Michael William Small

With deep sorrow and much love, we mourn the passing of Michael "Mike" William Small on October 23, 2021, at the age of 66. Born to the late William E. Small and Mary Ann Cuda on February 7, 1955, in Pittsburgh, PA.

Mike was witty and clever. He had a knack for answering even the most difficult trivia questions. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, sharing his abundant knowledge, and expressing himself through dry humor and sarcasm in every situation. Mike loved all sports and was known to only turn on the TV for games as he preferred music, books, and nature. He was a lover of the outdoors: mountains and rivers, backpacking, camping, canoeing, and fishing.

A resident of Northern VA for the majority of his life, he was a skilled craftsman. His talents in retaining the architectural integrity of many historic homes in Old Town Alexandria are officially recognized by their bronze plaques awarded by the Historic Alexandria Foundation. Well-versed in all things aquatics, he spent many years in the pool/spa industry. He was known to enjoy tending to fish tanks and reptiles.

Mike loved his family and the arts. He demonstrated his creativity and love for the arts in his vast music collection and a prized mural he created for a nephew, in which he spent more than 2 months and 160 hours painting, earning a spotlight in the local newspaper. The art of cooking did not escape his mastery either. He was a talented chef who enjoyed preparing dishes from scratch. He will be remembered for his delicious food, highlighting many annual cookouts and Halloween parties. Entertaining was his time to shine, and he appreciated gatherings, card games, and a good drink. He enjoyed Ice House Beer, Jim Beam from "the Boot" shot glass, and IBC Root Beer. Mike would welcome a drink in his honor and to be remembered with fondness.

His siblings: Patrick Small, Dennis Robinson, Denise Small, and Kim Gilbert, numerous nieces, nephews, lifelong friends, and longtime love Stephanie "Stevie" Tong, will lovingly remember him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Nov. 7 at 1 pm at Moose Lodge 1727, 934 Waterlick Road, Lynchburg, VA.