Obituary: Michael Anthony Genovese

Michael Anthony Genovese, 35, born Sept. 22, 1987, in Prescott, AZ found his peace Aug. 13, 2023. Michael resided in Prescott Valley as he did most of his life.

Michael graduated from Bradshaw Mountain High School in 2006. He played linebacker for the Bears #52 “GENO” and was a four-time letterman. Michael loved his football family and classmates and spent some of his happiest days with them.

Michael was employed much of his life in the restaurant and beverage delivery/marketing industry, but he also worked in produce and most recently at Alvarez tire. Michael was a hard-working employee and always kept his coworkers laughing.

Michael enjoyed the outdoors and loved his days hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting, especially with his dad.

Michael loved all sports. He was always ready with the latest news and any stats; he would even know the details of the athlete’s family life and their struggles. Golfing and hitting balls with his buddies brought Michael joy. Michael spent time coaching kids flag football and loved and excelled at it. Michael would have been a fantastic sports broadcaster; the cool kind sitting on a couch in a man cave.

As an only child, Michael’s love for his friends was that of the love for brothers and sisters. So many called Michael their best friend. Friends were Michael’s whole heart; he gave amazing hugs and was a friend to all. Michael’s laugh was contagious, and he loved to make others laugh.

Family was most important to Michael. He held his Grandparents in the highest regard, and they loved and supported him always. Michael had numerous Aunts and Uncles; many were like his second parents, Michael looked up to them and always enjoyed their time together. COUSINS were Michael’s life, being an only child, they were his brothers and sisters. Michael’s cousins and he shared a love like no other; wrestling, laughing, sporting events, parties, vacations, and daily talks all throughout his life. Michael’s second cousins loved to play tickle monster and snuggle into him.

Most importantly, Michael was an amazing son, simply the best. Michael had a sensitivity like no other. Michael knew from a young age just when you needed a laugh or a hug. Michael was funny, loving, and sincere; he carried those characteristics through to adulthood. We were the “threesome”. He was an amazing son and the love we have for him cannot be put into words. We feel him guiding us through this process, we’ve seen or felt a miracle everyday since his passing.

Michael is preceded in death by his beloved Grandmother Faeth Ann Genovese, loving Aunt Cassandra Ann White, and cousins Sandy Pierce, Kayla Hinton, and Amber Vesely.

Michael is survived and missed immensely by: His parents Anthony and Michele Louise Genovese, Grandfather Phillip Michael Genovese, and Grandparents Edward Andrew and Dorothy Jean Kalabus. Aunts and Uncles: Patricia Fields, Greg and Judy Pierce, Terrance and Janice Westfall, Phillip and Lauri Genovese, Jeri Hinton, Jean Rees, Joanne Rossi, Edward (Bo) Kalabus and Kory Jones, and Richard Genovese. Cousins: Jack and Sarah White, Susan White, Joe and Jessica Sullivan, Luke and Grace Fields, Shane Pierce, David Westfall, Matthew and Brittany Westfall, Thomas and Roxanne Genovese, Diana Genovese, Judy Genovese, Jarrod Hinton, Keith Hinton, Kyle Hinton, John Rees, Jaime Rees, Nathan Genovese, Julia Genovese and Adam Genovese. Michael is also missed and loved by many second cousins.

Our family would like to send a special thanks to YCSO and all the volunteers that helped in the recovery of Michael. A thanks of utmost appreciation goes to all the people of the community; our family is forever grateful. In lieu of flowers please donate to any mental health facility and spread the word about the suicide & crisis lifeline 988.

Arrangements entrusted to Ruffner-Wakelin Funeral Homes and Crematory. Public service to be held at 1 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Ruffner-Wakelin Prescott Chapel, 303 S. Cortez St. Prescott, AZ.

Information provided by the funeral home.