MICHAEL CHERRY Obituary

Michael William Cherry - Melbourne - Michael William Cherry of Melbourne died Monday, June 7, 2010, after a battle with cancer. He was 54. Mike is survived by his wife, Carrie; his beautiful 3-year-old daughter, Julia Grace; sisters, Susan (John) Clark of Galloway, N.J.; Lisa (Frank) Casale of Naples, FL; nephew, Nicholas Casale; niece, Madison Casale; and countless friends and family members. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Y. Cherry, and his mother, Jeanette Unger Cherry. Mike fought for two years a cancer that often claims lives in a matter of months, not out of fear, but out of a love for his life and his family. He refused to let his illness change or define him, working full-time and keeping up with an active toddler until the very end. For the past five years, Mike was a preps sports writer for FLORIDA TODAY newspaper in Melbourne. Before that, he covered Marshall University and West Virginia University athletics for the Charleston Gazette and the Charleston Daily Mail. He grew up in Turnersville, N.J., and was a graduate of Marshall University. Mike led a full, fun and interesting life. He became a father at the age of 50 and was completely smitten with his girl. On a whim after high school, he decided to ride his bike across the country from Albuquerque, N.M., to New Jersey. He was known for his funny tennis serve and his silver convertible. He was somewhat proud of the fact that he lived in an apartment without a stove for more than a decade. He was an expert traveler, knowing all the best routes and rest stops. He loved crab legs, cold beer and The Three Stooges. He made us laugh. We will miss him every moment. A Celebration of Life will be held in Charleston, W.Va., at a later date. Donations can be made in Mike's name to the MIMA Foundation, which provides grants to cancer patients in need: 1130 Hickory Street, Building B, Melbourne, FL 32901.

Published by FloridaToday on Jun. 8, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL CHERRY

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This is so sad to hear. He will be missed in all areas especially his coverage of the local athletes. Sincere condolences to his family. May you find peace in the loving memories you were given.
The Zinkovich Family, Cocoa, FL

June 14, 2010

Our sincerest condolences to the Cherry family, Mike will be missed and the post game interviews will not be the same. My daughters respected Mike and his knowledge of sports and fairness in his reporting. They also appreciated the respect he shown them or any player when interviewing them or just talking to them. Thank you Mike from all the Lady Bulldogs, your contributions to prep sports in Brevard will always be remember and appreciated.

Mel High Parent

June 14, 2010

Our love and prayers are with you Mrs.Cherry, Julia, and your family. Mike, we always appreciated your time and dedication to reporting prep sports while we were at MICS. We will miss you. May God bless you and your lovely family.

Rene, Laura, Greg & Erica Robes

June 10, 2010

Mike
Thank you from all the players and coaches of prep sports throughout Brevard County. A special thank you from the Mustang Family we'll miss your smiling face on Friday Night Under The Lights.
Carrie, Mike touched some many, our condolsences extent to you, Julia and his extended family. We will never forget him.
Extended Mustang Family

Alan Beal

June 10, 2010

Our sincerest sympathy to you Carrie and the entire Cherry family at this time. We have know Michael since the day he was born. We will always remember him as a wonderful young man with a great sense of humor and with much love for his entire family. May God Bless You Michael. We will never forget you.
Uncle Jack and Aunt Joanie Ponton

Jack Ponton

June 9, 2010

Carrie - We had been thinking about you just recently, as we always do this time of year, remembering our times with you in Washington, DC at the National Spelling Bee and how much fun we had together. Then we were saddened to read of Mike's passing. You and your beautiful daughter will certainly be in our thoughts and prayers.

Mark, Kyra & Andy Wade

June 9, 2010

Mike, it was great getting to know you and I know you're still out there looking over us.

Zach Lush

June 8, 2010

Anyone who knew Mike, knew his love of the 3 Stooges - just 2 months ago, I was lucky enough to visit with him for a quick drink (he was on his dinner break from the paper) - Anyway, he was so excited to tell me about his adorable daughter Julia who has taken on his "love" for the Stooges - he said she's got the WOO-WOO-WOO slap stick down pat and knows just how to protect her eyes from the famous two finger poke!! Gotta love that!! Mike will be missed by everyone who knew him and my prayers & love go out to his beautiful family now and always.

Joan Dienemann-Menzo

June 8, 2010

Mike, thank you, your words have set in motion something really wonderful in my sons heart. I will not forget the kindness you extended toward him. We will meet again, Praise the Lord, Ben Clark

ben clark

June 8, 2010

Mike, thank you for all that you did for prep sports in Brevard County. You will truly be missed. My condolences to the entire family, may God bless you all.

Mendez Family

June 8, 2010

I spent a lot of time with Mike and Jody Jividen during the 1980's going to ballgames or just hanging out at Jody's apartment...When Jody turned 28 and Mike turned 30, they decided it was the perfect way to celebrate because Jody's birthday was the 28th of May and Mike's was the 30th...Jody's apartment was crammed with so many people inside and outside that several of them broke the banister off the porch...memories of trips to Asheville, NC to cover Marshall in the basketball tournaments...those two loved to travel and try new things...two great souls lost way too early in this life...I pray your family will find comfort during this difficult time through your memories with Mike...God Bless...Glenda Chambers Nelson

Glenda Chambers Nelson

June 8, 2010

Mike, we will miss your smiling face coming into the Charleston Newspapers. I d id not know you well but what I came in contact with was a very well respected person. Always a smile and never frowning. Ruthie Caldwell, Charleston Newspapers, Charleston, WV

Ruth Caldwell

June 8, 2010

Kim K

June 8, 2010

My condolences go to the entire Mike Cherry Family for the loss of this dear loved one. God Bless you Mike.

Flip McMillan

June 8, 2010

My thought and prayers are with in your time of grief. I will miss Michael greatly. His smile and his attitude were always positive even during his fight. I loved when he would come into the office because no matter how bad I thought my day/life was he could put a smile on my face and put me back in check (my life's not so bad), and I thank him for that. He would always inquire about my son when I saw him and he spoke with GREAT pride of his daughter and wife. I will truly miss Michael but I will always cherish the time we did spend together. Michael you have been a positive light in so many lives, you are going to be missed but NEVER forgotten.

Kim Kloes

June 8, 2010

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