Michael “ Poz” A. Possenti

I met Mike during Covid when he started a Cater to your home service, Poz’s Platters. His personality, sense of humor and positive outlook was such a refreshing and welcoming change at a time of uncertainty and unknown. I told him more than once that he was “ a lifesaver”. My sincere condolences to the entire Possenti family, especially Julia, Mikey, Payton and Nick. May his memories remain forever in your hearts.

There aren’t sufficient words to properly capture a tribute to Poz. Mike transcended many things, including the ability to define or limit his essence. A true gentle giant in every sense of the word, he was larger than life—literally and figuratively. Yet among what made him truly special was his unique ability to stay humble, kind and selfless despite his greatness…and throughout his remarkable journey. Mike was blessed with countless gifts and immeasurable talent, but perhaps the greatest was his ability to make others feel as big as he was. Through his generosity of spirit, he elevated all of us around him. When Mike transferred into Salesianum, those of us on the playing field couldn’t believe the gift we’d been given. But little did we realize at the time the true impact he would have on us throughout the rest of our lives. I never met a more gifted athlete. To this day, he may be the only three-sport varsity athlete in Villanova history. And to know his illustrious playing career is dwarfed by the life he subsequently lived, is a testament to his profound legacy. Mike taught us what unbridled joy could look like, what it meant to fully embrace life, to squeeze every ounce of goodness and laughter from each day. Even getting into trouble became an art form with Mike—it was always ‘good trouble’, rooted in childlike innocence and undeniable goodness. There are a special few people in the world that are universally beloved. And we got to share life with one of them. Nobody had more best friends than Poz. We all wanted to stake that claim. The blessing was that there was enough Poz to go around, because he truly contained multitudes. Mike was heliocentric—he was the sun, and we were fortunate to live in his orbit. His loyalty was legendary; if you were part of his tribe, you were invincible. He was the guy everyone wanted to be around—the one parents loved, coaches admired, opponents feared. The friend who stood by you, the protector who made you feel safe just by being there. He was a magician: turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. An alchemist: transforming every day into something golden. Everything and everyone he touched grew brighter, bigger, and more full of life. He made the world better. He made us better. My dad used to say the measure of a man is How They Made You Feel. By that measure, Mike stood tallest among giants. Every time you were lucky enough to be in his presence, you felt special. The countless stories we all share—those iconic “Mike Moments”—could fill the halls of Sallies and spill into every stadium in Delaware County. Every night out became an epic adventure, every road trip transformed into a memory to last a lifetime, every meal became an indelible spectacle. The laughter and love he brought to every table, every gathering, will always remain a gift to all of us. Mike embodied indomitability. Even as he faced an impossible reality, he never ceased to send daily texts filled with inspiration and encouragement—all the while he was the one enduring unfathomable pain. That was Mike. Always giving, always lifting others up. Always shielding us from his agony. Always putting his plight aside side for the benefit of his family and friends. My brother (Joe) and I were fortunate to collaborate with Poz over the past few months on a project called PoZitivity—a dream Mike shared of creating a philanthropic organization where he would speak across the country about the power of positivity, spirituality and indomitability. The plan was that he’d spend the next several decades spreading light to countless others. Maybe that’s not how the script ended up being written, but I know with certainty it’s how he’d want us to continue. He wanted his spirit and his mission to endure through all of us. Just a couple weeks ago at his place, we spoke about how he had left it all on the field of life. Mike shared that despite the unspeakable heartbreak of departing this world, he was looking forward to reuniting with his mom and dad; and that one day, we’d all be together again—laughing, sharing meals, and playing ball together for eternity. That was Mike—even when facing the impossible, he looked forward to joy, togetherness, and light. Friday will surely be another one of the hardest days of our lives. Through it all, let us attempt to remember that the depth of our tears is equal to the abundance of joy Mike brought into our lives. Each tear honors his brightness, his warmth, his relentless PoZitivity. And though we grieve deeply, his light forever shines, illuminating our paths and reminding us to embody his PoZitivity every day we’re given here…until we see him again. To the Brothers Poz: your bond and devotion have inspired me for four decades. Your brotherhood is a reflection of everything Mike stood for. To Julia and Mikey: there wasn’t a single conversation with Mike that didn’t center on you. You were—and always will be—everything to him. His heart and soul, his pride and joy, his greatest achievement, his ultimate blessing. And never forget that you will share eternity with your incredible dad. Until then, God’s grace—and the Legion of Poz—will always surround you. -Brendan Kelly

God Bless you Michael

To my cousins the Possenti family I pray that you find peace in the great memories and love you all shared. To my Mom and her sisters too I know you shared a special bond growing up so close to him, my condolences to all of you. Gone too soon. Rest in peace with Aunt Chris & Uncle Joe. ❤️

So many beautiful memories of Mike from growing up—his kindness, warmth, sense of humor, and his unforgettable smile. He truly had a gentle spirit and radiated such beautiful light. May he rest in peace, and may you find peace in wonderful memories. Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️

Mark, Joe, & Possenti family, Our deepest sympathy for loss of your loved one. Remember all of the wonderful memories and cherish them forever. Sending prayers your way. Love, William & Bethann

Your brother’s life touched so many, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He brought light, laughter, and strength into the world, and those gifts remain even in his absence. May the love he shared and the moments you treasured bring comfort in the days ahead. His presence will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. My deepest condolences to the entire family.

Mike had a Big Heart. I've known him his whole life. A good Man and Friend. He will be missed, rest in peace Michael

I remember Mike from Sun Valley High School and always amongst his brothers. He was a kind, intelligent, and athletic young man. From all that I have read about him, he will be sorely missed.

I remember Mike, always in the context of the Possenti brothers and Sun Valley High School. He was a kind, smart and athletic young man with a wonderful family. From all that I have read, he will be sorely missed.

May God bless and take our friend Mike to heaven. Giampalmi family.

You were very much loved by all us and will be so very missed! Keeping you and all of your family in my prayers! Love Karen Myers

Mike’s generosity and sense of humor are two qualities that I will never forget. He fought hard for a long time. He will live on through the impact he made on so many. You will be missed but we will see you again. Rest in peace, Mike.

Thoughts and prayers to the Possenti Family. Sorry for your loss.

My sincere condolences to the entire Possenti Family. May Mike Rest in Peace

Rest In Peace Big Mike . You set the standard for all of us with your Determination , Courage and Love of Family . Prayers and Respect for the entire Possenti Family for everything you did to support Mike throughout his incredible battle . PVL

Every memory I have of Michael brings a smile an all around good man who will surely be missed by all who knew him. Condolences to the family and God Bless you

My condolences to the Possenti family. God bless you, Mike. You meant the world to so many people. I'll never forget and cherish the times we had together, never a dull moment. I will dearly miss you, can't wait to see you in Heaven.

To the Possenti family I am so sorry for your loss, may God continue to bless this family

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.