Michael Robert Zongolowicz, 82, passed away on August 27, 2021 after a brief illness.
Mike was born August 22, 1939 at the naval hospital in Portsmouth, VA. He spent his childhood
in Norfolk where his family’s home was the focal point for neighborhood activity. Their
backyard was equipped with a homemade pole vault pit, pull-up bars, and boxing equipment.
Mike, his brother C.J., and their friends spent countless hours honing their athletic skills under
the watchful eyes and tutelage of his loving father. Mike put these skills to the test at Norview
High School where he participated in scholastic wrestling and other athletic activities. After
graduation, Mike played shortstop on various city league softball teams and made many lifetime
friends along the way. Following a lengthy career with the Southland Corporation, he retired in
1998. His friends and regular customers affectionately called him “7-11 Mike”. In his retirement,
Mike enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and visiting with his many friends at the Harbor Inn in
Bayview. He loved to talk sports, history, and current events. Sports statistics were Mike’s
specialty. He studied them intensely and could recite baseball, basketball, and football stats on
demand. Mike loved music, especially jazz, swing, and oldies. Frank Sinatra was his favorite
performer and everyone knew it. He can certainly say that “I did it my way”. Mike was a one
woman man and on Friday, August 27 it can be said “He stopped loving her today”. Mike was an
honorable and compassionate man. He dispensed much needed wisdom and fatherly love to his
family and friends. He had a big heart, a good sense of humor, and was sharp witted until the
end.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Lucille Zongolowicz, his sister
Sharon Rube, and brother Calvin “C.J” Zongolowicz. He is survived by his daughter Lori
Zongolowicz, son Robert Zongolowicz, three grandchildren Jacqueline Betor, Jill Zongolowicz,
and Joseph Zongolowicz, sister Mary Dunn, aunt Nixie Dees, and brother-in-law Mark Dunn.
The family will receive friends and celebrate Mike’s life on Monday, September 13, 2021 from
4:00 to 7:00pm at the Harbor Inn in Norfolk. In lieu of flowers, please consider making
donations to Mike’s favorite charity – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.