Michael Julius Kersey

He was a long-time resident of Livingston, NJ. Mike was born on May 4, 1948, in Philadelphia, PA to parents Frederic and Lillie Kersey. He graduated from Matoaca High School in Chesterfield, VA 1968. He continued his education graduating from Upsala College in East Orange, NJ with a degree in Education and furthered his education at Seton Hall University earning a master’s degree in Secondary Education. Mike went on to establish a career as a High School teacher in the Orange NJ School system from 1972 to 2010 when he retired. He was a beloved teacher, coach and mentor.

He played and coached football and tennis and played basketball and ran track. Every sport Mike played he was an integral part of championship teams. In high school, he was the captain of his basketball team that won their conference championship and went to the State finals.

Mike’s love of nature and the outdoors was a true indication of his love of life. Everything Mike touched was with a smile on his face. Nothing ever got him down. Even in tough times, he stayed calm and accepted God’s will. He was a man of deep faith.

His love for hunting and fishing was explosive, but his love for gardening was beyond. He would start his plants in late March in the house under a plant light and they would take over the entire sunroom by May. He took pride in everything he did. Not only was he a wonderful gardener, but he was a fantastic cook! He made dishes from his harvest and wild game …His venison stew, snapper soup and gumbo were his specialties.

He also had his own column in a fishing magazine named the NJ Fisherman in the late 1980’s.

During his time in high school, he and his friend and colleague, Richie, organized a fishing club to give his students the experience of fishing on a party boat for the first time! He got the biggest thrill watching the kids catch their very first fish. He was so proud of them!

Mike was predeceased in death by his parents, Frederic and Lillie Kersey, his mother and father-in-law, Joseph and Clementina Aji and brothers-in-law, George Duffy, Joseph Aji, John Rake and Thomas Monteith.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Annette, his precious daughters, Michele (Christopher Barnhart) and Alexandra (Mario Martucci). He loved Chris and Mario as his own. He is also survived by his identical twin and best friend, Morris and younger brother Merritt (Carolann) and sister Mona Lisa Monteith. Sisters’ and Brothers’ in-law, Marie Rake, Michelle and Donald Laferriere, John and Kathy Aji, Janet Aji and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A memorial gathering for Michael will be held Friday, May 2, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Raphael Roman Catholic Church, 346 E Mt Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039. A memorial mass will occur Friday, May 2, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 346 E Mt Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039. A committal service will occur Friday, May 2, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery & Mausoleum, 225 Ridgedale Ave, East Hanover, NJ 07936.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.