Michael R. Sowa
Lieutenant Commander, USN (Retired)
Passed away on October 21, 2017. A loving husband and devoted to his family and his country, Michael is survived by his wife, Melissa Sowa, his father, Milton Sowa, his five brothers and a sister, his two children and countless friends.
A 20-year veteran of the US Navy, Michael faithfully served his country aboard numerous U.S. Navy ships, including the USS CONNECTICUT, USS SEA WOLF, USS TOLEDO, USS MIAMI, and USS HAWAII. He served as Chief Engineer on a nuclear fast attack submarine. Michael also deployed to Joint Task Force – Guantanamo Bay as Deputy Inspector General and to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa as Executive Assistant to the Commander.
Michael attended Auburn University where he completed a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (Cum Laude) (1994) and a Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering (2001).
Services will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2017, at 10:30am at South Tampa Fellowship Church located at 5101 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Gary Sinise Foundation (www.garysinisefoundation.org) or South Tampa Fellowship Church (www.stfchurch.com).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Blount & Curry Funeral Home - Macdill Chapel MacDill Avenue Chapel.
November 19, 2017
Nick Nichols
To the Sowa Family,
On behalf of the Charleston Base SUBVETS and Swamp Fox Chapter SUBVETS WWII, I offer you our sincere condolences on Michael's passing. We grieve with you on the loss of your loved one and our shipmate. The SUBVETS will have your family in our thoughts and prayers. There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and Michael will always be remembered as a Brother of the Phin and a great Patriot.
LCDR(SS) Michael R. Sowa
US Navy Submarine Veteran Retired
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
Charleston Base Submarine Veterans
Nick Nichols, MTCM(SS) USN Ret.
Base Chaplain
November 10, 2017
Family
Deanna Sowa
Hey there. I know it's been a while since we talked but just wanted to let you know I think of you often and hope for the best. For whatever it's worth I guess. I'm still pulling for you to make the right choices in life and want what's best for you. It's never too late to make a major course correction ... In fact the longer you wait, the larger the course correction required. But it's still better than a collision. Spoken from an old sailor ... lol.
Thank you Uncle Mikey. Thank you to all of the family for coming together during this difficult time. Thank you to all of Michael's friends and brothers in the service for your love and support. Thank you to the chaplain for such beautiful words in his honor. Godspeed. You will be truly missed Uncle Mike.
November 10, 2017
Ray Gabriel, CAPT USN (retired)
Rest your oars, Shipmate.
God Bless
November 6, 2017
Joe Hansen
Mike, I just heard of your passing today. You were always a true friend to me and I miss having you around.
November 6, 2017
BUTCH & KIM SOWA
ON BEHAF OF THE SOWA FAMILY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENDANCE & SUPPORT THROUGH THESE TRAGIC TIMES.
November 1, 2017
Spouse
Melissa Sowa
November 1, 2017
Spouse
Melissa Sowa
November 1, 2017
Spouse
Melissa Sowa
November 1, 2017
Spouse
Melissa Sowa
November 1, 2017
Spouse
Melissa Sowa
November 1, 2017
Spouse
Melissa Sowa
November 1, 2017
Spouse
Melissa Sowa
I cannot even begin to imagine living without this man, the love of my life, my hero, my soul mate. He showed me a love and allowed me to love in a way Id never known possible. For that I will be eternally grateful.
October 30, 2017
Scott and Samantha Kabel
Sam and I extend our deepest condolences to Melissa and all of Michael's family. God bless you all and thank you Mike for your service to our country.
October 28, 2017
Sharon Sowa King
Sending comfort, love and my sympathy to Melissa, Uncle Milton and all my cousins. Michael was always so kind, considerate and always put others before himself. I will always remember his smile and our many childhood memories together. I love you Mike.
October 28, 2017
We send our sympathy to Melissa, to my brother Milton and all his children and families. We are so sorry for your loss. Michael will be missed by all of his family and friends, but will remain in our hearts forever. I will always have fond memories of Michael and our get togethers in the past. People may pass but love is forever.
Aunt Mary, Uncle Jack, Wayne and Mary, Chris and Wally
October 28, 2017
Bill Dixon
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI), I offer our sincere condolences on Michael's passing. You and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. We are forever grateful for Michael's service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service. To our Brother of the Phin we say, Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your service to our country."
"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way." 2 Thess 3:16.
Michael R. Sowa LCDR, US Navy, Now on Eternal Patrol.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate.
Bill Dixon, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.
October 28, 2017
Shelly Coyle
Prayers for peace and comfort during this time to my sister, Melissa and Michael's family. Treasure the memories. Create strength from them. Believe and have faith.
October 27, 2017
Rachel Dawson
October 27, 2017
Rachel Dawson
October 27, 2017
Coworker
Larry & Patti Grice
Our sincere sympathy to the entire family on the unexpected loss of your dear loved one. "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." We pray that God will bless you all and give you the strength to get through this very difficult time.
October 27, 2017
Richard Kesterson
My thoughts and prayers for Michael, my sister Melissa and Michael's family. May God watch over you all and provide you comfort and wisdom during this difficult time.
October 27, 2017
Melvin & Betsy Sowa
An incredible life of service ended much too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael's family during this difficult time.
October 26, 2017
studio26
From everyone at studio26, our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Sowa family during this difficult time.
October 26, 2017
Rachel Dawson
Words cannot express the sorrow that is felt by the loss of Mike. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Sowa family during this difficult time.
October 26, 2017
Daria Fullerton
To the Sowa Family, my heart goes out to you. Many prayers for comfort during this incredibly painful time. Mike will be greatly missed.
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