Michael John Chagares

michael chagares

February 9, 1955 ~ December 27, 2023

Born in: New Rochelle, New York
Resided in: Vero Beach, Florida

Michael John Chagares, age 68, affectionately known as “Chags” by family and friends, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2023 surrounded by his family. Born on February 9, 1955 in New Rochelle, New York, Michael was a beacon of light, life, love and friendship throughout his life, touching the hearts of all those he met, especially the hearts of his beautiful family. Michael’s journey came to an unexpected close and he was summoned home to be with the Lord following a brief critical illness.

Michael was the beloved husband for 40 years of Susan (née Kramig), the loving father of Alexandra Mann (née Chagares) (Barlow) and Abigail McDonald (née Chagares) (Joseph), the proud grandfather of Abigail, Olivia, Barlow and Laine, the brother of Robert Chagares (Debbie), and the cherished Uncle of nine nieces and nephews. Michael was preceded in death by his beloved parents, John Chagares and Lucy Chagares (Ricci).

Michael grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was a stand-out athlete and honors student, graduating from Miami University in 1977, and University of Dayton Law School in 1980. Michael was a beloved member of Sigma Chi fraternity at Miami University, which represented a lifetime of brotherhood and friendship for him.

Michael’s career took him almost immediately away from law and into commercial banking, with the majority of his exceptional career spent in risk management consulting with Accenture, Marsh McLennan and PwC. He retired from PwC in 2017.

Michael’s extraordinary success in his career was characterized and defined by his success in life. Michael’s marriage to Susan in 1983 and the birth of his beautiful daughters Alex and Abby was pure and perpetual joy and happiness for him. The light in his heart that came from his family, and from his deep friendships, brought joy to those who he met throughout his life. Michael’s deep and unwavering faith in God has brought him home to our Lord, but he will live on in the loving hearts of his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at McLean Presbyterian Church, located at 1020 Balls Hill Rd, McLean, VA 22101 on January 5, 2024 at 10:30 am. The service will be immediately followed by a light lunch reception at Congressional Country Club located at 8500 River Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to either the Inova Health Foundation (Inova Schar Heart and Vascular Institute) https://foundation.inova.org/ or mail donation to Quail Valley Charities, at 2345 Highway A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963

Services

Celebration of Life: January 5, 2024 10:30 am - 11:30 am

McLean Presbyterian Church
1020 Balls Hill Road
McLean, VA

703-938-7440

Funeral Reception:

Congressional Country Club
8500 River Rd
Bethesda, MD 20817

(301) 469-2000
https://www.ccclub.org/

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Michael John Chagares 's name.

Inova Health Foundation (Inova Schar Heart and Vascular Institute)

foundation.inova.org

Quail Valley Charities

2345 Highway A1A

Vero Beach,

FL

32963

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Michael we will miss you so much and already are lost without you. You were the dearest friend and so fun to be around. I know you are in a better place now, but that does not dull the pain we have. God took you way too soon and now he is the lucky one. I will be forever grateful for our friendship. All my love my friend, Taylor

  2. Michael was the best male friend I ever had. He made me feel special every time we were together. He and Susan made our weeks and months in Vero pure joy. He was generous, king, funny, and just plain lovable. We were privileged to spend so much time together, and I will forever cherish our memories. My love, Muffe

  3. Michael; Don and I appreciated the time we got to know you. We enjoyed our relaxation on the dock in Onekema while you always had an interesting commentary or fun family story to share.

  4. We are heartbroken for your dear family. He was a light to any room he entered and he will be missed and remembered by many.

  5. Mr. Chagares, you were loved and you will be missed. Favorite customer, turned into a dear friend. You and Susan were always the most beautiful example of happiness and joyful demeanor. It was an honor to know you. I will forever miss your widest whitest smile, your generous hugs and your amazing energy. I hope wherever you are, the golf fields are broad and luscious, and french white tastes better than ambrosia.

  6. Chags was quite a character during the years I got to know him while living in the Sigma Chi house at Miami. He was one of those guys that always had a mischievous smile on his face and was up for some fraternal shenanigans. Never one to shy away from responsibility, he helped me with many of the social events in the house during my stint as Social Chairman. Say hi to all of our other brethren in The Chapter Eternal my brother. Bro. Rudy

  7. Lynn and I were devastated to learn of Michael’s passing. As all who knew him, Chags was one of the most social, likable, fun loving and thoughtful humans ever. We had reconnected with Susan and Michael over the past few years and loved the retirement time we were spending together. OMG, he will be missed! Our hearts so go out to Susan, Alex, Abby and the grandkids.

  8. I first met Mike, or Chags, my freshman year at Miami. He was one of the nicest people I knew. I, too, am devastated by his loss. He will be missed!! All my best to Susan and his family. Sending hugs and strength! Sheryl Heuerman Wiener

  9. Chags was simply the best. As other people have mentioned, Michael always had a smile on his face and always up for a good time whether sipping on a “Big King” while shooting the shit in my frat room, heading uptown on a Thursday night or jogging with me thru Miami’s campus. And that continued post graduation when we had the opportunity to reunite with each other and our families. I will miss him greatly.

  10. Susan, Abby and Alex, I’m so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Friends since seventh grade, I can’t believe he’s gone. I know one thing for sure his family meant everything to him. I’m keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers and hoping that wonderful memories sustain you through the difficult days ahead.
    May his memory be eternal.
    Love,
    Vickie Gregory

  11. To all who are friends of the Bear Lake Open, Michael will be missed greatly but always remembered for his kindness and laughter. Condolences to Susan and his entire family.

  12. Laura and Robert Twining and family
    We are so saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. We have very fond memories of the years he coached our daughters for McLean Soccer. He was always friendly, warm and always smiling.
    Our deepest condolences to your entire family.

  13. Honest, comedic, direct, loving and engaging; words I use to describe my interactions with Michael over the past 36+ years from accompanying boyfriend of baby sitter to golf partner laughing at his multitude of jokes in regards to other’s golf aptitude. I pray you all have a lifetime of fond memories with Michael and continue his spirit of upbeat enegies and activity! Keep the faith. xo The O’Connors

  14. Our hearts are broken for you Susan, Alex, Abby and family. We had so many fun times together with our families. Cruising with our families is and will be one of our fondest memories! “The Admiral” was like no other… one of a kind. Always the planner, and the life of the party. Alison, Lindsey and Jason will always have those memories. Jason also noted the special walks they would take at Scott’s Run on Thanksgiving. Lots of memories. Our prayers are with you all during this difficult time. With Love, Mark, Susan, Alison, Lindsey & Jason

  15. We were heartbroken to hear of Mike’s passing. He was such a part of the fabric at Portage and we can’t imagine it without him. Our prayers and condolences to Susan and the family.

  16. We were so saddened to hear about Michael’s passing. As neighbors for over 20 years, we thought of the whole Chagaris family as wonderful members of the community. Michael was always a kind and thoughtful friend, who adored his lovely wife Susan and his beautiful daughters, Alex and Abby. Our prayers are with you all.

  17. Our hearts break for the Chagares family. Gone way too soon. We will be missing him on Portage point. Sending love, prayers and support.

  18. Susie, I remember Mike well from Miami University and he was always such a fun and nice guy. So sorry that he is gone way too soon. I just found out about Mike’s passing or I would have been at the service. My sympathy to you, Alex, Abby, Bobby & Debbie and the entire Chagares family. I met my husband Frank through the Chagares family and they will always have a special place in my heart. Lots of love being sent your way.

  19. Dear Susan, We are so sorry for your loss. Mike was a warm and friendly neighbor who was obviously devoted to his family. We will greatly miss seeing and talking to him on Lost Beach Lane. Sending our condolences to you and your family. Love, Lynn and David

  20. I’ve known Mike since Middle School. He was always fun and friendly and easy to be with. I only connected with him once after college. I called to see if he was coming to a high school reunion. He told me about coaching his children’s soccer teams and that he was very happily married. So glad he had such a wonderful life… but so sad to see him go so soon.

  21. Mary and I were saddened by Michael’s passing. Our prayers are with Susan and the girls and the rest of the family at this time. We knew Michael as a Portage Lake neighbor who always made time to talk to us about what was going on in our lives. He spoke too about how much he enjoyed the slower pace of summer activities in Northern Michigan. We will miss him.
    Rollie and Mary Leeds

  22. Dear Susan, Sam and I just learned that you’ve lost your Michael..! We are so very, very sorry. And what a shock to be so sudden! My heartfelt thoughts and emotional support go out to you, Abby and Alex..! I know you are still adjusting to life without him. It’s never easy, but I hope your memories will keep his spirit alive in your hearts. Michael loved life and worked so hard creating his community of friends. He was always so supportive in every way for Abby and Akex, as well as you, Susan. You two lovebirds had a special bond. We have very fond memories of him. I do not have your Vero Beach address. I send you hugs and prayers…. Paula Strickland


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