My Dad
Celebration of Life Service. January 14, 2025. Eulogy Notes
When I was trying to prepare my remarks, it seemed impossible to say everything I wanted to say and not take up the entire day, although if you knew dad that would be expected.
As we were sorting through pictures and reminiscing - a few things became clear. My dad was unapologetically Tommy Michelli. He marched to the beat of his own drum. He did things his way.
Over the years dad has shared countless memories about his childhood and teenage years. He talked about his mom and dad, brothers and sisters, and friends. One thing was evident in his stories, he loved his family, and they loved him. They were always there for each other.
The experiences of his childhood no doubt shaped the person he became. He was loyal, generous, compassionate, a family man, a dreamer and most importantly he was himself.
When my dad met his true love, they began to plan their life together. Oh, the stories that could be told but those will have to wait for another day.
Not long before they were to be married my dad got a notice. Like many young men of his day, he was drafted to serve in the US Army. No one cared that he and mom were to be married.
A lone wedding invitation was found amongst the countless albums and boxes of photos. The original date May 23,1950 had the day, the 23, crossed out and the word "second" was handwritten as the new date. I had never heard this story, but it was so fitting. My mom and dad's marriage began by being adaptable. This trait would carry them through the next 54 years.
This didn't mean there weren’t challenges and trials, but 54 years later there was proof, love endured.
A short time after they were married, Jeremy and I were born. Growing up, there was no frame of reference to know if we were doing life "right". We didn't know if we were rich or poor. We never thought about it, we didn't see the struggles or cares of life, we were protected from it, we just lived. We were loved and that is all we needed.
Now a few years later, grandkids and then great grandkids, entered the picture. Who was this man that Michael had named Papa, a name that would define him for the next 33 years and beyond? He loved us - but this, this was something totally different. Over those 33 years he would give us a roadmap to selfless love. He adored his grandkids... but not just in words. He gave in a currency foreign to many kids of today - he gave them his time. Teaching them all his secrets and putting a lasting thumbprint on their life. Jeremy, grandkids, and great grandkids, it is now our mission to make sure we keep his legacy alive.
Dad loved to hunt and fish; and I mean LOVED it. However as expected, he did it his way. His hunting and fishing trips weren't about himself. As soon as we were old enough Jeremy and I not only accompanied him to the woods, he made sure we were the hunter. He always put us first. I remember when dad bought our first real bass boat, a beautiful 15' red and silver boat. Perfect size for 2 people to fish - we had 4. It would have been much easier to leave us at home, but we made almost every trip. We got good at fishing and even better at removing errant treble hooks. Once Jeremy fished most of the day after being hooked. We couldn’t leave because the fish were biting.
In 2019 when dad got his diagnosis it seemed fitting to get the 4 generations of my immediate family together and build one more memory. We arranged to go on a hunt to his favorite place, the hill country of Texas. In typical fashion the night before the hunt dad calls me to the side and says "you know how much I appreciate this but being with y'all is all I need. Use the money you were going to spend on me to let everyone else hunt."
My dad was a taxidermist, one of the best around. He received awards from the industry, accolades from his peers and praise from his clients. While he gained joy from this recognition, his purpose went much deeper. In true Tommy fashion he used his skills to support his passion for helping raise money and awareness for St Jude's Children's Hospital. Some of his most prized work was raffled to raise money for St Jude. These works can be viewed in the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries headquarters, Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center and the St Jude Physicians Complex. He didn't stop there - he also became Tournament Director for the St Jude bass tournament, a time consuming project that he did for several years, all while donating his time, talent, and any monies he may have earned.
Over the years he taught us what it meant to be a friend. Everywhere we went he knew someone, or he would before we left. If he was your friend, you could take it to the bank, he would do anything in the world for you. Now, he could hold a grudge with the best of them but all it took was a phone call or for him to see you in need, his grudge would disappear, and he would be right back by your side.
We have all heard the term man's best friend. The most iconic illustration of this was dad and his pal, Ace the rottweiler. This truly was man's best friend. He loved Ace. For years you didn't speak of one without mentioning the other. Everyone at the local McDonald's knew Ace. Delivery drivers, customers, and even strangers knew of this gentle giant. Many conversations we have had since dad's passing at least have a mention of this dynamic duo. He is probably giving Ace a Mickey Ds hamburger right now.
Dad was adventurous and he loved a good trip. Hunting, fishing, cruising, or just driving cross country. He loved the mountains and any time he was able to visit he took advantage. Once on about a 3 hour notice he hooked up to a cargo trailer and made a trip from New Roads, LA to Las Vegas. We needed someone and he was happy to step in and help. To many this would have been an inconvenience but to my dad - it became the trip of a lifetime, and I have heard story after story after story from his trip across the country.
After his diagnosis he was able to fulfill a lifelong dream and visit Alaska with my mom. This trip was his last big hoorah. The trip was great, but the real story was my dad, who was sicker than anyone knew, endured the pain and enjoyed one more memory with my mom.
Dad was in constant pain, but he always tried to prevent it from impacting others. He was a proud/strong man and watching his decline was hard, but it was through this lens that I realized how much he loved my mom (and she loved him). He trusted her, relied on her, and needed her.
This man went through chemotherapy for over 2 years. He was a trooper, in many of the photos taken of him sitting in his "chemo chair" he is giving mom a goofy look or smiling at the camera. That's my Dad - he even did chemo his way.
My dad was our hero, he was a legend. Going through the memories over the last week his kids and grandkids got to see a side of dad they had never seen. He was a cool dude, he had a hat game that was legendary, and he would strap binoculars and a camera around his neck in a heartbeat. He grew bumper crops of figs and satsumas and he could fill a croaker sack with pecans in short order.
However, The greatest example he shared with us was his faith and trust in the Lord. In 2006 while lying in the ER with a grime diagnosis he reached out his hand and asked for prayer, not something I was expecting. This show of faith would not only save his life, but it would also save his soul. It gave our family another 18 + years with him. It is hard to imagine the last two decades without him. The Lord preserving him for these extra years allowed us so much:
Jeremy and Brittany's wedding
18 more birthdays, Christmases, Thanksgivings and so on.
Fulfill his lifelong dream when he and mom purchased their camp on Lake Bruin
He watched Easton grow up and he saw the addition of 3 more grandkids Bailynne, Tyler, Skylar, and 3 great grandkids - Hayden, Grayson, and the recent addition Tatum Thomas Michelli
He went on numerous cruises and trips
And most importantly he was able to build a personal, day to day relationship, with Jesus.
We are so grateful the Lord gave us Tommy Michelli and we are thankful when it was his time to go Jesus welcomed him at his heavenly table.