Michael Suarez

1953 - 2015

Michael Suarez

March 24, 1953 - September 21, 2015

Born on March 24, 1953 to Richard and Raquel Suarez of Wilmington, Michael Suarez of Long Beach died on September 21, 2015 from natural causes. Known to his family and friends as "Big Mike", he lived his entire life in Los Angeles County, attending Holy Family Grammar School in Wilmington and Fermin Lasuen High School in San Pedro, graduating in 1971. Mike went on to work for the Exxon Mobil Oil Refinery in Torrance for more than 35 years before retiring in 2012.

Mike is survived by his wife Barbara, son Michael (Erin), granddaughter Olivia, and grandson Samuel, all of Long Beach. He is also survived by his mother Raquel of Wilmington, brothers Richard (Julie) Suarez of San Pedro and Larry Suarez of Santa Barbara, sister Joanne Madrigal (Octavio) of Lakewood, and his step-children Kandis Garcia (Art) of Florida, Brandie Ruiz (Eloy) of Wilmington, and Phillip Zackrison (Julie) of Ridgecrest. Mike had seven step-grandchildren who called him "Papa Mike" and six godchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Suarez, Sr. and sister Suzanne of Wilmington.

Mike enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was a lifelong fan of USC Trojan Football, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Los Angeles Lakers.

Viewing services will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m., followed by a memorial on Wednesday, September 30, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 Western Ave, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.