Birth date: Jan 7, 1942 Death date: May 6, 2026
Michael Edmund Regina, 84, of Vestaburg, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at home, surrounded by family. Michael was born in Detroit on January 7, 1942, to Edward and Rose Regina. He grew up in the Detroit area, graduating f Read Obituary
Dad and Chase fishing April 2014
There simply aren’t words strong enough to describe the kind of man he was. We all know days like these are in our futures but nothing could have prepared me for this pain.
On May 6th, we lost our keystone, our family’s patriarch, our hero in every sense of the word. His knowledge taught us and his love shaped each of our lives in ways that can never be measured.
While our hearts are broken beyond words, we are so grateful for every memory, every laugh, every story, and every moment we were lucky enough to share with him. From my first trip to Disney World to walking me down the aisle, he is behind some of my best memories.
He measured his success not by wealth or accomplishments, of which he had many, but by the memories he created with those he loved most. He cared deeply and loved hard. He always assumed the responsibility of making sure we were having fun, making memories, and feeling loved. Our happiness mattered deeply to him, and he made it his mission to keep us smiling. Mission accomplished. His love language was gift giving and spoiling us silly. I will never forget the many, many trips to Disney World, their Florida home, various amusement parks, cruises and trips out west.
One random day while I was at work, he stopped in to see me. He handed me a pink rope-style necklace. It was nice, but it lacked a pendant. He loved a good prank and surprise, and by my reaction, he knew I knew there was more coming. With a grin, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a 24kt pink topaz heart-shaped pendant and said, “Maybe this will look good with it.”
That was his style. He always had a real appreciation for the hard assets and the things that sparkled. I inherited his love for shiny things, and my son inherited his need for speed and love for all things cars. Pieces of him live on in all of us.
I could brag about him for days and still never fully capture the kind of man he was. If I have ever mentioned him to you, then you have likely heard me say, “He is the smartest guy. Like really, he’s a genius.” And I truly meant it. His list of accomplishments is long. He was brilliant, hardworking, and endlessly driven. He knew it all. He would read several books at the same time. If he recalled something he read, he could tell you what book, the page number and where on the page the information could be found.
His strength, his heart, his humor, and the way he showed up for the people he loved made him truly one of a kind. His absence leaves a silence that feels impossible to bear. It is such a challenge to juggle feeling completely heartbroken and incredibly grateful at the same time.
I am so incredibly proud and beyond lucky to call him my Poppy.
Will truly miss Uncle Mike! Love his smarts, his auto history, his great stories of the auto business, his love of fine things, and he was generally a cool dude. Admired his intelligence and accomplishments. He was so smart that I think he outsmarted his medical issues 😂. He was a roll model in many ways to me. Love you Uncle Mike and look forward to seeing you again!! - Rob M.
Mike/Poppy was the most amazing Grandpa a kid could have. He loved his family so much! His love language for showing you that he loved you was gift giving, whether that be a thoughtful item or an (big) experience. I loved listening to him talk about all the amazing places he’d been to. You could always catch him with a book or kindle in his hand when he was sitting or riding in the car. I will never smell coffee or newspaper without thinking of him. 💕 with love always , April (granddaughter)
Aunt Linda, Michael, Kelly, Rory and grandchildren, very sorry for Uncle Mike’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. He will be missed by many, many people. He has touched many people. I will miss our lunches, phone calls and laughs. “THE DASH” poem (here), is very fitting for his life. His dash was huge with family, friends and work family. His generosity, wealth of knowledge in many things, and sense of humor will live on in all of us. ❤️ Edward Laughhunn Jr. & family
