One year ago, the Lord called his Angel home to live a life of eternal rest. May those he left behind know that God's will is as he has planned, and we shall be lifted up to Our Heavenly Father by the Grace of Jesus, who died for Us All. Peace and Love endure forever.

Michael brought light to all he knew, and may that light bring rest and peace to all, in the name of the One true son of God, Christ Jesus..

I love Michael no matter what and I still love him and care about him, I love you Michael I had fun everywhere we went, I love you.  I miss Michael, you have changed my life, thank you.  You are still in my heart and everyones.
Love Kaylie (8 years old)

It hurts a little that I will never have a chance to tell these things to my nephew.  I should have said them when he was here… when I had the chance.  I should have played more balloon... more toss... blew more bubbles outside on the cool overcast breezy days he loved so much... and maybe watched a few more movies with him.  But, I'm not writing to waller in my regret-- with time these feelings will pass.  I'm writing to honor him and the imprint he left on this world.  And, to tell the world how proud I am of him and his parents.
What an imprint Michael left.  As his uncle, I couldn't be more proud.  Most of us can only dream of impacting so many lives in such a positive way.  Someone famous once said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness... only light can do that."  Well, Michael had a fascination with light.  He was the owner of more light up, laser, shining, blinking, strobing gadgets and toys than anyone I know (and probably ever will know).  Coincidentally, and amazingly, God used him throughout his short life to shine the light of Christ in areas once thought impenetrable.  Michael was a light to many.  Despite his circumstances, he was usually happy and smiling.  He was a light to strangers from all walks of life, to those with disabilities, to the hurting, to those with fractured families, to his parents, and to me.  I thank him for that.  I will miss him, as many will.  But, I take comfort in knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will see him on the other side... shining.

To his parents:  I love and admire you both.  Christ challenges us to be salt and light—I hope you both know you have certainly been that to many.  The life you have both taken in stride for the past 23 years has left those of us around you amazed.   Amazed at how you did it, day in and day out.  Amazed at the unconditional love, devotion, support, and commitment you've shown to one another.  Your everyday actions over the years have inspired and touched lives.  As you both struggle to find a new “normal,” I wish you both peace—the kind of peace and comfort that surpasses all understanding.   Phil 4:7

23 years and 10 months ago my daughter had a very special son born. Not your usual delivery. Michael had so many problems and all was dim. God however had a different plan and through his care and my daughter and her wonderful husband they taught,fought and showed the world that under God's hand he determimes who stays and who goes. Michael was loaned to us so we could see what a true Blessing really is. He was a God sent person that crawled into our hearts and made us happy inspite of our self. Joy was all around when Michael was present. I too miss my grandson but what an honour to be called his grandpop.We'll meet again in God's house but until then he'll be in my thoughts constantly and through my tears I'll smile ear to ear on good memories. I Love You Michael.

Michael will remain in our hearts forever and is truly be missed by our family!  Our hearts are comforted in the fact that we will see him someday in heaven and will dance with him on those streets of gold.  Vonnie and Tom, you are beyond an inspiration to our family.  Words just cannot express what a difference you have made in our lives just watching your patience, perseverance, love and literally the fight for the best for your children. We love you!

Michael I can't find the words to describe how much it was a blessing to know you. When I came over I would always come talk to you and enjoyed our conversations. Playing ball with you and we are the best. Thank you Michael for all the memories that I will cherish forever. I love you buddy.

We loved the slide show. It was pictures of love -- one right after the other. There are so many people in the world who, if they were honest, would confess that they just want to be loved. It is very apparent that Michael both gave and received love every day of his life. A very enviable young man. We can only begin to understand how much he will be missed.

I think it's pretty well known that the world has been made a little better because of the three of you. If it's the purpose of a person to affect the world around them then Michael sure succeeded in that. He brought some amazing abilities to light in you Tom and Vonnie. Many of us are truly proud of what you were able to accomplish and the quality of life you were able to provide for him. He was very lucky to have you as so many others would have been unable to cope with the extrodinary challenges you faced. The contributions you three have made to the world around you are significant and will last forever in those you have touched. My recollection will always be of you three as a team facing whatever came at you together. Although it would have been easy to dwell on what might have been if things were different, you never got hung up on that but instead focused on what was. Not only Michael benefitted from this but so has everyone around you. Joey is a lucky kid. Our best to you, our sincerest condolences, but now perhaps his reward for his life's work begins. One day in the future, he will greet you and be able to tell you the rest of the story. Untill then know you have done an extordinary job preparing him for that journey. 
Bob on behalf of Jennifer, Casey, and Chloe.

Michael, Michael, Michael, what a merry dance you led us, over the years I spent in your company :)
I did not have the privilege of being one of your wonderful nurses, which did sadden me at times when I was not able to help you.
But I found my place with you eventually. Firstly with your bathroom antics that usually left us all worn out but still laughing once we had finally got you all sorted out.
Secondly, the miles I am sure many of us walked over the years, backwards and forwards with food from the fridge and the cupboard to be greeted with a scowl and your signature "no". Thirdly, I was your remote control. I do confess that I did try and encourage you to watch some very interesting shows, but you were having non of it. The guilt got the better of me and I would give in and put the cartoons back on :)
Fourth and fifth go together , as they were my special Michael times.
You just loved to squeeze your eyes shut when I stood in front of you trying to have a conversation. That meant you were happy, which made me happy. But best of all was when I would sit next to you and feed you. You would nudge me with your arm if I was not doing my job well enough. Although I never told anyone until now, that was my special bond with you, something I could do for you that made you happy and made me happy too, to have that little part of your life.
Tom, Vonnie and my very special Joey, All our love and millions of hugs go out to you today and always. xxx
Good night Michael, sweet dreams, until we meet up again. xxx

Vonnie, Tom, and Joey,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are very special people as was Michael. You are in my prayers.

I have known Michael and his family through many visits to All Children's. Michael had the most beautiful spirit and I will miss that. I will keep Vonnie and his family in my thoughts and prayers.  Tracey Dahill ( RN at ACH in ICU and surgery)

Vonnie,Tom, and Joey,
Know that we care and are praying that God will comfort you and give you peace.  Michael was an extraordinary child who touched the lives of so many, including ours.  What a privilege it was for us to know him.  What a privilege it is for us to know you.  

Chuck and Annette DiMarco (Seminole, FL)

Michael is truly one of God's special angels,and I was so fortunate and privileged to be a part of his life. It was so easy to care for and love him, but to be embraced by him and his family was truly amazing. He filled my heart with unconditional love and joy that has made me a better person and will be with me always. Love you all...

I have so enjoyed working with Michael and getting to know your family. God Bless all of you. Michael will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. What an inspiration to all who had that pleasure !!!!

Tom, Vonnie, and Joey- Cathy and I are so sorry for your loss.  Know that we are thinking of you and keeping you in our hearts and prayers!

Tom and Vonnie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Michael and many others will be forever greatful for your courage, dedication and sacrifices. He is in a good place now and I hope you find comfort in knowing that he is resting in peace with the good Lord.
Love Nick and Seema

Tom and Vonnie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time! Thank you for allowing me the opportunity and the true privilege of having Michael in my classroom! His beautiful smile put a smile on my face each and every day! I loved working with him and with the two of you! Your son was an amazing gift from God and will be truly missed by so many! I pray your many wonderful memories of Michael will keep you strong until you see him again in Heaven!

Vonnie and Tom, 
Our hearts ache for you both...The joy of knowing Michael and witnessing the love your family shared was a blessing the girls and I will cherish.  His precious smile will remain forever in our hearts. 
... All I can picture in my mind, is a redheaded angel chasing bubbles through the sky...
Sending you all our love and praying for His peace

Tom and Vonnie,,,We share comfort in knowing Michael is no longer suffering.  We send thoughts of sympathy and support to you as you begin your journey without Michael.God bless.

Tom & Vonnie, I never got to meet Michael, but I feel like I know him thru Brother Jack & Hazel. I know all of Heaven is celebrating and I know you all will miss him very much. My Heart goes out to you all. You and your family are in my prayers.
We love you, Marsha McCord

Dear Tom, Vonnie, and Joey,
 I was so saddened to hear that Michael left this Earthly life- Michael will be missed by many and all who touched his life and knew him. I am among those many.
 I always knew that Michael was a very intelligent infant and child in spite of his challenges. He ruled Mary Bringe's and my life with a feather sword. I think he ruled Karen K. and his other nurses the same way. Michael was absolutely adorable, lovable, smart, and we fell at his feet. "Our Handsome Guy- Oh! Those big blue eyes, long eyelashes, and his red hair." We were powerless!!
 Let us please "Walk Down Memory Lane" together:
 When I first met Michael; Tom, Michael and yourself were living in an apartment- I did not even now how to pick Michael up. Vonnie, you gently showed how to pick him up. Michael was under one year old and I was in love!!
 Then Tom and you bought your house in Largo and Michael had his own bedroom with a rocking chair. He also had a playroom where we would play bedroom bowling, watch David Letterman, and eat Reeses, M&M's, or Hershey bars. Dr. Kopetz's order of just a small amount of fats, protein, and carbs fell to the way side when Tom's mom was over and said that Tom was always hungry, then we got to give Michael as much as he wanted.
 When I asked for a stroller so I could take Michael out, you and Tom provided one and out the door we went; weather permitting. The neighbors got to know Michael, Lowe's got to know MIchael, JoAnn's got to know Michael, and when we would go out, all the neighbors and their children would call out, "Is that Michael? How is he doing? Could I touch him?" I would reply, "If you go wash your hands." "Could I kiss him?" -"NO!" In Lowe's you could hear down every isle, "Michael's here!" Everyone would come to see and check on Michael, and comment, "I don't like those shoes with those pants","the shirt is to large or to small", etc., etc. -I don't have the best fashion sense!
 Hey Vonnie, remember when we were sewing hats, and every kid in the neighborhood wanted to see Michael and get a hat! What fun and a good time that was.
 I will now tell you and Tom how we went against your wishes- to not rock Michael in the rocking chair at night, because he wanted to be rocked all the time:
 Vonnie, when we would put Michael down for sleep at night, and if he woke up crying, I would always pick him up and rock him back to sleep in the forbiden rocker. He would turn his head into my chest, and I would melt. When he went back to sleep, I could barely put him back to his bed. When Mary and I would talk, she told me that Michael would wake up crying, and what was she to do? I told her to pick him up and rock him back to sleep in the rocker. -Tom and Vonnie, imagine Michael's delight when he turned his head into Mary's chest and went to sleep. How wonderful! How delightful!
 "Michael Goes to School"
 For me this was so impressive and hilarious, I still tell the story to my grandkids and we roar- Since Michael could not speak and we don't know what he could hear, Michael could and would control his life with his eyes. In school, when bored, we would close his eyes, telling everyone, "it's all over, I'm done." His teacher thought he was asleep and instructed me to "wake him up, the class is not over with!" I had to instruct HER that for Michael, "this class IS over!!" When Michael closed his eyes on you, you no longer existed- you're off this planet, you're out of his world, and you are helpless- Do not wake that mistake again. He was a gentle and kind soul.
 "Michael's Fan Club: A Real Cool Kid"
 Now, Michael was always running on the hot side, his body temperature was higher than normal, so he would always need to have a fan on him at all times, no matter where we were. The first time Mary met Michael, he was about eight or nine months old and had just adopted his infatuation with his fan. When Mary intoduced herself to the boiling baby boy, he started immediately crying and Mary was very flustered, asking what she had done, what can I do to calm him?? I advised her that the moment she stepped out of the line of airflow from Michael's fan would be when Michael calmed down!
 Michael was like the all American kid - his bright red hair, pale, porcelain skin, and his big blue eyes - the epitome of the red, white, and blue! I just remember saying, "O, Glory" when I met him because of his outstanding features, it just made me think of what an American kid he looked like. He displayed the colors beautifully and of course, was absolutely adorable.
 At this point in our lives, Tom and Vonnie, you are and have always been wonderful parents, plus you have given us Michael and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I will always think Michael taught us more in life than we ever taught him.
 Like Dr. Seuss said:
 "Don't cry because it's over,
 Smile because it happened" -That's what I do!
  My best to you,
   Marge

Vonnie and Tom, We never met Michael, but through stories from Bro. Jack and Hazel we feel like we know him and have met him. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time and for the days ahead. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. ~ John 14:1-4 

Bro. Jack used this recently in one of his messages, and at times like this we see the promise in these verses.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Thank you for allowing me to care for Micheal. He taught me so much. It is a amazing that he lived such a long full life with all of the challenges he faced. Always facing adversity with a quack and a smile. There is a special place in heaven for your wonderful young man.

My prayers are with you.God  love is all around this blessed family.Phiippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. I Love Jack and Hazel very much.In turn I LOVE the whole family.I never had the honor of meeting Michael,but his life blessed mine.

                         David Thornton Past Senior Chaplain Georgia Sheriff Assoc.

Tom & Vonnie,  
I feel that we have missed out on something very special by not knowing Michael.  I am learning that he had such a wonderful influence on so many people and I'm sorry we missed out on that experience. You have such a beautiful, special and loving family and our thoughts, prayers and hearts are with you now.
We love you, Bud & Janie

Michael, I will always cherish the joyful  times we shared..the times you made me crack up laughing with your  funny faces.. the not so funny  times when you scared me to death and made me sweat bullets when you had to release gas thru your G-tube and I couldn't get to you quick enough!!  I have many, many fond memories of you that will linger in my heart for always… “Seashells remind us that every passing life leaves something beautiful behind”… And you, my beautiful red headed boy …have left us with many beautiful memories that will always be a  part of our lives.  Thank you for the lessons you brought..for the smile on your face..God bless your mom and dad for their dedication to you.  May your smile  from above shine on your parents, your brother Joey, your family and all of those who cared for you and loved you so, and bring them peace... Maura

What beautiful pics and what a blessing you all were to each other!  You all have been & continue to be in our hearts!  Much love to all of you!

Vonnie and Tom, my thoughts and prayers are with you now and forever, Sending love from Pa. God bless you two, Joey and Uncle Jack and Aunt Hazel and all rest of family,  RIP Michael . Love to all,  Sue and family

How can a man that has never walked a step or said a word leave such a legacy of love and happiness like Michael has?  When he was truly a gift from God, He fulfilled his mission, and I know that God greated him with well done my good and faithful servant . I love you very much Michael...Grandma Seiverd

Vonnie and Tom, you both have been such an inspiration to those of us "looking in".  Such unconditional love for your sweet son...how wonderful that he KNEW he was loved every day of his life!  No wonder he had that million dollar smile! We love you and we are lifting you up in prayer!

Tom and Vonnie,
Your boy was a shining example of strength, perseverance, and love. He ( and you both) showed us that life can be lived to the fullest, no matter the cards your dealt.
We are so sorry we can't be with you at this time. We are sending our thoughts and prayers across the miles, especially this weekend.
God Bless you all.

Vonnie & Tom,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You both are the strongest, most loving, and caring individuals I have ever met.  Thank you for allowing me to have been a part of Micheal's life.  He is a "SPECIAL" little man that will truly be missed by so many lives that he touched.  Micheal...be nice to the angels,keep enjoying your rice pudding and gushers,always brush your teeth, and only roll your eyes when absolutely necessary.  I"ll miss our nights together, grits and ham salad, and washcloth hair.REST IN PEACE...I love you...Keep "Quacking"...Your friend and nurse...Rita

Tom and Vonnie, 
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. How lucky Michael was to have spent his short time with us with such wonderful parents. May memories ease your pain. You are in our prayers.

With all of heavens love for sweet Michael.  Thank you for touching and changing my life Michael.  Praising GOD for one moment in time with you.  Thank you for letting me watch Toy Story and Mulan with you.

Vonnie and Tom,
My heart is heavy for you in your loss of Michael from this physical life.  Fortunately, for us in the family of Christian believers, we know you will be reunited with him in heaven. 
God's blessings to you, Sandra Wheeler (friend of Cindy Dimarco)

What an amazing gift Michael's life was to so many.  The glory of God is reflected in him and you both!  We love you dearly and continue to lift you in prayer!

OBITUARY

Michael Ryan Schaffer

August 3, 1989 – April 13, 2013

Serenity Funeral Home & Serenity Gardens Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services