Michael Wells

Michael William Wells passed peacefully July 6, 2016 at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center from Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

Michael was born in New York City, NY on June 18, 1945 to Claire (nee Strong) and Edward Wells. Michael was the youngest of three siblings. Michael’s father was an airline captain for TWA and his mother was a professional singer and homemaker.

Michael grew up in Sparta, NJ and he graduated from Sparta High School in 1963. Michael played varsity football for Sparta.

Michael graduated Parsons College, Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Education.

After graduation, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Linda Peattie.

He was inducted into the US Army on 5/24/1968 and although he had the option for deferment or to enter as an officer, Mike chose enlisted service and trained as an Infantryman and earned the honor of being the top trainee in his training company.

Mike served a tour of duty in the Republic of Vietnam from October 19, 1968 to October 18, 1969. He was assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry, 198th Infantry Brigade assigned to the 23rd “Americal” Infantry Division. Mike’s unit was assigned to I Corps area and was based out of Chu Lai.

The 1/6 Infantry was involved in several major combat operations in the area and Mike earned several medals for his combat service including: Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Rifle Expert Badge and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with two stars. Mike attained the rank of Sergeant (E5) during his Vietnam service.

Mike returned to the United States and served the remainder of his military career at Fort Dix, NJ assigned to the base honor guard.

Mike and his wife Linda moved to St Petersburg, FL where he joined the St Petersburg Beach Fire Department. Mike and Linda had two children; daughters Nichole and Amber.

Mike worked for the department for 27 years as a firefighter and paramedic. In his career Michael received several awards for heroism and conducted numerous water rescues in addition to his regular duties. Michael obtained the rank of Lieutenant in his career.

Mike wrestled with a few demons from his military service but he carried that burden his whole life, all the while providing for his family.

When Mike wasn’t working at his full time job as a fireman, he would often work side jobs as a carpenter and house painter to help provide for his family. He enjoyed a game of cards, a good steak and a Chunky candy bar.

Mike was active in veteran’s causes, was a life-long member of the American Legion, and enjoyed motorcycle riding, motorcycle events, golf and family gatherings.

Mike was the kind of man who would offer a friend the shirt off his back and would offer a seat at his table for a stranger. He’d always be there for a friend or relative in need. He opened his home and his heart to many. He had a big bawdy laugh that was incredibly infectious and he preferred hugs to handshakes.

Mike was an excellent provider and he was the “fun dad” on the block. Mike went through great effort to make Christmas, Halloween and birthdays fun for his girls and their friends. He built pet cages, playhouses and a full sized in ground pool for his girls.

Mike was a strong man; he fought through heart disease, and three other forms of cancer before succumbing to the one that finally  took him. Although his strong body eventually failed him, his big heart and spirit never failed.

Rest easy now Mike, your duty as a father, son, husband, firefighter, soldier and friend is done.

Mike is preceded in death by his father and mother.

Mike is survived by his wife of 49 years; Linda Wells, his daughter Nichole Puglia and son in law Joe Puglia, his daughter Amber Brent and son in law Joshua Brent, his brother Jack Wells, his sister Judy Wells and numerous nephews and nieces.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 AM, Thursday, July 21, 2016  and the Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 AM at Gulf Coast Church, 13301 Walsingham Rd, Largo Florida with son in law, Joe Puglia, to officiate. Graveside services are  2:15 PM, Thursday, July 21, 2016 at the Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, Florida with an Honor Guard officiating.

Dress is casual

Flowers can be sent to Linda Wells at 5980 6th Ave S; St Petersburg, FL 33707 or donations can be made in Mike’s name to the Cancer Research Institute http://www.cancerresearch.org/giving-to-cri/honor-memorial-giving
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