Michael Lauria Jr.

Kennewick, Wash.
Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home
Michael Lauria Jr. passed away on July 12, 2005, in Seattle.
Michael was born June 25, 1934, in New Market, New Jersey, to Michael Sr. and Beatrice (Frace) Lauria.
He graduated from high school in 1952 the only sibling of 10 to accomplish this goal even having to work various jobs while in school.
After high school, he joined the Army and was eventually stationed at Camp Hanford in Richland where he met his future wife, Carmen. They were married on March 13, 1957, and started their new lives together back on his father's farm where Mike started a produce road stand. Mike had a life long love of growing plants and raising vegetables of all varieties.
In 1966, Mike and Carmen and their children moved back to Washington. He moved to the Tri-City area in 1967 where he bought his current house which had seven acres so he could continue growing and raising vegetables in his spare time.
In 1968, he was employed by Mueller's as the superintendent of Desert Lawn Memorial Park, where he worked until 1991 when a stroke forced him to retire.
Before and after his retirement, his biggest enjoyment came from growing and raising plants and vegetables to sell in the community. He was one of the original vendors at the Pasco Farmers Market where he sold plants and vegetables.
Mike was often seen at McDonald's every morning in Kennewick as a member of the Mac Buddies Coffee Club.
He was an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church for many years teaching Sunday school, and youth groups.
He loved to sing in the choir and everywhere else. He was currently a member of the Lord of Life Church in Kennewick.
Mike, your laughter, friendship and your positive energetic spirit will be greatly missed.
Michael is survived by wife, Carmen Lauria; daughter, Denise and Kirk Foltz of Kennewick; sons, Michael Lauria III and David, both of Kennewick: grandchildren, Dawn Foltz, Mariah Julson-Lauria, Devin and Michael Lauria IV.
Services will be held Saturday, July 16, 2005, at 1 p.m. at Church of The Nazarene, 2402 S. Union St., Kennewick.
Graveside to follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Park.