Celebrating the life of
Michael J. Anika
May 18, 1934 - October 30, 2010
SAVANNAH – Michael J. Mike Anika, Jr., 76, died Saturday, October 30, 2010, at St. Joseph's Hospital.
A native of Everett, Massachusetts, he graduated from Everett High School and joined the United States Air Force. While stationed at Hunter Air Force Base, he met and married his wife, the former Mary Anne Reagin. After retiring from the United States Air Force as a Master Sergeant in 1973, they returned to Savannah. He worked for a number of years at Dan Vaden Chevrolet and later retired from the Hunter Club.
Mike loved flying and held a private pilots license. He was an expert marksman and held many awards in both shooting and archery. He was an avid animal lover, especially dogs, and lifelong pigeon fancier. He was a graduate of the Citizens Police Academy and volunteered with the Savannah Police Department for more than ten years. Mike was a member of St. James Catholic Church.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Anne Reagin Anika; two daughters, Cristi Anika Howell Herschel and Cari Anika Hamelink; two grandchildren, Michael Howell and Caitlin Howell, all of Savannah; and his aunt, Irene Taschetta of Everett, MA.
The family will receive friends on Monday from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. There will be a Rosary at 6:30 pm.
A graveside funeral service with full military honors will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, in Bonaventure Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Savannah-Chatham Humane Society, 7215 Sallie Mood Rd., Savannah, GA 31406
Cristi, Hershal, Michael and Katlyn I am sorry to hear about the passing of you father. Father's are so special and he will always be near. Take comfort in knowing he is in a wonderful place, looking over you and the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Charlotte
- Charlotte Voris-Stephenson, Troy, OH
Mary Ann, we were so very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I remember all the fun we had at the conventions. Mike was a very special man to you, I am sure. We love you and will pray for you. Love, Ellen and William Day
- William and Ellen, Grayson, GA
May God Bless the Anika family. Mike was one of the last true gentlemen of the sport. I enjoyed listening to the many stories that he would tell at the Dixie conventions. His wisdom in the sport will be missed by all.
- Tim Mounie, Suffolk, VA
I am so sorry for your lost, you and your family are in my prayers.^*.*^
- Jackie Tatum, Pooler, GA
So sorry for your loss.
- Sarah Lentz and family, Savannah, GA
Cristi, Ann and I were saddened and sorry to read of your Father's passing. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers and may God continue to bless and watch over you during this difficult time.
- Richard & Ann Lutz, Savannah, GA
All my love to Aunt Mary Anne and the family.
- Cam Reagin, Statesboro, GA
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Anika family.
- Bert Oostlander, Savannah, GA
mike you were one of the gentlemen in our sport ,i always looked forward to seeing you at the Dixie convention and chatting,we had some good times, you will be missed very much.god bless your family, MATE,
- mate, woodstock, GA
We are so saddened to learn of this. We will always have our wonderful memories of our happy times together to keep. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ben and Katie
- Ben and Katie Smith, Thomaston, GA
Mike will be missed by all that he touched. He was a true gentleman, tireless volunteer and generous friend with a talent for recalling and telling many interesting stories in his journey through life. Thanks Mike and Mary Anne for all the good times we shared together with the pigeon hobby over the years. God bless and keep his family in their time of needs.
- Horace, ,
I am sad to hear of Mike's passing and will pray for him and the family. I am sure he will spend eternity with the Lord.
- Kevin Fitzmaurice, Savannah, GA
Cristi, Hershal, Michael and Katlyn I am sorry to hear about the passing of you father. Father's are so special and he will always be near. Take comfort in knowing he is in a wonderful place, looking over you and the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Charlotte
- Charlotte Voris-Stephenson, Troy, OH
Mary Ann, we were so very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I remember all the fun we had at the conventions. Mike was a very special man to you, I am sure. We love you and will pray for you. Love, Ellen and William Day
- William and Ellen, Grayson, GA
May God Bless the Anika family. Mike was one of the last true gentlemen of the sport. I enjoyed listening to the many stories that he would tell at the Dixie conventions. His wisdom in the sport will be missed by all.
- Tim Mounie, Suffolk, VA
I am so sorry for your lost, you and your family are in my prayers.^*.*^
- Jackie Tatum, Pooler, GA
So sorry for your loss.
- Sarah Lentz and family, Savannah, GA
Cristi, Ann and I were saddened and sorry to read of your Father's passing. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers and may God continue to bless and watch over you during this difficult time.
- Richard & Ann Lutz, Savannah, GA
All my love to Aunt Mary Anne and the family.
- Cam Reagin, Statesboro, GA
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Anika family.
- Bert Oostlander, Savannah, GA
mike you were one of the gentlemen in our sport ,i always looked forward to seeing you at the Dixie convention and chatting,we had some good times, you will be missed very much.god bless your family, MATE,
- mate, woodstock, GA
We are so saddened to learn of this. We will always have our wonderful memories of our happy times together to keep. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ben and Katie
- Ben and Katie Smith, Thomaston, GA
Mike will be missed by all that he touched. He was a true gentleman, tireless volunteer and generous friend with a talent for recalling and telling many interesting stories in his journey through life. Thanks Mike and Mary Anne for all the good times we shared together with the pigeon hobby over the years. God bless and keep his family in their time of needs.
- Horace, ,
I am sad to hear of Mike's passing and will pray for him and the family. I am sure he will spend eternity with the Lord.
- Kevin Fitzmaurice, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
