Mike was absolutely adored by his family and friends. Many will remember Mike by his incredible laugh, his charming smile and excellent sense of humor.
Michael was born May 17,1959 in Warren, Ohio. The fourth child of Thomas Eugene Gerrity and Helen Cecelia Battle Gerrity. In July of 1959 the family relocated to Overland Park, Kansas.
He graduated from Shawnee Mission South High School in 1977. Mike attended Kansas State University where he joined Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. He graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. While at Kansas State, he met Judy Buzzard and they married in 1989. They welcomed their only daughter, Kayla, in 1990.
In 1989, he founded Metro Collision Repair in Olathe, Kansas. Mike was greatly blessed to have wonderful, loyal employees by his side over the years. He was smart, generous and had an entrepreneurial spirit.
Mike was humble and kind. He did not like to be the center of attention, yet everyone simply wanted to be around Mike. Judy and Mike hosted many gatherings over the years for family and friends. Pool parties, poker nights and holidays were a commonplace and the motto was always “the more, the merrier”.
Mike was an incredible skier. He shared his love for skiing by teaching his family and friends the sport. In 2005, Judy and Mike built a second home in Avon, Colorado. Wonderful memories were shared at the mountain house. Mike’s spirit will forever be remembered in the mountain house for generations to come.
Mike was an easy going guy who enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, like a glass of Coca Cola and Bryers strawberry ice cream. Always asking “Do we have something sweet?”
Mike and his daughter Kayla were two peas in a pod. They shared the same sense of humor and knew exactly how to make each other laugh. Mike was so proud of Kayla’s accomplishments and the life she has built in Denver.
For the past 10 years, Mike faced health challenges with courage and grace. Never a single complaint. Judy worked tirelessly to provide Mike with the best treatment and care possible, of which the entire family is grateful for. He was a wonderful man, a great father, and will be deeply missed by all.
Michael is survived by his wife Judy Lynn, his daughter Kayla Nicole, Kayla’s fiancé Hank Lee. His sister Mary Ellen Alagna, her husband Dana, and their three children Jennifer, Tony, and Nick and their spouses and children. His brother Thomas, his wife Ruth, and their three children Tom, Michael, and Laura and their spouses and children. Michael was preceded in death by his brother Patrick Brian Gerrity, his father Thomas Gerrity, and his mother Helen Gerrity.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Access Unbound in Vail, CO. www.accessunbound.org. PO Box 5372, Vail, CO 81658
A Celebration of Life will be held for Mike at Eagle’s Landing at Lake Olathe on Sunday, April 24th, Open House from 4-7pm The family will offer special remarks at 5:30 pm Eagles Landing 475 S Ward Cliff Drive, Olathe, KS 66061.
This captures Mike perfectly. So many good memories at both Overland Park houses, the Vail house, on the ski slopes, and beyond. I can picture Mike shaking his head laughing at all our shenanigans. He and Judy were always the most generous hosts. So many of my memories from elementary school to college include him. The world is not the same without him. Love, Court
I looked up to Mike my entire life. His laugh, his smile, his strength, his intelligence, his wise advice, his entrepreneurial spirit, his charm, his generosity, and his enthusiasm for living. Mike and Judy always hosted the best parties and they made it seem so effortless. They shared their love of the mountains with me and we had so much fun together skiing and playing. He was the most proud of Kayla and for good reason, she is absolutely incredible and lovely in every way. My deepest gratitude goes to my Aunt Judy who fought tirelessly for him for years… she exhausted every option for treatment while caring for him every day. Mike, you will be deeply missed and I sincerely hope you’ve found peace. We all wish we could have enjoyed your spirit longer but we are all so thankful you are no longer suffering. Rest In Peace, your niece Jenny
Judy and Kayla, we’re so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. What a beautiful tribute to
Mike. We look forward to celebrating his life at the service on April 24th. Praying for the peace of Christ to be with you at this tender time.
In His Love,
Shelly and Tom Horner
Philippians 1:3
Mike was an amazing man! As Judy’s dad said to me while giving me a ride to the airport,”Mike would give his shirt off his back to anyone.” He helped so many people. His good deeds will never go unnoticed. Judy fought tirelessly for an answer to his illness until his last breath. God, wrap Judy, Kayla & everyone who loves Mike in your arms. May they all feel at peace.
Prayers are with you and your family.
I know that fight he fought and it’s painful.
Love and hugs?✝️?
The deep, enduring love Mike’s family shared with him will live on in their hearts and memories forever. We were all blessed to view that love and know him.
It was an honor to know this kind, gentle man. Judy, your love and dedication to Mike and his care are admirable. Prayers for you and Kayla. ? Much love
Well written. Mike was an amazing man. I know how much the family has been through. Prayers for everyone.
So very sorry to hear about Mike. He was one of a kind. And very kind at that. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Hopefully memories will give tou some peace.
Mike is a shining example of a strong, caring, straightforward man who quietly cared for those around him and provided for others at will. He will always remain in our hearts.
Mike was always so down to earth.
Never judged people for how much success the had in their lives.
He will be missed so much.
People are remembered on how they act
While there here on earth. Mike was one that would give the shirt off his back for his friends & family!!
Rest In Peace!
Judy and Kayla and family,
I am terribly sad to hear of Mike’s passing. I often think of the great times we had a K-State, which included a lot of bottled Coca Cola chilled to slush in the freezer and drunk over an endless game of Hearts, music blaring on the stereo and, well, other entertainment. Mike was one of the easiest going people I ever met and I know he will be missed. Memories of Mike will sustain us all in the future. You will be in our prayers.