Michael Christopher Karkowski passed away tragically on September 2, 2016 at the age of 51 years in Port Washington, NY. He was born in Pensacola, FL on December 15, 1964. He graduated from Pensacola Catholic High School in 1983.  He graduated from Florida State University with a BS degree in Finance, and subsequently graduated from University of West Florida with a BS degree in Accounting.  During his college years, he worked summers as a beach lifeguard at the National Seashore at Fort Pickens and Perdido Key.

Michael lived and worked as an accountant in New Orleans for several years, and earned his CPA in the State of Louisiana. He was married in Pensacola in March 1991, to the love of his life, Yvonne Marie Traynham.

Michael moved to New York in 2000 and worked at a Wall Street firm in New York City. He personally witnessed the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. As a result of that tragedy, he re-dedicated his life to being of service. He was a certified foster parent for Nassau County, NY. He joined the Port Washington Volunteer Fire Department in 2003, and earned his Emergency Medical Technician credentials to join the Port Washington Fire Medics. He served as a volunteer fireman and EMT in Port Washington, NY until his death.

In 2011, Michael graduated from SUNY (State University of New York- Downstate) with a BS in nursing. He worked as an emergency room Registered Nurse at Downstate University Hospital in Brooklyn, NY and later at Winthrop Hospital on Long Island, NY. He specialized as a trauma nurse, and loved assisting those most in need.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Zigmund (Bill) and Mary Jo Karkowski, of Pensacola.

He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Traynham; daughter, Nicole Sullivan; son and daughter-in-law, Jake and Erika Waiser. He is also survived by his brothers (and wife); Richard (and Michelle) and Fredrick (and Katy) Karkowski; his nephews, Matthew, Jacob, Samuel and Griffin Karkowski; as well as his uncle, Fredrick Karkowski and by his mother-in-law, Johanna Johanson.

A Memorial service was held at the Port Washington Atlantic Hook and Ladder Fire Department on September 9, 2016 and a Funeral Mass was held at St. Peter's Catholic Church on September 10, 2016 in Port Washington, NY.

A burial service is to be held at St. John's Cemetery in Pensacola, FL at 10:00am on Monday, October 24, 2016.