Michael Frank Fava

Michael Frank Fava, age 75, of Byron Center, Michigan went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 29, 2020. While wintering in Florida, Mike suffered cardiac arrest. He was surrounded by his loving family when he passed.

Mike married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Bachmaier, on September 23, 1967. They were married 52 amazing years and had three beautiful children Ginger, Francine, and Michael Sam.

Mike was born in Erie, PA on November 23, 1944, to the late Lillian (Dronfield) Fava and Herman Fava. He graduated from Cathedral Prep High School in Erie, PA in 1962. Mike was a Military Police Sergeant in the United States Airforce from 1962 - 1966, and served in Turkey.

He graduated with an associate’s degree in business from Penn State University, Behrend Center Campus, in Erie, PA in 1968. Mike worked for Pennsylvania Electric Company in Erie and Genpac Corporation in Glens Falls, NY. As a lifelong painter, he established Mike Fava Painting Corporation in 1984. Mike was an active person his whole life and continued to paint for family and friends, right up until days before he went to be with the Lord.

Mike was a member of the Jaycee’s in Pennsylvania and New York, where he served in leadership positions as president and senator. Mike was a lifetime member of the B.P.O.E. Glens Falls Lodge #81. He also coached basketball at Mountainside Christian School.

In Michigan, Mike volunteered on the safety team at Resurrection Life Church and Walking by Faith Ministries. He had a passion for giving and serving, and would often look for ways to bless strangers as well as friends and family members. His desire was to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world.

Mike was an avid bowler and golfer. He loved golfing with family and friends, especially with his sons-in-law and brother, where he once achieved a hole in one! He was also an excellent bowler and even bowled a perfect 300 game.

Mike grew up playing cards with his grandfather, and he passed on his passion for card playing to his children and grandchildren. It was not uncommon for his competitive spirit to shine through. At any family gathering, Mike would be found at the card table.

In 1998 Mike and Betsy relocated to be near their grandchildren in Michigan. They have been very influential in their grandchildren’s lives - attending school events, sporting events, and encouraging and praying for them at every turn. Mike loved Sunday afternoons at his home with his family around him. He was an example of being a good

and faithful servant. His advice to his family would always be, “Do every job to the best of your ability and finish every job you start.”

His zest for life continued to increase throughout the years. He made friends everywhere he went, and always had a clever word or funny remark for those he encountered. His strength and tenacity earned him the nickname “Iron Mike.” Even so, his family saw his tender heart and knew he loved being Dad.

Mike is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Bachmaier) Fava; children Ginger (Geoff) Brown of Jenison, Michigan, Francine (Javan) Mallery of Dorr, Michigan, and Michael (Tre’) Fava of Fairfax, Virginia; grandchildren Nick, Daniel, and Nathan Brown, Maggie, Anna, Javan II, and Kate Mallery; sister, Suzanne (Fava) Bowen; brother, Jack (Cheryl) Fava; sister-in-law, Vickie (Bachmaier) Held; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mike treasured these things above all: his relationship with Jesus, his wife Betsy, and his family.

Any donations in Mike’s honor may be made to Walking by Faith Ministry, 5120 Ivanrest Ave., Grandville, MI 49418.

Visitation with the family will be held from 4-8PM on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at Cook Funeral Home, (West building) 4235 Prairie SW, Grandville, MI 49418. Funeral Services will be held at 11AM on Friday, February 7, 2020 at Resurrection Life Church, 5100 Ivanrest SW, Grandville, MI 49418 (Door E or H). Interment will be at Georgetown Cemetery.

The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcares.com.