Michael Joseph Rada Jr.

On December 23, 2024, Mike lost a long battle to complications from radiation after surviving stage 4 tonsil cancer in 2010. Mike was born on June 25,1958 on Long Island, NY and grew up in North Babylon. He graduated from Fulton-Montgomery Community College with an Associates of Science degree. After many years in electronic sales, he changed courses and entered into the clinical research industry where he worked for several different Clinical Research Organizations for over 23 years. He resided in Holbrook, NY for many years before moving to Grasonville, MD in 2000 with his life partner, Christina (Chris) Rice and daughter Jessica Rice. He loved his job as a Clinical Research Associate and his last position as a Clinical Operations Manager, however health issues lead to his retirement in 2023. Mike loved his boat Sumthn Diffrnt and spending time navigating the bay and fishing. Hunting was another passion and after many years admiring the sport, he was a member of Chesapeake Curling until he had to step away. He was one of the biggest sports aficionados but loved his NY Yankees and NY Rangers. It was at Madison Square Gardens where he asked Chris to share his life. Mike loved everything having to do with cooking and there wasn’t a missing gadget, appliance or spice from his arsenal. He loved his smoker and being creative with his blackstone. One of Mikes greatest accomplishments was supporting and being part of the successes of Jessica and watching her become an amazing nurse. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Michael J. Rada, Sr and Wanda D. Rada and sister Dee Rada. In addition to Chris and Jessica, he is survived by his beloved yellow lab, Dakota, two nieces, Wendy Rullo and Christina Grossman, several cousins and many many friends. Chris and Jessica are thankful for the almost 30 years as a family and will miss his love for family, wicked humor, sarcasm and bravery battling health issues over the past 14 years but thankful he is at peace. ------------------------------------------ Thank you for being the best dad & for making the choice to step up and be the dad you didn’t have to be. From catching my first fish, teaching me football/baseball/hockey, going to the garden to watch the rangers, learning to ride a bike, every swim meet, field trip, school event, childhood/youth & adult milestone, graduation... you were there & you showed up for me. The last day you were active & your eyes were open more fully was my graduation when you watched me walk across stage from the hospital this past Wednesday. I know you were tired, in pain, and I know you’re in a better place now. Our dogs, I know, were waiting for you at the gates and you were welcomed with open arms by family & friends whom we have lost over the years. A clinical research associate who worked on numerous clinical trials, but who found a passion working with HIV drug clinical trials. A dad. A partner. A dog dad x 5. 80’s rock lover. The biggest sports fan I know. My go-to for fixing things that I break. The one who I wanted to make the most proud & who pushed me to make my goals in life happen. My advocate when I didn’t have the energy to deal with someone. Stage four tonsil cancer survivor. Mike was an avid hunter and fisher. He loved grilling, curling & obtaining anything that slightly made sense to have on Amazon. Life isn’t going to be the same. Holidays will look different. Topsail will have a piece missing next time we go. Everything hurts right now. Despite it not being the decision we wanted to make, we made the decision we had to. Our family trio bond was built on loyalty and love. That’s what makes family. I’m glad the Cowboys got one more win just a couple hours before you crossed over. The nurses played 80’s rock on YouTube the last few days. You were the epitome of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” & I hope you’re up there meeting him & Jimmy Buffet. Mike crossed over at 12:40 this morning with mom & I by his side when he took his last breath. I love you, Mike. Mom, Dakota & I will be okay. You will always be with us. ❤️ squirt Memorial donations can be made in Michael's name to: University of Maryland, Shock Trauma, 23 Penn Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

Michael Joseph Rada Jr.

June 25, 1958 - December 23, 2024