Michael Monica

Michael G. Monica, 50, lost a very long, heroic battle with cancer on Saturday, August 22, 2020. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his family and numerous friends. Born in Syracuse, New York on January 5, 1970 to Evelyn (Russell) and Gary Monica, he attended schools in Albany, New York and Big Rapids, Michigan. He held degrees from Ferris State University in Big Rapids and Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Michael was employed as a Vice President and managed several banking institutions in the Grand Rapids area but redirected his interests to computer networking and security. He was employed at RedRock Information Security until cancer forced his retirement in 2018. He was married to Barbara Brown on December 31, 2007 and together they owned and managed rental properties in Grand Rapids. Left to survive him are his devoted and dedicated wife, Barbara, his mother, Evelyn Wells; three sisters, Judi (Tom) Questel, Ogdensburg, NY; Cris (Jeff) James, Snellville GA; and Patricia (Mark) Tuttle, Paris, Ml; and one brother, Greg (Susan) Monica, Greencastle, PA; his mother and father-in-law, Merry and Ray Fredricks; a step-daughter, Stacie Atherton-Stout and her three children, Eden, Allie and Anderson; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues. He was predeceased by his father, Gary, stepfather, Edison Wells and a sister, Theresa Anne Monica. Michael was a “techie” and intensely interested in all kinds of technical gadgets and equipment. He was meticulous in detail and organization. He loved camping and traveling and had hoped to resume these activities after recovery from his recent surgery. He was constantly upgrading their rental properties, doing much of the work himself, and was known as a dedicated and fair landlord. He was well liked by his tenants. He was a mentor and a leader. He was optimistic, hopeful, and positive. He loved Stacie’s children and enjoyed spending time with them.  According to his wishes, cremation has occured and a Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.