Mike was born to Joseph Stephen Kuzan and Lorraine Voss Kuzan on September 20, 1954, in Lackawanna, New York. Mike was devoted to God, to his Country, and to his soulmate and love, Paula Keys Kuzan.
He was a devout Christian taking time each day to converse with his heavenly Father and pray for the well-being and care of those around him. Mike proudly and courageously served his Country in the United States Navy for 22 years and retired as a Senior Master Chief. During his service he received a National Defense Service Medal, five Good Conduct Medals, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, two Navy Achievement Medals and the Navy Commendation Medal. He was stationed on the USS Joseph Hewes FFT-1078 when he retired August 31, 1994.
Friends in high school, Mike and Paula took different paths in life. In 2011 when both had returned to North Carolina their friendship deepened and they were married in 2013. He was devoted to Paula and their pups, Zack and Lizzie. Mike’s absolute joy was to cheer for the Carolina Tar Heels, “Go Heels!!” He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and would always take time to do a favor, run an errand, or help out where needed.
Mike is predeceased by his parents, and his older brother Joseph L. Kuzan.
Mike is survived by his wife Paula, stepdaughter Kathryn Brink (Josh); sisters, Patricia Elliott (Robert), Laurie Puckett, and Judith Martin (Lon); and brother, Steven Kuzan. In addition, he had eight nieces and nephews; and sixteen great nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.
The family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff in the ICU and on the 9th and 10th floors on New Hanover Regional Medical Center. No matter how busy they were, they always took the time to treat him with kindness and compassion. And in the end, they were kind and respectful to him and his family at a most difficult time. We will be eternally grateful to God that He placed these wonderful people around us.
A Memorial Service will be held at Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, 1411 N. Howe Street, Southport, North Carolina on Friday, July 6, 2018 at 3:00pm. In recognition to R.E.D. “Remember Everyone Deployed”, Mike always wore red on Fridays to honor all US troops. In memory of Mike and in support of our troops (deployed and at home), please consider wearing RED for the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to the American Institute for Cancer Research or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com
Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18