Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
MICHAEL VINCENT FERENCE
MICHAEL VINCENT FERENCE
Obituary
Guest Book
MICHAEL FERENCE Obituary
Age 62, died suddenly at home on April 17, 2019. He leaves behind his devoted, loving wife of 32 years, Debbie; along with his children, Christopher and Lindsay. He is also survived by his siblings, Susan Grabiak (Mark), Meg Neuherz and Timmy Ference (Traci). Also, mother-in-law, Dorothy Devine; and sisters-in-law, Susan Halo (Ed), Barbara Devine and Diane Ray (Greg); and his nieces and and nephews, TJ, Marisa, Kristen, Brandon (Katie), Chad (Ali), Ryan and Britney; and great-niece, Twylah. Michael graduated from WVU with a Master's degree in Counseling. He worked as a clinician in the walk-in center at Resolve Crisis Network. His passion was helping those who couldn't help themselves. He'll be remembered for his "heart of gold" and his famous pecan rolls. A lover of Pittsburgh, he was an avid jazz enthusiast, ushering at the Manchester Craftsman's Guild. Friends will be received on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME OF CRANBERRY TWP., 2678 Rochester Road, 724-772-8800 where a blessing service will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to: NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania, 105 Braunlich Drive, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15237-3351. or to the Children's fund at the Manchester Craftsman's Guild, Attn: R. M. Gubser, 1815 Metropolitan Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Glenna Wilson
April 22, 2019
I am so sad to learn of this. Mike was an awesome guy. I worked with him on the CISM team. We went on some calls together and I greatly admired his skills and compassion. Prayers for you in this loss.
Jack Feeney
April 21, 2019
Thoughts and Prayers to the Ference Family God Bless
Jack Feeney
April 21, 2019
Thoughts and prayers to the Ference family. God Bless
Jennifer Silbaugh
April 20, 2019
I want to let the Mike's family know he saved my life. I was a regular patient at Resolve for many years. I only trusted a few and Mike was one. One night I was too depressed to move out of the floor of my car and was very suicidal. I felt I didn't have the strength to get out of the car to come inside. After talking with Mike In the parking lot of resolve, he picked me up out of my car and carried me. I made him put me down and I cried and screamed knowing I still had to live. He wanted me to live, he helped me live through the times I didn't think I could. He told me a story comparing people with Borderline Personality Disorder to Cows. He made me laugh and it really made sense what he spoke of. Ever since then when I saw something of a cow I thought if Mike. I bought cow socks and even made him a cow bell for Christmas one year! When I got better I saw Mike at a conference and then more frequent when I became a peer specialist at Wpic. Every time I saw him I told him thank you for helping me. He was my cheer leader when I couldn't be for myself. I had the honor to work with Mike on the ASAP team. I was so proud to consider myself his coworker. He got to see a positive direct result of the good work he did. He was proud of me and I felt good to know he knew he made a difference in the world. He carried me through my toughest days. May the Lord and his grace carry you through your journey. May hope help you know there are people to help you through this. And may Mike's hope for people with mental illness to recover live with you everyday. Thank you for your support of Mike's work. My prayers are with you, Jennifer
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Tom Feeney
April 20, 2019
My condolences to the Ference family. Mike was a good man and will be missed by many. God Bless.
Kim Wiesmann
April 20, 2019
I am SO sorry to just now hear of Mike's passing. My heart is heavy for your family. I met Mike while ushering at MCG Jazz together. I enjoyed our conversations on "life" about family and friends and jobs. He was a special man with a big heart and such a joy to be around. My heavy heart and thoughts are with the Ference family. God Bless.
April 20, 2019
I am SO sorry to just now learn of Mike's passing. I met him while ushering together at MCG Jazz series. He was always so pleasant to be around and I enjoyed our conversations on life and family. He will be missed. Keeping the Ference family in my thoughts.
John Halley
April 19, 2019
My sympathy to the Ference family. I knew Mike and Chris from the YMCA parent-child Indian Guides program. I have good memories of our time together with our sons in the "Guides". May your memories of time spent together help you through this difficult time.
Gretchen & Jeff Walker
April 19, 2019
Jeff and I are keeping you, Lindsay, Christopher and family in our prayers during this difficult time Debbie. May you find comfort in knowing Michael is your guardian angel. He touched and helped so many people and will be greatly missed. We love you.
d m
April 19, 2019
The world was greatly blessed because of this mans life. May his legacy continue to bring peace and joy and LOVE.
Niecy McGough
April 19, 2019
Susan, Meg, and family, My deepest condolences in the loss of your Brother. May God be with you all and give you comfort during this difficult time.
Dan
April 19, 2019
I had the pleasure of working with Mike for a year and a half. He was a funny and caring person. He always had a smile on his face, and he was always ready to tell you a dad joke. He truly helped make me a better clinician. Prayers and positive vibes to his family. He will be missed!
Nora Huspek
April 18, 2019
I enjoyed that pecan roll at the Christmas party! So sorry I am not able to attend but my thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.Nora
Karen Ganska
April 18, 2019
Debbie, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May the love of your family and friends help you through this difficult time.
David Mielnicki
April 18, 2019
Debbie,
I lived with Mike and worked with him at Pressley Ridge. I'm so sorry and you and the family are in my prayers. Mike was a great guy!
David Mielnicki
Susan Tomsic
April 18, 2019
Heartfelt condolences to Mike's family. I worked with him at re:solve crisis and learned a lot from him. He was a caring clinician, excellent mentor and a pleasure to work with. He will be missed. RIP Mike.
Peter Slavic
April 18, 2019
For you and yours, my friend. Rest In Peace.
Mark Freado
April 18, 2019
My sincere condolences to the Ference family. I knew Mike when we were both young men. We worked at Pressley Ridge with adolescents who needed caring people in their lives. Mike did well. It's good to know he spent his life giving comfort and support to others.
Allegra Flournoy
April 18, 2019
I want to give my condolences to the Ference Family. I worked with Mike at Resolve Crisis Network and he was a pleasure to work with. He was very nice guy and will be greatly missed. Allegra Flournoy
April 18, 2019
TIM
So sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ernie, Kelly and Ashley Sarver
Keith Schwartz
April 18, 2019
I knew Mike as one of the "dads" in the Indian Guides program at the YMCA. I remember him as a nice guy who was enjoyable to have around. I hope his family takes comfort in knowing he was well liked by many. May his memory be of the good times. May he rest in peace with God.
Nancy Connors
April 18, 2019
Dear Debbie,So very sorry I cannot be with at this difficult time. Praying that God will wrap His arms around you and comfort you. May you be sustained by all the years you had Michael as your husband and best friend. Also praying for Christopher and Lindsay that they will be comforted by the memories of a dad who loved them very much. God's love and peace be with you, my dear friend. With Much Love and Sympathy, Nancy
April 18, 2019
Debbie-I am so sorry for your loss. I know what it's like to suddenly lose a husband. The wonderful memories you and your family shared with Michael will never die. God Bless and take care.
April 18, 2019
Remembering your great love story today and always.
T W
April 18, 2019
Sorry for your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" strengthen your family during this difficult time (Isaiah 61:1,2)
April 18, 2019
Death is never easy to cope with especially when young but God's word can comfort you. Luke 7:11-15
Jim and Kathy Cummins
April 18, 2019
Dear Debbie, Christopher and Lindsey,
So very sorry for the loss of your husband and father.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time in your lives.
April 18, 2019
My heart goes out to the Ferrence family. Mike was a beautiful example of an amazing human being. He was an amazing teacher and leader through his example. He has touched a lot of lives through his positive attitude, his consistency, and his kindness. He cared about everyone no matter what and he did not judge, he always tried to learn and understand. His passion was helping people and he always had room in his heart for everyone!! He is an exceptional human being and he will be missed.
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
2678 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Make a Donation
in MICHAEL FERENCE's name
How to support MICHAEL's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor MICHAEL FERENCE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
