Michael Karaffa On March 8, 2012 Michael Karaffa lost his heroic four-year battle with cancer. Through all adversity he kept his unique sense of humor and positive attitude. He was concerned for everyone's welfare above his own and a gracious host to the end. Michael was born on January 20, 1955 in Gary, Indiana. He was very proud to be a cradle catholic attending St. Mark Catholic School, Bishop Noll High School and St. Joseph's College in Indiana. In 1977, after graduating with a BA in business and economics he moved to Houston and began his career in the computer industry with Burroughs Corporation. His current position was Vice President of Worldwide Business Development for WildTangent, Inc. based in Redmond, Washington. Prior to joining WildTangent, Mike was the Vice President of Major Accounts for Hyperion Solutions. In addition, Mike held management positions with Aldus Corporation and Wang Laboratories. His proudest accomplishment came in 2005 when he achieved a lifelong dream by earning his MBA from the University of Notre Dame. A "Bucket List" item, as he would say. He was a devoted "Irish" fan with season football tickets that rarely missed a home game. Mish loved all sports and played football, basketball and golf. He successfully completed the Houston Marathon in 1999 and 2000. He was a devoted family man and loyal friend to many. His adoring wife of 21 years, Tami, and their beloved daughter Allyson of Sugar Land, Texas survive Michael. Also, his sister, Mary Ellen and brother in law Tom Koziatek of Las Vegas, Nevada. Father and Mother in law, Charles and Abbigail Ball of Sugar Land, Texas. Brother and sister in law Charles and Sheila Whitson of Lake Charles, Louisiana; Brother in law Ed Krause of Houston, Texas; Nieces Karen Koziatek Casey and husband Shaun of Indianapolis, Indiana; Kathy Koziatek Forstadt and husband Michael of Las Vegas, Nevada; nephews Michael and Karl Krause of Houston, Texas and Nicholas and Jonathon Whitson of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Preceded in death by his father Michael Karaffa, mother Dorothy O'Bradovic Karaffa and sister Karol Karaffa Krause.
A Wake will be held on Sunday, March 18, from 5:30 to 9:00pm at Sugar Land Mortuary, 1818 Eldridge Road in Sugar Land, Texas with a Holy Rosary led by Rev. Joe Templado at 6:00 pm and Eulogy by Rev. Bradley Wright at 6:30pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 19, at 10:00 am at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road, Houston, Texas by Rev. Douglas Guthrie. The family will receive friends for lunch following their private goodbye at the funeral home. Michael will be cremated and laid to rest at Cedar Grove cemetery on the campus of his beloved University of Notre Dame where he can "Wake up the Echoes" for all eternity. In observance of Lent, Mish would be very pleased if you could make donations in his honor to either "The Shirt" foundation, the John Cardinal O'Hara Society at www.nd.edu or the angels at Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., who allowed him to pass peacefully at home listening to his favorite "Irish" tunes.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Mar. 17, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Karaffa

9 Entries

Stacey Clark

March 24, 2012

Tami, Madison just told me today about Michael and I am so sorry! You and Michael were always so kind to Madison back in the day and we still laugh and talk about how funny Ally and Madi were. Y'all introduced Madison to some of the finer cultural things life has to offer (thanks a lot! :) Our family will always cherish those memories....we are praying for your strength.

Margaret Ann and Steve Rollins

March 24, 2012

Tami and Ally,
We will continue to ask for a peace that passes all understanding as you walk through this new chapter in your lives. Even though the days may begin to roll by, we are committed to uplifting you in prayer, and will not forget to remember you daily. Part of the joys of living are the memories we share with your family. Thank you for the laughter and precious times that we have had with Michael, you, and Ally. Love,
Margaret Ann and Steve

Steve & Shellie Dell

March 22, 2012

Dear Tami & Ally: There are simply no words to express our sadness for this great loss. I will personally ALWAYS remember, cherish and be thankful for the hospitality and generosity you've shown through the years - along with the many laughs (and poolside pina coladas!). Steve and I will forever be thankful for all that you did for us during one of the hardest times in our lives. I only wish I could hear Mish tell one more joke or see him celebrate one more IRISH victory. Our love to you both forever and ever.

Roland Millare

March 22, 2012

Dear Karaffa family,

I am sorry to hear about your loss. May Lord bless you and Mary keep you during this difficult time. The Pope John XXIII High School community will pray for Michael's repose and for your strength and consolation.

Under the Mercy,

Roland Millare
Theology Department Chair

Kim Kelly

March 20, 2012

Tami and Ally
You know that our hearts are broken for you both right now knowing the loss you have suffered. Michael was such a wonderful man and we know that his love and spirit will transcend and be with you always. Ken, Kim, Becca, Emily, and Sean

Denise Krahenbuhl

March 19, 2012

Tami & Ally,
May Gods love comfort you in your time of need.

God saw you getting tired.
And a cure was not to be.
So He put His arms around you
And whispered “Come with Me”
With careful eyes we watched you.
We saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly.
We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating…
Hardworking hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove
He only takes the best.
God knows you had to leave us.
But you didn't go alone.
For part of us went with you.
The day God called you home.
For some you'll be forgotten.
To others just part of the past.
But to those who love and lost you.
Your memory will always last.
Denise Krahenbuhl

Tim Zaberdac

March 18, 2012

Tami and ally I prayed for both of you at church today that you may have peace and comfort. I think about you and Mike so often. He was always so much fun to be with. I wish he and I could have spent much more time together. You were both blessed to have had him in your lives. God bless both of you.

Angela Stanford

March 18, 2012

Dear Ed, Michael, and Karl,

The three of you and Karol come into my thoughts and prayers so often. Needless to say, reading of Michael's illness and passing comes as such a sad and hard to believe schock as I'm sure it has for the entire extended Karaffa family. It seems like it was just yesterday that Karol and I would sit in the teacher's lounge at St. Christopher's, which back in the mid 70's was just an empty classroom. Karol loved her "little" brother and talked non stop whenever she was expecting him to come to Houston for a visit. Although the three siblings did not all live in close proximity at one time, I would always know what Michael and Mary Ellen were up to because Karol kept me informed.

I am so sorry for the loss of this great guy. I have no doubt that Karol has already begun giving him her sisterly advice, even though we all know Michael doesn't need it. But I'm sure he is politely agreeing with her if though he totally disagrees with what she has to say.

Please know that I will continue to keep your entire family in my thoughts and prayers. May God keep all of you held tightly in his arms now and in the future.

May God bless all of you.

With deepest symphaties,

Angela Stanford

Brittain & Dianne Hardman

March 17, 2012

Michael, may the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs receive you at your coming,and lead you into the Holy City where you will find peace in the presence of GOD.

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