Michael Daniel Gearing

Our beloved son, Michael, passed away surrounded by so much love, leaving a hole in our family and community that words cannot describe. His presence brought light and laughter wherever he went, and his absence will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Michael brought joy, curiosity, love, and light everywhere he went. He loved learning and exploring the world around him. He loved to build things. For his sixth birthday, he received his own cardboard saw and screws, and he immediately put them to work. One of our favorite memories is of Michael making costumes and engineering a wagon he proudly named “Wheely.”

He loved riding his bike up and down our block and along the small trail that connects our neighborhood. He loved to swim and could spend hours jumping into the pool over and over again. He always asked to go hiking, especially with his Dad. He loved Sunday afternoons skiing with his family. He especially loved convincing his Mom to join in on the fun and go faster.

Michael was a junior red belt in Taekwondo, a sport he loved so much that he convinced our entire family to join him. He was hoping to earn his black belt in May. More recently, he discovered a passion for flag football. He worked exceptionally hard to learn to read, and once he did, he developed a love of books that warmed our hearts. He could often be found curled up with books about dragons, Dog Man, and Harry Potter.

But most of all, Michael loved his friends.

He loved his friends at school, at Taekwondo, and throughout our neighborhood. Some of his happiest moments were the simplest ones: ordinary afternoons spent running around with friends, riding bikes, laughing, and simply being together. Those days went by too quickly, but they are memories we will cherish forever.

Michael’s eight years were far too short, but they were full of life and love. He explored. He built. He learned. He made friends. He laughed. He loved fiercely. He brought joy to the people around him and left an imprint on their hearts that will never disappear.

He is survived by his parents, Nicole and Michael Gearing; his sister, Adelaide Gearing; his grandparents, Debra and Michael Gearing, Joseph and Laura Venuto, and Diane and Donald Nielsen; and his aunts, uncles, and cousins, including Thomas and Allison Gearing; Johnna, Mike, Jude, and Paul Georgia; Joseph and Curtis Venuto; Anthony, Ashley, and Cameron Venuto; Alexandra, Lukas, and Louise Button; Rachel, Jon, Peter, and Helen Novik; Dara Nielsen and H. Phillips; Erik, Sara, Aryanna, and Kellen Nielsen; Paul, Jen, Isla and Tobias Rozek; and Krista Ruggles. He is also survived by countless friends and loved ones who will carry his memory with them always.

Michael’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, medical teams, friends, neighbors, teachers, and countless members of the community who surrounded Michael and his family with extraordinary support and love. We will never be able to fully express how much that love has meant to us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood to help save the lives of others living with blood diseases.

Visitation will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Road (10600 S) in Sandy, on Friday, October 9, at 5:00 PM, followed by a service beginning at 6:00 PM. A Celebration of Michael’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 10, at 12:30 PM. In keeping with Michael’s spirit, his family welcomes children and friends to attend. We encourage everyone to come ready to share memories, stories, laughter, and love—and to join us for one last Bike Ride for Michael.

We will hold Michael in our hearts forever.