Michael J. Wusinich

Michael Joseph Wusinich Sr. of Havertown passed away peacefully at age 55 surrounded by family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Wednesday March the 6th. He was born on December 8th, 1968 in Bryn Mawr PA. Son of the late James and Helen (Murphy) Wusinich. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Colleen (Gallagher) of 26 years and the apple of his eyes, sons Michael Jr. and Patrick; His four dedicated siblings Jimmy Wusinich (Lori), Helen Milligan (Mark), Sr. Mary Elizabeth (Sheila) Wusinich, S.V., and Karen Loomis (Tim); A favorite uncle of Michael Lojewski, Brian Lojewski, Meagan Milligan, Nick Wusinich, Hayley Wusinich, Kevin Lojewski, Ryan Milligan, Aidan Milligan, Olivia Wusinich, Allison Loomis, and Caitlyn Loomis; Son-in-law to Duke and Jackie Gallagher, brother-in-law of Kellie Lojewski (Chuck); Godfather to Mary Matey. He was preceded in death by his lifelong best friend and partner in crime, Dave Matey.

Mike was always loyal to his family, friends, and himself. Mike was very direct and honest, brutally honest. He could get his point across in a few words. He was very protective over the ones he loved, willing to do anything for them. He was very competitive, making everything he did a competition. Mike loved sports; they were more than just a interest, they were his passion. Mike might not have been able to remember your birthday, but he could perfectly illustrate a play from a game that you watched together 10 years ago. He was a die hard fan of the Phillies, Eagles, Sixers, Flyers, and the Temple Owls. Mike was the CEO of nicknames: including Rob “Elvis” D’Orsogna, Billy “Ears” Johnson,  Nick “CapTIN” Pergine, Sean “Fingers” Maguire, George “Esmo” Esbensen, Rob “Sanchez” Santry, Vince “Blue Blood” Sposato, Pat “The Mayor” Gillespie, John “Big Red” Lafferty, Doug “Hoss” Murphy, Jack “Captain Jack” Murray, Coach John “The Bear” Maguire, Mike “Conway” Conmy, Danny “D-Bomb” Buckton, Colin “CJ” Buckton, Michael “Junior” Wusinich, and Pat “Porkchop” Wusinich. Mike had many nicknames  himself  such as “Woz”, “Wiz”, and “Vegas Mike”.

Mike grew up on 205 Candlebrook Road in King of Prussia. He spent his childhood with his four siblings, cousins, and several lifelong friends. They played various sports and activities in the neighborhood, such as kick the can, street hockey, stickball, and basketball. His favorite spot to eat was Franzone’s Pizza in Bridgeport, even having the number memorized thirty years later. His family enjoyed vacationing at the Jersey Shore, especially going to the Ocean City Boardwalk.

Mike attended Mother of Divine Providence (MDP) in King of Prussia, where he forged lifelong brotherhoods. At MDP, Mike excelled at football, basketball, and baseball, earning MVP in all three. He was proud of that fact that he and his friend, Dave, led MDP to its first Parade of Champions Championship, despite having only twelve players. Mike continued to play football, basketball, and baseball at Carroll, where he was starting Quarterback his senior year. The MDP crew expanded at Archbishop John Carroll, still remaining strong today. In fact, Mike was a founding member of a Fantasy Football League that started in 1992, in which Mike just won for the second year in a row. Friendship was an integral part of Mike’s life. Mike loved his friends and they would do anything for each other. The litany of Mike and his Carroll brothers memories and stories is unlimited. After graduating Carroll, Mike attended Temple University where his love for the Owls started. Mike and his college buddies could be found at Murphy’s Tavern drinking Skylabs and “Dishwashers” or at Basketball games behind the opposing teams bench, or as they coined it “Mcgonigle Hell”; where they dressed as devils and tormented whichever players and coaches were unfortunate enough to face the owls that day.

Being a Coach to Mike was not just a title or a role, it was an extension of his life. His first pupil was his youngest sister Karen who he groomed into becoming an All Catholic in four sports and future college hall of famer. Mike was even the self proclaimed player-coach of his dominant 8th grade football team. Mike officially became a coach while in college, at Carroll where he was the Quarterback and JV Coach. He later became an Offensive Coordinator at St. James and then St. John Neumann. Mike took a brief hiatus from coaching when his boys were young and then transitioned from high school football to youth sports. Mike coached the boys at Hilltop, Highland Park, and St. Dots. His biggest success was leading Pat’s team to winning the 2012 8u State Tournament and starting the Hilltop Dynasty. Mike loved everything about coaching; he loved strategizing, teaching, connecting with players, helping others, and most of all winning. Mike’s specialties were being prepared for every possible scenario and looking at situations differently than everyone else. He had a gift for seeing “the game” and having an understanding of it that was unique to him, regardless of the sport or level. This would allow Mike to outwit his opponents and be the best every single time. Mike’s players held him in high regard and prestige. His players loved him and he loved them.

Mike was a longtime Mummers Parade attendee. On January 1st, 1992, he met his match  and love of his life on the corner of Broad and Vine. Mike and Colleen’s mutual love continued in yearly attendance with their Caroll posse back to Broad and Pine, and Dirty Franks; as well as the Erin Express on St Paddy's Day. Mike and Colleen enjoyed many activities throughout their relationship such as: hanging out with their friends, watching “Dazed and Confused”, bowling, steakhouse dinners, The Oakmont Pub, and going out with the “dinner crowd”. Mike and Colleen shared the same values for what they wanted in their life and their family. They came from similar backgrounds,and enjoyed each other’s presence. On August 9th, 1997, Mike and Colleen married and agreed on a trip to Ireland for their Honeymoon, where Mike enjoyed some golf and Colleen enjoyed visiting the countryside where their ancestors once lived. 2 years later, Michael Jr.. came along and their family began in Havertown, a community filled with friends. 3 years down the road, the family was completed with the arrival of their second son, Patrick John. Sports influenced Mike’s parental nature and guidance for his boys, once even making a bet with Colleen that he could potty train the boys in record time. The family enjoyed vacations to Stone Harbor, North Wildwood, Bethany Beach, and Disney World. Mike and his sons bonded through watching sports, attending Phillies games, listening to the Killers during car rides, their annual March Madness competition, playing wiffleball, shooting hoops, having catches, fantasy football, Donald Trump, watching standup comedy, and various TV shows, such as Even Stevens, That’s So Raven, Little Einsteins, Spongebob and, later on, Breaking Bad, The Wire, South Park, and Curb your Enthusiasm. He was insistent on sending his boys to St. Dorothy’s Catholic Grade School to provide them an experience similar to his upbringing. He always pushed his sons to excel in the classroom and rewarded their good grades with trips to restaurants of their choice, graduating from the Llanerch Diner to Longhorn Steakhouse.

About 10 Years ago Mike became ill and which resulted in him losing his sight. The last 10 years of Mike’s life were very difficult for all of his loved ones, but no more difficult than for Mike, himself. However, no matter how difficult things got or how hard of a day he was having, Mike never once complained once. He never wanted others to feel bad for him. He stated on multiple occasions that he had lived a full life, and had experienced more fun, excitement, and joy in his first 30 years alone then most people had in 80. The last 10 years of Mike’s life he fought through many difficult health battles on a daily basis. His driving force and constant inspiration was his love for his wife and kids. He wanted to be there for them as he knew how important he was in their lives. He wanted to be around for Michael and Patrick as they grew up and help Colleen raise them. He was their go to source of advice and wisdom. Mike loved being a Dad and was the best to ever do it. Nobody Beats the Wiz.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 6:00-9:00 PM on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082 and 9:00-10:15 AM on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at St. Dorothy Church, 4910 Township Line Rd., Drexel Hill, PA 19026, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed and can be found on St. Dorothy Parish Youtube. Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Michael's name to CampPals - https://www.palsprograms.org/ would be greatly appreciated.