Gately Communication
October 28, 2009
Please know that prayers are going up for the family and all those that loved Mike
Marti Passarelli
October 28, 2009
Dear Terri,
I am very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Even though I worked at Witt Mares for a short time, Mike always had a smile on his face and a nice word to say to me. He will be truly missed. God bless you and your family. My prayers are with you.
Doogie Earhart
October 28, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.
Denise Carroll, CPA
October 28, 2009
My prayers are with you. Michael will be missed.
Faye Jenkins Keenan
October 27, 2009
I had the wonderful pleasure of working with Mike in the early, early years of his career at Granger, Lent & Hawthorne, Ltd. in Williamsburg. Mike was in law school at William & Mary and working part time as a CPA to support himself. What a smart and fun person always at work. A joyful angel joined the heavenly host this day.
God bless you with strength and faith seeing you through these sad days. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Matthew Comstock
October 27, 2009
Dear Terri:
I was very sad to hear of this. In my time with the firm, Mike always brought a smile to my face and was a pleasure to work with. I will keep you and the rest of the family in my prayers. God bless you.
Glenn Laycock
October 27, 2009
We were saddened to hear of Michael's death. Please extend condolences to the members of your family.
Toni & Vern Smith
October 27, 2009
Please accept our deepest sympathies in your loss.
Debra Nair
October 27, 2009
Our deepest sympathies go out to all of the family. God Bless you all at this time.
Kenneth Nair & Family
Jerry & Sandi Fain
October 27, 2009
May God's love give you peace and comfort during this time of grief.
October 27, 2009
You and yours will be in our prayers. Marie & Monty
Fonda Smith
October 27, 2009
Dear Terri,
I worked with Mike for 9 years at Witt, Mares and I enjoyed everyday I worked with him. He was always making jokes and keeping everyone laughing. He truly was a joy!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Harold & Janet Bobbitt
October 27, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
LaMonte Williams
October 27, 2009
He always brought the laughter and merriment to our workplace at Witt Mares. He will be missed.
October 27, 2009
I am very sorry for your loss. I knew Mike as a CPA and have tremendous respect for his professional abilities. He was a leader in our profession. Our community and our profession is a little less bright today with his loss. Sincerely, James C. Burnett, CPA
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