Racine- Michael Allan Urban, 62, affectionately known by his family and friends as Mickey, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Tuesday, January 17, 2012.
Mickey was born in Racine on May 23, 1949 to Harvey G. and Geraldine “Gerry” (nee: Krencisz) Urban. A 1967 graduate of Washington Park High School, he went on to attend Gateway Technical College.
A talented machine repair engineer, Mickey was employed by Western Publishing for over 33 years until going to work for Chrysler, from where he retired. He was a passionate automobile race fan who attended many race events throughout the years. Early on he drove Formula 5 go-carts, he later obtained a USAC license and raced at the Milwaukee Mile and other tracks; was a close friend of two-time Indy 500 winner, Gordon Johncock, of whom Mickey conversed with on a regular basis; and was a diehard MOPAR lover having owned his own Dodge IROC race car. As an avid musician, Mickey was an accomplished bass guitar player, along with best-friend Joe Buscemi, in the band “May 32nd”. He had been co-owner/operator of D & M Music along with Denny Nelson. Mickey loved attending concerts especially the Moody Blues. He was a huge Denver Broncos fan having been a season ticket holder in Denver for over 10 years and was at the Super Bowl in San Diego when the Broncos defeated the Packers. However, also an admirer of Wisconsin sports, he was an extreme Milwaukee Brewers and Admirals fan. Mickey enjoyed playing softball, golfing and always looked forward to playing in the annual Turkey Bowl.
Surviving are his mother, Gerry Urban; brother, James Urban; sisters, Mary (Danny) Clemente and Jeri Lynn Urban; niece, Carrie Ann (Donald) Selusnik; nephews, David (Angela) Gramza, Mark Urban and Justin Urban; great-niece, Ariana Selusnik; aunt, Marilyn Nevoraski; Uncle, Fred Nevoraski; caring friend, Tanya Urban; devoted friend, Pastor Bob Bartholomew; other relatives and friends. Mickey was preceded in death by his father, Harvey Urban.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 20, 2012 at 6:00 pm in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Private entombment will take place in the mausoleum of Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Visitation will be in the church on Friday from 4-6 pm. In memory of Mickey, memorials to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or to the MACC Fund (children cancer research) have been suggested.
A special note of thanks to the entire staff of Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center for the wonderful care and support given in Mickey’s time of need. May God bless all of you!
cathe clemente says
mary and dan, I’m so sorry to hear about mickey.mary please know that I am here for you,just as you were for me! I love you both and will keep you in my prayers.