Michael V. Wasitowski achieved his final checkered flag as he crashed thru the gates of God's Heavenly Kingdom on Monday, December 11, 2023, just days before the end of his 76th year on this earth. Born on December 26, 1946, he is pre-deceased by his parents, Vincent and Helen (née Malko) Wasitowski, and he leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved sister, Jean (née Wasitowski) Pieros and her husband Richard, along with his four loving daughters Chyrl (née Wasitowski) LaDue, Penny (née Wasitowski) Meikle and her husband Keith, Michelle (née Wasitowski) Boyd and Stacey (née Wasitowski) McGlothlin and her husband Mark, his beloved niece Christine (née Pieros) Kramer and her husband Kenneth, and nephew Bryan Pieros and his wife Angel (née Mutchler) and great niece and nephew Madilyn Pieros and Nicholas Parisi. He is also survived by grandchildren Michael Briehaupt, Joseph LaDue, Hayley Meikle, Wendy (née Kline) Sheehan, Tyler Boyd, and Alyssa, Jessica and Robert McGlothlin, and great-grandchildren Marissa and Skyler Boyd and Declan Sheehan, as well as by his aunt, Sophie (née Malko) Pietrucha; who is the remaining of the 10 Malko children, and his beloved companion, Sheila (née Blew) Jankowski and his dog Lucky.

Mickey became a devout Christian, with a strong faith in God that he shared with and spread to many people. His faith was not limited to Sunday morning services (followed by breakfast with family), as he never hesitated to share the redemption and the hope and the grace that he found in God's word with others. Micky was many things to many people, including brother, father, (great) grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, mentor and armchair doctor/therapist. He takes with him the confidences shared with him by so many who sought comfort and guidance in his wisdom, save, of course, for the few secrets that got away when they were leaked via his 'one person' rule.

Micky lived all of his years and he lived them all on his own terms. He enjoyed many pursuits and had an uncanny ability to spin yarn into folklore. Early tales include adventures (and mishaps) as a co-founding member of the Tiger Sharks while in Mrs. McDonald's 5th grade classroom, and he remained the second to last of the original Bradley Boys. In the end, Micky left that final honor for his own life-long mentor, Jimmy Horton,Sr.

He spent his early working years building his independent trucking business, followed later by operating a crane at Pieros Construction and as a machinist efficiency expert at Stainless Steel Tube, both in Somerville NJ, and at Ray's Sport Shop in Plainfield, NJ. Most notedly, Micky found immense joy in recalling his greatest career achievement, which was the time he spent working on the space shuttle. It should be made clear that his work at NASA could never be verified, but his family can only surmise the reasons are undoubtedly due to both the high level of security clearance Micky must have held at the firm, and because the details were scarce, as the stories were reserved for telemarketers who were unfortunate enough to have called his number. Micky's booming laughter while recounting these conversations will forever echo in our hearts.

Micky was an avid outdoorsman (aka white-tailed deer control at Duke's Park) and he enjoyed riding his Harley and fishing (which often came with a side of seasickness). His family and countless friends and mentees will treasure the memories of early morning hours passed in the fields and the spring, summer and fall days spent on the water, which included salmon fishing on Lake Ontario (no bananas allowed on the boat).

While Micky was adept at many things, what coursed thru his veins was racing and what he was down to his very core was a Racer. He started fabricating and racing cars in his teenage years and never stopped. There aren't enough words to convey the significance of what the racing community meant to him, as from his earliest to his last days, in one capacity or another, he went head to head for many a lap with local legends on the dirt tracks, such as the great Flemington Speedway, as well as the speedways of Harmony, Nazareth, New Egypt, East Windsor, Wall Township and Bridgeport, among many others. Records can be traced at least back to 1969 and in this space most especially, Micky solidified himself as a legend in his own right. In his later years he often vocalized his thanks to the Lord for "affording him yet another racing season". His entire family wishes to express their unending appreciation to his racing community for giving as much to him as he gave to them, for each and every machinist, builder, driver and enthusiast was truly his lifeline. He loved you all dearly.

Micky will be missed by many, along with his stuffed cabbage, chicken soup (it truly was good for the soul) and his frequent reminders that each day should be lived with gratitude, because while everyone thinks that tomorrow will be just like today, it may not be… These things notwithstanding, Micky will be remembered mostly by those who loved him (and maybe even by a few who didn't) for all of the hell that he raised during his time on this earth as he journeyed thru this life on his way to Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Micky's name to the Bradley Gardens Rescue Squad. On Sunday, December 17, a memorial service will be held from 2 - 4 p.m. at Branchhurg Funeral Home at 910 US 202 South in Branchhurg NJ, followed by a repast at the American Legion at 77 Old York Road in Bridgewater, NJ. Stories are both welcomed and encouraged.