Misak "Mike" Tatosian Jr.

PORTLAND – Misak "Mike" Tatosian Jr., 87, of Abbott Street in Lewiston, passed away peacefully at Maine Medical Center on Feb. 11 with his loving family at his side following a brief illness. Born in Providence, RI on July 7, 1927, as a son of Misak and Bazar Tatosian, he attended local schools in Chelsea, MA and enlisted in the US Navy in 1945 just after graduating high school. In World War II, Mike served in an amphibious unit operating small landing craft where he picked up Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr., the president's son, and took him to the USS Missouri for the signing at the end of the war. A combat veteran of the Vietnam War, Mike proudly served in the "Brown Water Navy" tirelessly ferrying ammunition along the Perfume River to the Marines at Hue. He would later return to Vietnam for a second tour of duty as an adviser to the South Vietnamese Navy. Mike retired from the US Navy as a Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate in 1987 after serving his country for over 30 total years. He embraced many cultures during his tours in the Pacific, making many friends and learning to speak Mandarin Chinese, Vietnamese, and a bit of Korean. During his retired years, Mike enjoyed continued service to his local community as a member of the Kora Temple Shriners, 25 year member of Rabboni Lodge #0150, VFW Post, and the American Legion. He loved collecting classic cars (usually one at a time), getting coffee with other Veterans, and attending as many Boston College hockey and football games as possible. Mike is survived by his wife of 34 years, Shu Tuan, whom he married on April 1, 1980 in Taiwan; a son, Michael, and his wife, Jeana of CA; a granddaughter, Jane, and a grandson soon to be born. He was predeceased by his brother, George. The family thanks the devoted staff of the CICU at Maine Medical Center for their empathy and professionalism. You are invited to express condolences and pay tribute to Mike's life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com

Visitation Fortin Auburn Monday Feb 16th from 4 -7 pm. Funeral will be celebrated on Tuesday Feb 17th at 11am at the funeral home. Committal will follow at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt Vernon Rd, Augusta at 1pm.