Our older son, Mikey as he’s always affectionately been called, passed away January 29, 2025 along with 6 other hunting buddies returning from a hunting trip in Kansas at the young age of 40 years old. He was born March 15, 1984 in D.C. He was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, uncle, co-worker and friend. He was loved by ALL. Mikey excelled at everything he did … whether soccer, baseball, wakeboarding, snowboarding, BMX biking, surfing, skateboarding, and as an adult welding, and Pipefitting (Steamfitters trade).  His personality - not only lovable but charismatic - people are drawn to Mikey.  He always had that sparkle in his eye no matter what the situation.    

Mikey was an enthusiastic outdoorsman, surpassed only by his dedication and devotion to his wife Ashleigh and son Jake and labs Gracie and Annie, parents Mike “Pops” and Christina “Lovey” and brother Bobby “Boo.”  Jake’s interest in baseball a few years go, grew from Mikey being a parent, to assisting the coaches to ultimately being a Head Coach at SMYO (Southern Maryland Youth Organization). He loved the players as his own and it was evident in his coaching style. HIs newest love interest was Annie their black lab puppy and his desire to train her to be a water fowl retriever. He spent countless hours training her and it was evident with the many, many videos he shared with his father and brother and friends. Mikey’s passion for hunting whether it be deer or birds was passed on to Jake who excelled and was a marksmanship beyond his young years.

Mikey started playing soccer at the young age of 4 and was an outstanding soccer player continuing through high school.  Mikey’s other love was snowboarding starting at the age of 6 and introduced Ashleigh who excelled and loved it too. In fact, Jake’s first snowboarding experience was at 2 years old and it’s a family tradition and annual trips have been going on for a number of years with friends.

Mikey graduated from St. Mary’s Ryken High School in Leonardtown, Maryland in 2002 and almost immediately followed in his father’s steps as a Local #602 Steamfitter. He definitely found his pitch and loved showing off his welding skills. After graduating from the trade school he ultimately landed at Gaghan Mechanical where his father and Tim Gaghan started up the Mechanical side approximately 23 years ago. He excelled in working outside in the field and upon his father’s retirement, Mikey took on his father’s role inside the business. Not sure what his title is as it changed daily, but for all intents and purposes he was the Director of Field Operations.

Mikey’s kindness and generosity will forever be remembered. His spirit lives on in our hearts. To know Mikey was to love him. His smile was constant and willingness to help others whether family, friend or stranger (and they were only a stranger for a moment).  His spirit will continue to inspire us.  His life was cut far too short, he lived a life full of love, laughter and compassion. He taught us the true meaning of resilience and the importance of cherishing every moment.

Michael, Boo and I will treasure all the memories, fun times and laughter we shared throughout his short 40 years.  Life isn’t always fair.