Michael Virga

1956 - 2021

Michael Virga
March 26, 1956 - June 20, 2021
Sacramento, California - Michael G. Virga was born March 26, 1956 in Santa Clara, CA. He passed away peacefully in his home in Sacramento on Father's Day, June 20, 2021. He is preceded in death by his father Michael James Virga. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Debbie Virga, adoring Mother, Betsey Virga, daughters Nicole Bautista (Jayme) and Natalie Panagotacos (Gus), siblings Julie Virga (Todd), Gregory Virga (Laura) and David Virga (Shawna), grandchildren Avery and Benicio Bautista, Michael, Leo and Marcus Panagotacos, nephews Michael Virga (Michelle), Jake Virga and Nico Virga, Uncle John Virga (Wendy), and cousins John Virga (Alicia) and Megan Virga (Sam), as well as several other relatives of his large Virga family.
Michael graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1974 where he played varsity baseball. He was an avid baseball player playing Pacific LL., Land Park Pony and Colt, Kennedy High school and American Legion. Michael followed his father's footsteps and attended Santa Clara University for both undergrad and Law School.
Despite both attending Kennedy High School, Michael and Debbie didn't meet until he was in college. When they met, it was love at first sight. They were married on December 28, 1980 in Sacramento at St. Anthony Parish where they established strong ties to their faith community and raised their two daughters, building a life full of love and joy.
Michael began his legal career with the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office in 1981. Michael was elected to the Municipal Court in 1993, and was elevated to the Superior Court in 1994, filling his father's seat. Michael served as the Presiding Judge of the Sacramento Courthouse from 2004 to 2005 and received a number of accolades as a judge, including recognition as the "Judge of the Year" by ABOTA, CCTLA, and the Sacramento County Bar Association. Michael served on the bench for 23 years until he retired in 2016 and started a successful career as a mediator with Judicate West.
Michael grew up in a home rich with love and laughter, and the Virga family home was the hub of the neighborhood with family and friends gathering often. It was here that he learned about the importance of family, kindness and character. This strong family bond has shown over the years, and became evident as Michael's siblings supported him through his cancer treatments. His brother Greg was his constant companion and attended nearly every appointment and provided tremendous support for Michael during his valiant battle with Lymphoma.
Michael was an involved father staying active in all of his daughters' events. He enjoyed playing tennis at Park Terrace and played softball for the DAs office softball team, "G Street Blues". He enjoyed playing golf; his favorite partner being his mom Betsey. Debbie and Mike were 49er season ticket holders for many years and sat alongside Michael's lifelong friend Kevin Wright. Despite his many accolades and accomplishments Michael's most cherished role was being "Paw" to his five grandchildren. He spent as much time as possible with them and delighted in being a grandfather.
Michael and Debbie's strong faith and deep love for one another helped fortify them through Mike's courageous battle with Lymphoma; Debbie and daughters were by his side when he drew his last breath. A funeral service will be held Monday June, 28, 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Parish, 660 Florin Road, Sacramento, CA 95831. A private family burial will follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to Camp ReCreation. https://www.camprecreation.org/