Michael Hugo Fox, age 70, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, surrounded by his family.

Born April 15, 1955, in Cleveland, Ohio, Michael devoted his life to his family, craft and service. He proudly served four years in the United States Air Force before beginning a 27-year career with Tampa Fire Rescue as a firefighter and paramedic. Known for his calm composure under pressure, quick wit and steadfast kindness, he earned the respect of his fellow firefighters-turned-family and the gratitude of countless people he helped throughout his career. After retiring from the fire department, Michael continued his commitment to service, working for several years as a school bus driver and bus mechanic for the Hillsborough County School System.

He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Nancy, whom he loved to recount meeting at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, where he saw her through a window in a door and just knew she was the one; his children, Daniel (Ashley), Megan and Lauren, who will always remember him as a proud and devoted dad who would do anything and everything for his kids; and his grandchildren, Owen, Freya and Isla, who knew him as their loving "Papa" and constant source of laughter and joy. He is also survived by his four sisters, Vicki McDewell (Frank), Sharon Tomsho (Timothy), Barbara Vaughn (Michael) and Rhonda Turner (Donald), who shared a lifetime of memories and love with him; and a large extended family, including cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, who will forever remember his humor and generous heart.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Mastrostefano; father, Hugo Fox; and stepfather, Frank Mastrostefano.

A service to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, November 2, at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in his memory.

https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=9055044&fr_id=154020&pg=personal