Oakland - On Thursday, August 10, 2023, Michael Serencha Jr., 74, of Oakland, Maine, a loving father and wonderful friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by close family and loved ones at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. Michael was born on November 29, 1948 in Skowhegan's Redington Memorial Hospital to his parents, Beatrice and Michael Serencha Sr. Michael, lovingly known as "Mikey", graduated from Madison High School in 1967. After graduating, Michael joined and served in the United States Navy from 1967-1971, where he was able to travel the world and take part in some incredible, once in a lifetime, and sometimes even unbelievable experiences. After leaving the Navy, Michael came back to Maine for a period of time, but ultimately found his way to Anchorage, Alaska where his brother and family also lived. Some of his fondest memories were created there and that is where his love for the outdoors grew. Mike loved to hunt, fish, and spend time taking in all of the beauty that Alaska had to offer. Eventually, he found his way back to Maine where he settled down and raised his daughter, Megan. Michael worked for Blue Rock Industries for several years. Not a stranger to hard work and keeping busy, Michael "retired" and spent that time working for Home Depot in three different departments as a full time employee. This is where he made many friends and many of his lifelong friends would often swing through and seek him out for the chance to say hello, catch a smile, or exchange some quick banter. There was nothing more that Michael enjoyed than cracking an ice cold can of Pepsi and listening to some good music while catching up and hanging out with family or friends. He would often pop on his favorite records, throw his Bose headphones on, and sing along in the middle of the living room on the floor. Michael was a truly special and rare soul with the biggest, most gentle heart. He loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. He touched and impacted the lives of many in the most beautiful and profound ways, and he made a difference in the lives of many more simply by being himself. Although he was introverted and appreciated being alone, Michael always had people randomly stopping by to hang out and shoot the breeze, a true testament of his deep bonds and connections with others. Michael liked to hear other people's stories and share his experiences as well, sometimes to share a good laugh, and other times to share a lesson learned. He had a calm nature paired with a colorful personality that had a way of drawing others in and making them want to stay. He shared a special and unbreakable bond with his daughter, who was his entire world and doubled as his best friend. They lived together for many years and chose to spend much of their time together playing games, swapping stories, and picking fun at each other, experiencing all that life had to offer side by side. They would often leave each other hand written notes, always signed as Poppa Bear and Pebbles. Michael was a man who really enjoyed and cherished the simple things in life, always expressing that the little things are the big things. He was thoughtful, sentimental, and generous with both his time and his love. There was never a dull moment when he was involved or around. Michael leaves behind his daughter, Megan and her husband James McMahon. He also leaves behind his brother, Carl, who he lovingly referred to as Butch, his wife Patty and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister, Patty, and his younger brother, Patrick. He is survived by numerous family and friends across the United States, from Maine to Alaska and everywhere in between. Michael will be deeply loved and missed forever, and the lives of those who knew him will never be the same. His memory will continue to live on and he will be kept alive through all of those who had the opportunity and took the time to know him. If there is anything you take out of this obituary, let it be that time can be both beautiful and cruel and also simultaneously fleeting, and to make each and every second count. We never seem to notice how fast the clock ticks until we finally start to appreciate it — please be sure to either pause or slow down enough to appreciate it. There will be a military funeral for close friends and family to attend to honor his memory and his daughter will be holding a celebration of life after the ceremony at a date to be determined later this fall.