Michael “Mike/Tat” Magana
September 5, 1955 - October 19, 2022
Michael “Mike/Tat” Magana, age 67, a longtime resident of Newark, DE, passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2022.
Born in New York, NY, on September 5, 1955, he was a son of the late Antonio and Grace (Turner) Magana. As a teenager Mike moved with his family to Delaware where he attended Newark High School. He played football for several years under the direction of former Newark head coach and lifelong friend, Butch Simpson. He would eventually go to work under Butch as an assistant coach for the high school team. Mike was a dedicated employee at Avon until it closed and he retired in 2008.
Mike was very proud to be a part of his community and he especially enjoyed volunteering and giving back. He was a member of the Blue Hen bowling league and liked to attend local events. Mike loved to garden, and was proud to share his harvest. He loved God, he could talk for hours about his faith and his deep interest in all different religions and how they celebrated God. He was a born caregiver, taking care of his parents until their passing. He also cared for his ill girlfriend and brother until they both passed. Mike connected with everyone so easily. His genuine disposition, sincerity, and good heart gained him many lifelong friends over the years. He would help anyone at any time. Most of all, he loved spending time and traveling with his only child and daughter Nicole, she was the bright light in his life.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his brother, Jose Magana; and brother-in-law, Jack Deluca. He is survived by his loving daughter, Nicole Magana; siblings, Josette Page, Francis Deluca, Rachel DiMauro (Peter), Victoria Windham (Larry), Janice Griner (Michelle), and Antonio Magana, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 pm until 4 pm on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 4 pm.
Susan McNulty
What a great friend. We will miss his infectious smile for a long time to come. He was always kind to our family.Will miss him swinging buy on his bike just to chat with us. He really enjoyed life. Lived it his way. He is with Lisa and Joe as well as others.I will take care of your beloved Tony the cat. Rest in peace now Mike. We will see you again down the road. Love Sue and family
Donald Odom
I worked with Mike at Avon for a number of years. He was a hard worker, always cooperative and a pleasure to work with. Mike was always busy and loved his recreational activities, softball, bowling and coaching. He also supported the Avon basketball team with great enthusiasm. Mike and I reunited recently in the neighborhood and it was as though we had just seen each other yesterday. You don’t forget a guy like Mike, he was always pleasant and a great friend. I will miss him very much. My prayers and condolences go out to his family.
Doreen Page
Uncle Mikey,
Everyone who knew you would agree that you had the kindest soul of anyone they had ever met. Always a big smile and big personality to match. No wonder you were a friend to all. All the great times and wonderful memories will be cherished by all who knew you. You were taken to soon and will be dearly missed. Forever in my ❤️!
Mike McKamey
Thoughts, Prayers and Condolences to Mike and his Family. He will be remembered by my family and I as a good person and an even greater friend. Always eager to help and always made time to stop and talk.
A fixture in our neighborhood as everybody knew him and he helped anyone who needed it.
It’s a big loss to our community and he will be greatly missed.
Rest Easy my Friend
Josette page
My loving brother, you were taken to soon from us. My heart is broken but you will always live in my memory. I will treasure always our families time together. May you Rest In Peace brother with Mom, Dad and Joe.
Your loving sister❤️
Josette
Catherine
Condolences to all who shared in his life. A great video tribute. May God bless. I did not know him or your family but I share in your loss. So sorry.
Bill Russell
God bless you brother Mike – #25
Rest in Peace
Donna Zelluk Kennedy
I am so very sorry for your loss. I went to school with Tat. What a wonderful man. Will miss him.
Jeannie Moore
Mike was a great friend of mine in the 70s and early 80s. He was a kind man and I’m so sorry that his daughter lost him so early. RIP dear man.
Thom Estilow
Mike was a tremendous football player, great leader, great teammate and great person. He will be missed and always remembered. Rest In Peace fellow NHS Yellowjacket!
Tiffany Lane
Awwww I’m gonna miss him! He let my dad stay at his house in brookside and let me spend the weekends there! Such an amazing man! I know your up there telling my dadddy everything! Love you and will miss you so much!
Vicky Windham
Mikey, you were best big brother a girl could ever wish for. Thanks for always watching out for me. I’m honored to be your sister and proud of all the good you’ve done. I’ll miss for ever 💗
Stephanie
My sincere condolences to his family. Magana was a true gem. I had the pleasure of knowing Magana for a few years and in that time, he absolutely loved talking about his Brooklyn days, Newark Yellowjackets, and especially his daughter Nicole. He was always willing to help anyone at any time. I will miss our talks and your daily visits during the week and you hitting up my candy dish. Gone too soon.. RIP Magana
Lisa Carney
My sincere sympathies to the loss of a very dear friend. I worked with Mike at Avon. He was a gracious and respectful friend with a big as life personality. True to his word. You are missed already. Prayers to the family.
Lara Ruzich
May your father always live on in your heart Nicole and may you always feel him there, when you need him most.
May the holidays and other special occasions, bring you even closer to the memories, you cherished so very much with him, each and every you celebrate his life with you.
May your beautiful smile, always be an extension of Mike. ❤️🙏🏻 (: (: XoXo
Linda Ruzich
Nicole,
We were saddened to learn of your father’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Take care.
Russ and Linda Ruzich