Michael Martin Power

Michael Martin Power, a devoted husband, father, and friend, passed away on May 14, 2023, at the young age of 60. He was born on June 1, 1962, to parents Michael Power and Mary Hanley Power, in his beloved home country of Ireland in the city of Limerick. He moved to the United States in the late 1980s to pursue his dreams in the land of opportunity.

As a child growing up in Ireland, Michael enjoyed all the wonders and amazing landscape and nature that Ireland is known for. He lived with his parents, brother Denis, and sister Karin on a beautiful large piece of Irish countryside where he adored all the farm animals, his 13 kittens, and his dogs. Michael was an excellent soccer player in his youth. He had a passion for cars which would later become an important part of his life and work career. Michael’s favorite memory of childhood were the days he spent with his family on the ocean and cliffs of Ballybunion and Lahinch, and camping on the beaches with his brother and good friends. His love for the ocean and boating continued throughout his life. He was educated in the Catholic schools and graduated from Presentation De La Salle College. Michael had a very sharp mind for analytics and numbers. Born to be in the world of finance, business, and leadership, Michael also had a talented creative side in drawing cartoons.

Michael arrived in New York City in 1989 with only $25 in his pocket and the character qualities of determination, superb work ethics, leadership skills, strength in spirit, wit and kindness to pursue a dream and passion he had for the restaurant business. With just one contact in America who owned several New York City restaurants, he took the leap of faith and was given the opportunity to work first at Rosie O'Grady's, an Irish steak and seafood restaurant and the elegant Sienna Cafe. His professionalism, positive attitude, and hard work were rewarded when he was promoted to the position of restaurant manager for both popular restaurants. It was also in New York City where he met the love of his life, Sharon. They were a match made in heaven and married in 1994. A job offer to become General Manager for Steak and Ale restaurants took Michael and Sharon to Atlanta, Georgia. Their family later expanded with the joyful birth of their beloved son McHenry (Mac).

While in the restaurant business he received many awards including being chosen by the Irish Hibernian Society as the Grand Marshall for the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Atlanta. After years in the restaurant industry, including the opening of his own restaurant and sports bar in Buckhead, Michael wanted to explore other opportunities and follow his passion for cars. He began selling cars at McNamara Pontiac in Tucker, Georgia. He later worked for Kelly Automotive Group in Atlanta and went on to become the Finance Manager for Jim Tidwell Chevrolet in Kennesaw, GA. He furthered his career becoming the Director of Finance and later also the role of Vice President of Operations for the Jim Ellis Automotive Group, one of the largest automotive corporations in the southeast. Michael felt extremely blessed to be part of the Jim Ellis team and family. He received many awards of excellence throughout his career. Michael took his career very seriously and with great dignity and joy. In his nearly 40-year career, he never took a sick day. He was passionate, driven, motivated and loyal. He was a friend to all, an excellent leader, very giving and kind.

Aside from his career, Michael was passionate for the sea, boating, traveling, and adventure. He traveled all over the world with his wife, Sharon, and his son, Mac. He enjoyed and respected all cultures. He had a culinary gift and his Irish Soda breads were a coveted family delight.

Michael was a man of great integrity and compassion, a loving father and husband. He had a gift for making others laugh and feel good. He was a great conversationalist and listener. He was deeply loved and respected by his son, Mac, who looked up to him as his role model, mentor, and hero. Michael was deeply loved by his wife, Sharon. They were soulmates also best friends who did everything together. Michael cherished Sharon and Mac. He will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew him. He made the world, a better place. His legacy will go on forever.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon; his pride and joy, son Mac; his brother Denis (Elma) of Ireland, sister Karin Power of Ireland, niece Louisa Power of Ireland and Grace Power Vitale (Fernando) of Mexico. He is also survived by his extended family whom he loved and cherished: Phil McHenry (Leslie), Debby McHenry (Elaine), Beth Feinberg (Mike), his nieces Lauryn Bohach (Chris), Sarah Gambrill (Steve), Amanda McLean (Michael), great nephew and niece Max Bohach and Chloe Gambrill. He was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Mary Power, Grandparents, many Aunts and Uncles.

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the Piedmont Hospital Cartersville staff of doctors and nurses for their compassion, caring and love to Michael during his unexpected final hours; Janice Bagley, RN, of Tapestry ,whose tender care and beautiful singing voice sang Michael to heaven; Chaplain Billy Murdock whose warm gentle words and kindness were soothing to the intense grief; Father Tim Nadolski of St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church ln Acworth, GA and Father Kevin Hargaden of St. Frances of Assisi Catholic Church of Cartersville, both of whom compassionately made the sad and difficult time more bearable; and the care from the compassionate nurses and of Emory University Winship Cancer Center.

A celebration of his life will begin with visitation on Sunday, May 21, 2023 from 5-8pm at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, 2950 North Cobb Parkway, Kennesaw, GA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, May 22, 2023 at 11am at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 6301 Cedar Crest Road, Acworth, GA. A gathering to honor Michael and share memories will follow the burial at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home and Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials in Michael's memory to be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the American Cancer Society.