Michael J Lavelle

Michael James Lavelle, age 29, of Springfield, VA, passed away after an 18-month battle with a rare form of cancer on January 30, 2023 at his boyhood home in Springfield. Michael was born in Alexandria, VA to Sharon & Bob Lavelle during an ice storm on December 26, 1993. His elementary school years were spent at Queen of Apostles Catholic School and he graduated from Annandale High School in 2012. He went to George Mason University, participated as a vocalist in the Green Machine (#1 pep band in the country during his tenure) and as a junior, he spent a semester studying abroad at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 2016. Michael worked as a Project Engineer for Urban Engineering, Ltd., first as a college intern, then full-time upon graduation for a total of 6+ years. Michael participated in the Boy Scout program beginning as a Tiger Scout in first grade and became an Eagle Scout in 2011. During high school, he volunteered as a guitar teacher with the Music for Life program. Michael’s ultimate passion was music starting when he became the proud recipient of a red Fender Squire Strat in 2005 and he never looked back, acquiring upwards of 15 guitars, a boundless collection of pedals, amps, mixers and other gear. He formed a 3-person band in 8th grade called “Townhouse” which morphed into “Andy and the Rest” when additional band members were added; their genre was classic rock. More recently, Michael was a bass player for “The Nightwork Band” performing at various local venues in Northern Virginia. He married his sweetheart of four years, Laura, in a private Catholic ceremony at home on January 13, 2023. Michael is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Betty Adams, James & Muriel Adams; paternal grandparents James & Mary Louise Lavelle; maternal uncle (Stephen J. Adams); and also beloved “Grandma Rosemary” West and “Aunt Lee” West. Michael was an only child and is survived by his wife, Laura Ruth (Hackfeld) Lavelle; his parents, Bob & Sharon Lavelle; Uncle Christopher Adams (Mary), Indianapolis, IN; Aunt Lisbeth Adams, Grand Island, NY; Uncle James Lavelle (Laura), Burke, VA; cousins Amanda, Jennifer, Zachary, Sarah, and James; and his “adopted” family, the Wests. A funeral Mass will be offered on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Queen of Apostles Catholic Church 4401 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 Attendees are invited to join the Lavelle Family immediately after Mass for refreshments in Hannan Hall, located on the lower level of the church. We encourage you to wear your favorite concert tee to celebrate Mike's love of music! Final resting place will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Washington, DC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Michael’s name to Music for Life, Springfield, VA (https://musicforlife.org/) or Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, Alexandria, VA (https://queenofapostles.org/) The family of Michael wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Children’s National Medical Center, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Johns Hopkins Hospital and Capital Caring Hospice.