Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Traverse City, Michigan
MICHAEL, Richard George, affectionately known as Rick, of Traverse City, age 66, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2017 at his residence.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, June 12, 2017 at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, 4133 Calkins Road, Flint, Father Pierre Bassil officiating.
Burial in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
A memorial service will also be held at St. Francis Church in Traverse City to be announced at a later date.
Memorial contributions should be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Visitation 12-8 p.m. Sunday at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road. A Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Richard will be at the church from 10 a.m. Monday until the time of the Mass.
Richard was born in Flint, Michigan on September 15, 1950, the son of the late Anthony and Mary Michael.
Rick is survived by his wife of 44 years, Therese Michael,
his children John Michael and Marci Michael, his siblings Anthony Michael, Jr. (wife Carol) and Nancy Michael, father-in-law Kelly DeNicolo, mother-in-law Dora DeNicolo, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, as well as an enormous circle of friends who will miss his boisterous spirit and caring soul.
Rick was an active member of the Traverse City community, with roles in the Traverse City Housing Commission, the Knights of Columbus, Safe Harbor (homeless shelter) volunteer, and a perpetual adoration volunteer, and usher with the St. Francis Church. Rick was a devoted husband, loving father, and valued family above all things.
He regularly travelled the states to visit with everyone from elderly aunts and uncles to his great nieces and nephews. He was an overwhelmingly compassionate man who went out of his way to help a stranger as easily as a friend. He instilled the motto of waking up every day to do something for someone else before doing something for yourself. When not with his family and friends, Rick could be found on the water fishing the day away.
The family asks that in honor of Rick’s memory, you take time to enjoy the sun, the water, and your loved ones.
June 3, 2017-June 3, 2023 Thinking of you Cousin Rick. Love you and miss you. Cousin Alberta
Alberta
June 16, 2023 | Family
We talk about Rick on a very regular basis, we say that if more people had one ounce of Rick's integrity and heart that would cure 90% of the problems facing America today. Rick was someone who I admired but he would not want to be admired. We loved Rick and will always keep his memory in our hearts on our minds and share many of his truism's with people that will never know his name. A true legacy. Thank God.
Jim Solberg
May 31, 2022
Cousin Rick, It is December 21, 2020 and now and always I am thinking of you.
Miss you and love you!
Cousin Alberta
Alberta Issaq
December 21, 2020 | Family
I was absolutely shocked this evening to hear the news of Rick's passing last June. Rick completed my taxes for the past eight years. Since that time, I always looked forward to tax season. What a joy Rick brought; laughter, great conversation, and such compassion for life and others. A true loss! My heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and friends. I shed a huge tear this evening.
Jo Bartlett
January 12, 2018 | Traverse City | Acquaintance
Hi Rick,
I'm going to attend your Memorial Service this morning at St. Francis Parish. I know you are not really there.
However, I also know you will be present in the hearts and souls of all of us who loved you; forever. While I claim to be your brother, well, serving in the Army as we did, when we did, made us all brothers for life.
Please save me a place in Heaven ( a view would be nice, I'm sure you got a good one) and try and pull some strings for me, you know, talk...
Gregory Nachazel
June 28, 2017 | Traverse City, MI | Brother
I am stunned! Rick was a fishing buddy, a business consultant and a great asset to the Traverse City community. I am so sorry and pray that the Michael family can move forward, my buddy Rick, will be sorely missed.
Michael Estes
June 21, 2017 | Traverse City, MI | Friend
what a great guy and friend...we have shared so many heart felt stories pertaining to family, friends, and life..We have shed quite a few hugs and tears together...These were tears of joy and happiness and appreciation for the gift of life.. Rick cared so much for the well being of others..The last time i saw him was on June 1st...We talked for hours..I asked him about the picture he had displayed of his daughter and the softball team she played with..he was so proud of her...
Dan O'Dell
June 17, 2017 | Traverse City, MI
Brother Rick, the sun will never shine nearly as bright here on earth with your passing. Sherry's and my heart are truly broken. Our time together always began with laughter in the midst of some sort of crazy chaos. It was your compassion and intellect that would always find that much needed humor. Your integrity,and sheer brilliance gave me the confidence to pursue my goals without worry or fear. No matter how severe the storm you still kept hold of the rudder and steered us through with...
Jim Solberg
June 17, 2017 | Newaygo, MI
Although we have met Terri, we unfortunately never met Rick. The Michaels family have been very helpful to our son when Marci and Noah became friends. So very sorry to learn of his death.
Ken and Nancy Patton
Ken and Nancy Patton
June 17, 2017 | Central Lake, MI