I did not know Father Mike Wrigley very well, having met him through Dr. Russ Fine at his UAB Injury Center many years ago.  The last time I saw Mike was about two years ago in a restaurant where my wife and I were eating.  Mike was dining nearby with several of his fellow priests, and they were having a good time (in a controlled way, of course!).  I was pleased to see that Mike seemed so happy, happier than the serious person I remembered him to be.  My wife and I went over to his table where I re-introduced myself and reminded Mike how I knew him.  He was very gracious and introduced his fellow priests to my wife and me.  Mike said that he was doing well and that he missed UAB but was happy in his new life.  When we waved goodbye I remember thinking that it can take time to find out who you really are, and even then you may not be sure . . . and that life is not easy.  Nor is coping with death for those of us who remain.

The world has lost a wonderful, kind person, but Heaven has gained an amazing angel.

Michael, words are hard to come for me.  You were such a dear sweet friend to me always so genuine, caring and compassionate.  We went through some rough times and you were always there with that sweet smile. I know that you are now enjoying eternal life with our Savior. I pray that you knew how much you were loved by so many.

Michael you set an example for all of us with your gentle spirit, humility, easy smile and your evident joy of living. You radiated goodness. We will all miss you but know your gentle spirit lives on. God bless you and your family.

A piece of my heart has broken at the news of your passing. You were one of my dearest childhood friends and your success at ODU inspired me in ways you'll never know. I am so sorry that we never reconnected as adults after you left Norfolk. My condolences & sympathies go out to your family and friends. Your presence on earth will be missed.

My memories of Fr. Mike date back to the  1980's when he was a graduate student at FSU.  May God bless his family and his parish during this time.
Babs Rousseau

Little Brother, Dear Sweet, Kind, Gentle, Trusting,Giving, Caring Michael: We are heartbroken you didn't have the opportunity to say good-bye before leaving us. Yet, we will find great comfort knowing you will be our Guardian Angel, forever. Dee, Erik, Matt and I love you more than words can express. I'm sitting here sifting through some of our photos but I'm having a hard time looking at them because of the tears in my eyes. Mike, Thanksgiving, with you at our house can never be the same again, but we will always set a place for you at our table. I had a wonderful experience last night. I don't know what to make of it from a scientific perspective but that doesn't matter. I think I understand it from a spiritual perspective. I was drifting off to sleep, yet aware of the TV, which Dee was watching, in the bedroom. My "dream", if that is what it was, went like this: I was in my office (over on the side where we worked together before it was remodeled). Suddenly, the door from the hallway popped open, you stuck your head in and looked at me. Your face was radiant and you had a big smile on your face. You said nothing ... just looked at me with twinkling eyes and that smile ... and then you closed the door and were gone. I woke up. I believe it was you letting me know that everything was OK and that you had never been as happy as you were at that moment and now. I will miss you terribly, Little Brother. Dee will as well. Godspeed, to you Mike ... My Very Good Friend ... My Very, Very, Very Good Friend. We will always love you. We will never forget you. You were our Treasure and a Treasure to many, many people. Mike, you made "a difference." Your's was a Life Well Lived. I am so proud of you.

i want to express my condolences to Fr. Michael Wrigley's family.  He was a true friend, priest and confessor, he was with us during some very difficult times.he loved all of those he met  our family has been our backbone, I will not be able to be at the prayer service or funeral, but my brother and i will truly miss him. we grieve with all of you.  God bless!!

OBITUARY

John Michael Wrigley

15 September, 1955 – 17 December, 2013

Johns-Ridout's Funeral Parlors

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