Dr. Michael Paul Sawaya Jr.

Dr. Michael Paul Sawaya Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was born to parents Madeline (Malouf) and Michael Sawaya in Evanston, Wyoming on March 18, 1942. He grew up with two younger sisters, and was raised in an extended family of Lebanese heritage who lovingly referred to him as “Mickey”.

Mike graduated from Pocatello High School in Idaho, and attended undergraduate and medical school at Northwestern University, where he graduated with Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honors. He completed his internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at The University of Colorado. He served as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy from 1970-1972. In 1970, Mike married Mary Beth Monk and together they welcomed a daughter Lisa and a son Michael.

Mike moved to Las Vegas in 1975 as one of the first invasive cardiologists in town, and in 1977 he founded Cardiovascular Consultants of Nevada, where he worked in private practice for nearly 30 years. Outside of CCN, Mike served as the Director of Cardiology and Chairman of the Critical Care Committee at Sunrise Hospital, as a member of the Board of Governors of the American College of Cardiology, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Nevada Heart Association. In addition to practicing medicine, Mike was an accomplished competitive skeet shooter.

Mike was remarried to Jo (Tussey) Sawaya in 1984, and together they welcomed two daughters, Jennifer and Julie.

Despite numerous health challenges, Mike found contentment in his 20 years of retirement through passions for golf, World War II history, woodworking, quality time with friends and family, and following his beloved Northwestern Wildcats and Chicago Cubs sports teams.

Above all else, Mike was deeply devoted to and proud of his children and grandchildren. His grandchildren adored their Papa and will miss his bear hugs, his sense of humor, and his love for Disneyland and ice cream.

He is survived by his four children and their spouses: Lisa Sawaya Willmer (Andy Willmer); Michael Sawaya (Laura Sawaya); Jennifer Sawaya (Douglas Rappaport); and Julie Sawaya (Joe DeJean); his partner, Jo Sawaya; his eleven grandchildren; his sisters and their spouses: Carolyn Hopkins (Tom Hopkins) and Diane Brown (Scott Brown); and a large extended family whom he loved dearly.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 1-5pm at TPC Summerlin, 1700 Village Center Circle, Las Vegas, NV 89134.