Michael Nelson Faria

In Loving Memory

Michael Nelson Faria, a devoted husband, dad, papa, brother, and uncle left our family on July 4, 2023, but is surely in peace of at his bride’s side. He was 78.

Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Dec. 10, 1944, he was the oldest son to the late-Samuel and Melissa Faria and proud of his Portuguese background. After graduating high school, he enrolled in a junior college and earned his Associate's Degree.  After graduation, during the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the Air Force. He served one year in Thailand and remaining years in Florida.

He met his wife — Nona S. Faria — at a party with friends in Bartow. At the time, he was serving at MacDill Air Force Base. Despite the distance of 55 miles, Michael said he walked from Tampa to Bartow to attend the party. And if that was true, then it was definitely worth it. The couple met in June 1966, and were married that September. Everyone thought it was fast marriage, yet they must have done something right after celebrating 53 years of marriage.

Michael retired as a medical foster social worker with Florida’s Children Medical Services. He worked as an EMS paramedic with Polk County for 11 years, while attending college fulltime at night at Florida Southern College.

Because faith and service to the community were important parts of his life, Michael was active at the Resurrection Catholic Parish as a Eucharistic Minister and Sunday school teacher. He helped organize Thanksgiving dinners and collections of toys, school supplies, and clothes for needy children.

The only time he didn’t serve others was when he was busy caring for his wife in their home. Michael’s beloved bride, Nona, passed away in February 2019.

On July 4, 2023, Michael passed peacefully at Lakeland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He is survived by his children — daughter Elizabeth Allen (Victor Allen Jr.) and son Nathan Faria (Susan Faria). The apple of his eyes were his grandchildren — Melissa Allen, Lauren Faria and Evan Faria. Michael is also survived by his sister, Melissa Medeiros (Thomas ), nephew Peter Medeiros, along with several other family members and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated July 17, 2023, at Resurrection Parish, 333 Terrace Way in Lakeland. The viewing will be at 10:30 a.m., in the chapel, followed by Mass at 11 a.m. Following Mass is the graveside burial at Oak Hill Cemetery with honor guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests considering a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Michael will be greatly missed by all. We know he is with the love of his life and in peace.

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