Michael H. Bragassa

Michael “Mike” Hughes Bragassa of Vestaburg, Michigan, passed away peacefully at MidMichigian Medical Center in Alma, Michigan on December 19, 2020, at the age of 81. Mike fought a good battle against his existing health issues for many years. On February 18, 1939, Mike was born as the first child to Fred and Barbara (Heistand) in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The family eventually moved to Evansville, Indiana where he attended Harper Elementary School and graduated from Benjamin Bosse High School in 1956. The family summered in Laguna Beach, California to spend time with Mike’s grandparents, Edgar and Bernice Hiestand. In 1956, he became a member of the Army Reserve. In 1962, he graduated from The University of Evansville with a degree in Business. Later that year, Mike married his beloved, Sharon Gates. In addition to the many adventures they had together, they successfully raised three children: Greg, Patrick, and Kelli. The young family settled in the Clare area but later moved to various states following Mike’s work career in the oil industry. He worked for Baker Hughes/Hughes Christiansen for 38 years in marketing and sales. This took him across the entire United States as well as serving in foreign assignments in Europe, Canada, China, South America, Africa, Thailand, and Russia. Mike and Sharon eventually settled in Conroe, Texas for 30 years before moving back to Michigan. In 2018, after 56 years of marriage, Mike lost the love of his life, his wife Sharon who ironically also died on December 19th, to Parkinson’s. Mike was definitely a “ham” in two different ways! He possessed an extremely witty sense of humor, was an entertaining joke/storyteller, and was ultimately behind any prank that was pulled! Mike was also a Ham Radio Operator (Amateur Radio) for over 40 years. He was known for calling out the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet to other Ham Radio Operators at all hours of the night as well as constructing 110-foot antennas that shadowed over his houses. Mike was also a TDXS officer, serving as the Treasurer for many years, and was part of a team of radio operators that built communication systems in Malta, Nicaragua, and Columbia. He loved football and would watch any football game that was airing. Mike was a devoted Houston Texan fan, and recently became a big supporter of Patrick Mahomes. Mike is survived by his children, Greg (Connie Gibbs) Bragassa of Vestaburg, Michigan, Patrick (Jodi) Bragassa of Ririe, Idaho, and Kelli Ann Bragassa of Evergreen, Colorado. Other survivors include his granddaughter, Emily Bragassa of Weidman, Michigan, his grandson, Lander Bragassa of Ririe, Idaho, his sister, Trish Lundin of Temecula, California, his brother, Tim (Bobbie) Bragassa of Peachtree City, Georgia, his #1 buddy, Maggie the dog, and his longtime neighbors, Bill and Lisa Harvey of Hilltop Lakes, Texas. He was proceeded in death by his wife, Sharon Bragassa, parents, Fred and Barbara Bragassa, and his brother Robert H. Bragassa. Funeral services in honor of Mike will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at the Clare Chapel of the Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home with Pastor Jackie Raineri officiating. Burial will follow in the Cherry Grove Cemetery of Clare. Friends may visit the Bragassa family at the funeral home on Wednesday from 1:00 P.M. to the time of service at 2:00 P.M. Memorial contributions in honor of Mike may be directed to MidMichigan Homecare & Hospice. Current Covid-19 guidelines will be observed and masks will be required. For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the Bragassa family tribute page at www.stephenson-wyman.com Services will also be live streamed on the Stephenson-Wyman Facebook Page.

Michael H. Bragassa

February 18, 1939 - December 19, 2020