Michael Lawrence Stolfi, 43 of Pensacola, FL passed away Saturday, August 8, 2020.

Michael was born November 17, 1976 in Pensacola, FL to Jennifer Frey and the late Michael Stanley Stolfi.

Michael attended St. Paul Catholic School and Pensacola Catholic High School where he played multiple sports and was known not only for his athleticism but his strong sportsmanship. In high school, he eventually focused his efforts on cross country and track. There on Pensacola Catholic's champion cross country team, Michael developed friendships that lasted his lifetime.

Michael is a graduate of the University of Tennessee (UT) in Knoxville. His years at UT were enriched by his brotherhood in Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, where he served as vice president. Michael also shined as an intramural football player and member of the water ski team.

Michael graduated from the University of Memphis with a second degree in nursing, focusing much of his career in pediatrics and emergency medicine. Michael's career included time at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and Oregon Health & Science University Hospital (OHSU) where he touched countless lives and developed professional and personal friendships that remained some of his most valued relationships.

In 2010, Michael married his devoted and caring wife, Margo K. Hickerson at his family's home on Little Sabine Bay in Pensacola, FL. Michael and Margo began their family with the birth of their daughter, Coralyn Nell. The three soon embarked on a journey across the country to live in Portland, OR.

In late June 2012, Michael was diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme. Doctors at the time felt he had no more than a few months to live. What followed was a stunning 8-year journey of strength and determination. For most of that journey, Michael was healthy and living life to the fullest. Margo and Michael welcomed their son, Roman Lawrence in 2016.

Michael's battle with brain cancer had ups and downs, much of which he documented in a blog and eventually compiled into book, "Fifteen Months: A Collection of Life Beyond a Brain Cancer Diagnosis."

Michael's public and private journey with cancer inspired many. But cancer did not define him. His larger than life personality, humor and deep love of his family, friends, music, sports, outdoor adventures, running and the beach are who he was.

Michael had a gift for supporting and encouraging people. Through that gift, he forged and maintained deep connections with friends all along the path of his life.

A testament to his character, Michael's "Team Stolfi" network formed in support of his cancer journey included thousands of friends and acquaintances.

In recent months, Michael, Margo, Cora and Roman came back to live on Little Sabine on Pensacola Beach. He lived his last days surrounded by the deepest love and support of close friends and family.
Michael is preceded in death by his father, Michael Stanley Stolfi; maternal grandparents, Dr. Lawrence B. Frey and Nellie K. Frey; and paternal grandparents, Rosalie Stolfi Harris and Vincent Stanley Stolfi.

Michael is survived by his wife, Margo Stolfi; his children, Coralyn Stolfi and Roman Stolfi; his mother, Jennifer Frey; his sisters, Natalie Stolfi Shearlock and Margaret Stolfi; brothers-in-law, David Shearlock and Jesse Newmister; stepfather, Vance DeHart; niece, Margaret Piper Shearlock; nephew, Kelly Frey Shearlock.

Michael is also survived by treasured aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family that have provided tremendous support over the years and were intimately involved in his care.
A celebration of life will be held next year on a date to be determined. The family will announce and invite all who wish to come once plans have been made.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages friends and loved ones to donate to a charity of their choice, or consider sharing Michael's journey by gifting a copy of his book available at holesinmyhead.com .