Michael Patrick Nee

Michael Patrick Nee

1959-2025

St. Ignatius College Prep

John Carroll University

Defense Language Institute - MA Russian

University of IL - MBA

US Army Strong! 6 Years

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our extraordinary brother, Michael Patrick, who left us on a July 14, 2025 after a long and courageous battle following complications from Covid which he contracted in 2021. Michael developed ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), and despite enduring immense pain and suffering, he never gave up. His strength, humor, and love for life carried him through until the very end.

Michael truly was one in a million. He lived an extraordinary life-his work as an Intelligence Analyst with the Defense Intelligence Agency of the US Department of Defense took him to places as far-reaching as Ukraine, Russia and Cambridge, England. He was brilliant, kind, and always marched to the beat of his own drum. Michael had an infectious laugh that could fill a room and a heart big enough to hold the world. His kindness extended to all, from those close, to anyone he encountered on any given day. One of his amazing gifts was playing Santa Clause/Did Moroz every year to orphaned and other children who needed that special gift of joy and laughter at Christmas time.

Though much of his life was spent abroad, Michael always made time for those he loved. He never missed a birthday or holiday, and he had a gift for making every occasion feel special. He was a fantastic brother and uncle, and we are so grateful for the time we had with him.

On July 6th, we all gathered with Michael and his spouse Sergie in Alexandria, Virginia, including his two sisters, two nieces and two nephews. We spent the day together sharing memories, laughter, and some tears, celebrating the incredible life he lived. It's a day we will treasure forever.

Michael was blessed to find love later in life with Sergei, his devoted partner and the love of his life. They met while Michael was stationed at the US Embassy in Kyiv in 2015. They married in Chicago on 12/19/20. Their married life was impacted everyday by the vestiges of what Covid did to Michael's lungs and it was the unwavering love and support showed by Sergie that Michael lasted until his last breath. Add to that, the war in Ukraine!!! Please keep Sergei, our family, and Michael's many friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Michael joins his parents Patrick James Nee and Virginia Frances Nee, and his brother Thomas Francis Nee. Michael is survived by his spouse Sergei Kovalenko, sisters, Katherine Nee Hobbs (Mike), Ginna (Virginia) Nee-Radeke (Mark), his nieces Ally Nee Watkins (Nick), Katherine Anne Radeke, his nephews Ian Patrick Radeke, Quinn Francis Radeke and sister-in-law Maria Nee (Bernard). Even though Michael never got to meet his grand nephew Brooks Michael Watkins and grand niece Reese Ryan Watkins in person he was fortunate to have multiple calls with them via zoom. Brooks was famous for saying "hey Uncle Michael hey" via zoom. Those small gestures of love meant the world to him.

A celebration of Michael's life will be held at Memorial Mass at Old St Patrick's Church in Chicago on September 6, 2025 at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, Micheal asks everyone to support the citizens of Ukraine as they continue to fight the tyranny of Putin and his Russian machine.

Www.Donate.directrelief.org

Www.Razomforukraine.org

Thank you to everyone who stood by Michael and all of us on his life's journey.