Michael Nash

Michael Nash, beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on September 20, 2026, at the age of 72.

Michael was born on October 24, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan, alongside his twin sister, Lynda, to Catherine (Roberts) and Alfred Nash. He grew up in Mt. Clemens with Lynda and his younger brother, Perry. Much of his childhood was spent on Lake St. Clair, where the seasons provided their own adventures - ice fishing during Michigan winters and water skiing throughout the summers. Those years became the source of many stories Michael would carry with him throughout his life.

In 1974, Michael married Marlene Pysz, beginning a marriage that would last for nearly 52 years. Michael and Marlene could be opposites at times, but they were inseparable. Michael relied enormously on Marlene throughout their life together, and she stood beside him through both the good times and the difficult ones.

Together, they built a life and raised their family while making homes in many different parts of the country, including Michigan, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Arizona, and Ohio, before ultimately settling near Fort Wayne, Indiana.

At heart, Michael was a statistician. He had an analytical mind and believed in using data to understand problems, support his conclusions, and find a path forward. Later in his career, he brought that same way of thinking to his work as a project manager, helping organizations move critical projects forward while always keeping an eye on doing right by their customers.

His career crossed an unusually wide range of industries. He worked in the corporate offices of a grocery store chain and Kmart, as well as for a bank and a software company, before finishing his career with Safelite AutoGlass. Wherever he worked, Michael brought his analytical nature, determination, and ability to get things done. Work was also an important source of friendship for him. Michael was very social with his colleagues, enjoyed being around people, and was rarely far from the conversation.

Michael was a loving father to Paul Nash (wife Diana Ricci) and Jill Surendran (husband Arvind Surendran). He believed in his children and pushed them toward excellence, always wanting them to make the most of their abilities and opportunities. He could be stubborn, and he was undeniably competitive - qualities that were simply part of being Michael.

That competitive spirit carried into his years as a grandfather. Michael loved playing games with his grandchildren, particularly Farkle, and he took winning seriously. As the years went on, he found himself facing increasingly formidable competition from his grandchildren. Being beaten by them at Risk wasn’t something he always accepted easily, which only made those games - and the memories surrounding them - more memorable.

Michael was a proud grandfather to Maya Surendran, Nigel Ricci Nash, Darwin Ricci Nash, Makaio Surendran, Elina Surendran, Simon Ricci Nash and Lyra Nash.

Michael and Marlene also shared a love of sports. Together they watched everything from college football and the World Cup to Formula 1 racing. For a man who valued facts and statistics, Michael could still find himself caught off guard by just how much Marlene knew about Formula 1—and particularly by her command of the stats. It was one of the many pleasures of a life spent side by side.

Michael also had a special affection for the family dogs, Moose and Yardley. He loved them dearly, and they loved him right back.

Michael leaves behind his wife of nearly 52 years, Marlene; his children, Paul and Jill; his seven grandchildren; his twin sister, Lynda; his younger brother, Perry; other loved relatives, friends, and colleagues who shared in many chapters of his life. He is preceded in death by his parents and daughter-in-law, Diana Ricci.

Michael will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his analytical mind and curiosity, his determination, his friendships, his competitive streak, and the unmistakable presence he brought to the lives of those around him.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 5:00 pm - 5:45 pm with Service to follow immediately at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Covington Knolls, 8325 Covington Road (46804).

Donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75231; https://www.heart.org/ or to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 6704. Hagerstown, MD 21741; https://donate.cancer.org/.

Fond memories may be shared at www.mccombandsons.com for the family.