Michael Sarabia

Michael (Mike) Sarabia was born on August 7th,1956 in Los Angeles, CA to Rosemarie and Fernando Sarabia, a proud Army veteran of World War II. Michael was the second eldest of five siblings David, Edmund, Adrian, and Roseanne. Mike attended Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights. In school Mike enjoyed playing basketball which he continued to enjoy as he got older.

Mike was stationed with the US Marines on Treasure Island in San Francisco, CA, in 1976. It was here where he met Theresa Gomez and fell in love - with their passion for music bringing them together. They married and became parents to 2 daughters. In 1979, their first daughter, Evelina was born, and 17 months later their second daughter, Alicia was born. Mike would love to play music such as the Doors, Led Zeppelin, and Santana in the morning to wake up his daughters. Mike was proud of his daughters’ independence, education, and making their own way in life.

Mike worked for the Post Office in East Los Angeles. He later left that job to pursue his education. He started his education at East Los Angeles College and then transferred to Cal State Los Angeles. He graduated with a degree in Political Science. Mike joined Garfield High School and held positions as a History and English teacher. While teaching, Mike also enjoyed playing his congas and writing. He played in different bands throughout the years. Mike also enjoyed writing short stories that spoke to the ordeals of immigrants, politics, and relationships. His writing was gritty but with a poetic touch. Mike attended the University of Southern California where he earned a Master’s Degree in Professional Writing. Mike would eventually retire as a teacher after 25+ years of dedicated service. Those who knew him spoke of his dedication to his students and his work with the teacher’s union. He was known as having a welcoming smile, being a mentor and encouraging his students to push themselves in their endeavors.

In 2015, Mike retired with his wife, Theresa to Guadalupe, CA. He enjoyed spending time in the garage playing his congas, writing, and reading. Mike also enjoyed collecting Legos, especially Star Wars Legos. He would collect covers of the New Yorker which he would frame in his office. Mike would often post comics from the New Yorker online and would send them to his friends and family. He also enjoyed watching the Lakers, the Dodgers, and USC football games.

Mike’s spirit will continue to live on through his family. He has now been reunited with his loved ones which include his wife who had passed two years prior. Mike will be deeply missed by his daughters and loved ones.