Friday, October 06, 2023

Obituaries - Emma Newton, age 11; Paul Michalak, age 76

Emma May Newton has fallen asleep in the arms of Jesus on October 2, 2023, one day before she would turn 12 years old. 

May May as she was known by her family and friends was born in Lee County, Florida on October 3, 2011, to Shawn and Madeline Vega Newton. May May was full of energy, loved fishing with her family, enjoyed playing with her brothers and sister, enjoyed spending time with her extended family members. 

May May will be dearly missed by her entire family and friends. May May leaves fond memories with her parents, Shawn and Madeline Newton of Clewiston, her brothers; Shawn Newton, Jr, Levi Newton, Thomas Newton and her sister; Taylor Newton along with many extended family members and friends. 

May May was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather; Francisco Vega, aunt; Luz Maria Vega, Great aunt; Carol Butler, great uncle, David Lee Adney, her four-legged siblings; Dimond and Boscoe. 

May May's life will be celebrated with a viewing being held at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in Clewiston from 2-3 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Cremation rites will be accorded after the viewing.

Beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Paul Michalak was unexpectedly called home by the Lord on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. His life is a living reflection of theologian John Wesley's memorable life advice to do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.

Paul touched many lives through his quiet, unassuming service to his family and friends. Born in Worcester Massachusetts and residing there for the early part of his young and young adult life, he provided for his life partner and best friend, wife Patricia Greene Michalak, and their three children Jessica Snajder, Rachel Anderson, and Paul Michalak Jr through his fearless work as an ironworker on top of many bridges and buildings throughout Worcester county. He went on to have a 40 year tenure with Snap On Tools where he inspired many through his knowledge of tools and mechanics.

A natural teacher, Paul could banter with his grandchildren Jason Anderson, Tyler Anderson, Grace Snajder, Lilah Snajder and Jake Michalak about the intricacies of literature, how to take a great photograph, change the oil in a diesel engine truck, be safe while welding, and how to make the very best sandcastle in the Cape Cod sand. He was curious and a life long learner.

As a recent resident of Labelle, Florida, Paul was a true friend to many. He made sure his neighbors and friends were safe in the midst of a storm providing electricity necessary to run life providing medical equipment. He showered his loved ones with gifts from his travels to many of our nation's National Parks with Patricia in their RV. He poured out his knowledge to future generations and he showed them that good is meant to be done until the very moment in which you no longer can.

While he is missed, his legacy of love will live on in the faces of friends who smile when they speak of how he helped build a roof, snow-blow them out of a blizzard, or beat them at corn hole. His legacy of service will live on in the lives of his grandchildren who have taken up John Wesley's mission because they saw their grandfather live it out. His legacy of love lives on in the lives of his three children were not ready to say goodbye but know that he passed living a life that was lived well. His legacy of love will linger in his wife Patricia who will continue to love and honor him by living out her days with the blessed memory of their 53 years spent loving each other.

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