Michael Lee Rosa

Michael Lee Rosa, 61, of Springfield, passed peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2015, after a long and courageous battle with cancer at his home in Springfield. Mike was born May 25, 1954 in Springfield, the son of Angelo and Edna Rosa. Mike worked for Moscardelli & Son Movers with his dad for 18 years. He continued the rest of his employment at the Department of Motor Vehicle until his retirement. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents. He is survived by his daughters, Samantha (Brenda) Rosa and Michelle Rosa; Justin Stevens of Atlanta, GA, who Michael considered a son; mother, Edna Rosa; sisters, Beverly Dillon and twin sister, Linda (Pat) Kain, both of Springfield; brothers, Ron Rosa of Lake Dallas, TX, Angelo (companion, Janice) of Mattoon, and John (Jane) Rosa of Taylorville; grandchildren, Josh and Taylor Smith, Michael Wood and Juane and Kishawn Joiner; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mike loved to fish and hunt and had many life stories he loved to tell his kids, nieces and nephews. "God only gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers" Mike was one of the strongest men we knew and will be sadly missed by us all. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. The memorial gathering will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to: Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU, Southern Illinois University Foundation, P.O. Box 19666, Springfield, IL 62794-9666 and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 42, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.