Michael Joseph Sarafolean

Obituary

Mike Sarafolean, age 78, of Hastings, MN, and Tampa Bay, FL, passed away on September 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, teacher, and friend, he lived a life full of service, adventure, and joy.

He was a man of deep faith, raising his family at Holy Trinity parish and bringing them to church each Sunday. His dedication to his community reached far and wide, from maintaining the dirt road to his home so neighbors could travel safely to building a church in Laos, and supporting numerous other congregations.

A proud Vietnam War veteran, he served his country with honor for 28 years in the U.S. Army, both on active duty and in the reserves. His sense of duty, leadership, and mentorship continued long after his military service, shaping the lives of his family and many others.

Outdoors, he found both peace and purpose. He could be found fishing in every season—sometimes snowmobiling into Canada to cast a line—or tinkering away, fixing just about anything with his hands. He loved sharing life’s wonders with others from apple-picking in the tractor bucket, teaching the kids to drive motorbikes and cars, to family travels to Florida to see manatees, aquariums, and Disney World.

He was also a man of travel and adventure, especially drawn to Asia, where he embraced culture, community, and friendships. Whether introducing his family to bears and tigers or exploring hidden corners of the world, he taught by experience and lived with curiosity.

Above all, he was a family man—forever a teacher, mentor, and guide—whose legacy of faith, service, love of nature, and zest for life will live on in those who were blessed to know him. He lived a life of positivity. When asked how he was doing he always answered “fantastic!” He leaves that legacy of positivity and love with those closest to him especially his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Charlotte Sarafolean; sons Michael (Nicole) and Joe (Michael); daughter, Stacy McGrath (Sean); six granddaughters and one grandson; siblings Mary (Bob) Vogel and Anthony Sarafolean, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Anne Sarafolean; and brothers Peter and Jim Sarafolean.

A funeral service with military honors will be held at
Bay Pines National Cemetery on October 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Petersburg, FL.
There will be a celebration of life gathering with cake and coffee at the Dunedin Elks Lodge 1525 starting at 2:00 p.m.

For those in Minnesota, there will be a funeral mass at
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Hastings, MN, on October 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.,
with a reception to follow at Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Space after the mass at noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to your charity of choice.