Gilford-----Michael L. Ferreira, aka "Miami Mike", 69, friend to many in the Lakes Region and beyond, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 in his home after a long battle with cancer, which was brought on from his service in Dak To, Viet Nam in 1969 via Agent Orange. His dogged determination and love of life allowed him to live far longer than the 12 weeks to 10 months prognosis of the experts. He and his wife, Jean, were able to enjoy life, travel with friends and family, visit many different locales via plane, car, and motorcycle right up until September of 2015, when the cancer became an even more malevolent nemesis.
“Miami Mike” could be seen riding his orange motorcycle with his wife Jeannie by his side on her motorcycle. They traveled to Sturgis, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Arizona, New Mexico, Tennessee, Niagara Falls, Aruba, and rode the length of Florida and down to Key West. His signature hat, goatee, knife case on his belt which carried his reading glasses, and ever-present smile made him an unmistakable presence in the Laconia area, and anywhere else he went.
He ran Chassis Masters for many years for Dan Fitzgerald, where he became famous for his custom paint jobs on cars, trucks, motorcycles; you name it, he’d create it. He bought Chassis Masters from Dan in 2001. Mike was the face of Chassis Masters for some 25 years, where he helped to create the custom Carroll Shelby Dodge Viper; a thing of beauty.
He was a man of many talents, whose imagination and quick mind made him able to do any task set before him. We’re convinced that there was NOTHING Mike couldn’t do.
Mike was born on May 25, 1946 in Falmouth, MA to William and Lucille (Wright) Ferreira. He leaves his devoted wife and best friend Jean Marie (Lavin) Ferreira, and his two daughters Andrea Ferreira of Manchester, NH and Allison Ferreira of Gloucester, MA he also leaves his siblings Linda Duane of Falmouth, William “Bud” Ferreira of Falmouth, Carolyn Kenney of North Hampton, NH, and Kathy Clevenger of Mansfield, OH, many nephews and nieces and numerous wonderful friends. He will be sincerely missed by all.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2015 from 9:00am - 10:30am at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH using the Carriage House Entrance.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 11:00am at St. Andre Bessette Parish-Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue Laconia NH 03246.
Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Laconia NH.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Central NH VNA/Hospice, 780 N. Main Street, Laconia NH 03246 or to St. Andre Bessette Parish’s Capital Campaign, 291 Union Ave. Laconia NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.