Homa, Michael E.
Michael "Mickey" Homa, age 90, the devoted husband of Wanda Soltys Homa for over sixty-three years, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 with his family by his side. Born in Fairfield to the late Peter and Eva Homa, Mickey attended St. Thomas Parochial School and Roger Ludlowe H.S. where he lettered in golf, baseball and basketball. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps serving 34 months in Iceland during World War II. While serving in the Marines, he played on the Marine Corps Basketball Team with appearances in Scotland and England. Upon discharge from the service, he then attended the University of Kentucky on a basketball scholarship under Coach Adolph Rupp.
After college, he joined Perry Pilotti's famed Bridgeport Newfields ABA Team and played forward for six years where he earned his reputation as "Hooks Homa". This team played many famous teams such as the NY Knicks, the Harlem Globetrotters, the Renaissance and the Toledo Jeeps among others.
After turning from professional basketball to professional golf, he worked at Rockledge Country Club for three years under the tutelage of Tommy Armour. He began a job as Playing Pro at Westchester Country Club from 1950-1962 and played the professional golf circuit in the wintertime. After leaving Westchester, he received his first Head Pro job at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton remaining there for ten years. He then became the Head Pro at H. Smith Richardson Golf Course in 1972 and remained there until his retirement in 1995. Some of his memorable golf achievements were: playing in nine national opens and five PGA championships; winning the Westchester Open three straight years; tying the Connecticut Open; tying the Massachusetts Open; winning the Westchester Asst. Professional Championship; winning the Metropolitan Assistant Pro Championship; winning the Metropolitan Pro-Pro and winning the Greenbrier Open. He most recently played in two U.S. Senior Opens.
In addition to his loving wife, Mickey is survived by two sons, Michael E. Homa Jr. and his wife, Patricia of North Carolina and Dr. Thomas P. Homa and his wife, Aileen of Fairfield and five cherished grandchildren, Reid, Rose, Sean, Christian and Marisa. He was predeceased by all of his siblings.
Friends are invited to greet his family and celebrate his life on Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 1-4 p.m. at the Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Road in Fairfield Center. Donations may be made in his memory to the HSR Scholarship Fund at H. Smith Richardson Golf Course, 2425 Morehouse Highway, Fairfield, CT 06824. To send an online condolence, please visit www.shaughnesseybanks.com
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