This site includes the postings from the Irish Aires email list. This includes a listing of Irish/Celtic events in the Houston area and other information that the Irish Aires radio program posts.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Michael Wayne Davitt Obituary

Biography

Michael Wayne Davitt, born August 7, 1951 in Ft. Worth, Texas, died March 20, 2009 in Humble, Texas at the age of 57. In Elizabeth, NJ Michael started an Irish folk band (The Freemen) with Tommy Shannon which performed with many well-known Irish performers such as Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem. He continued to perform as a solo Irish performer in Houston, TX. He was responsible for the renaissance of Irish music in Houston and has been dubbed the “Father of Irish Music in Texas”. Michael was a active member of the Ancient Order of Hiberninans in both NJ and TX. In Texas, he served as state and local AOH President and was honored as the St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshall in 1993 and co-Grand Marshall in 2009. Michael also founded the Irish Open Golf Tournament, organized the Houston Irish Stew Cook-off and used his musical talents all to raise money to benefit numerous charities. Michael also volunteered many years at the Magdelene House (Social Services division of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church). He was the founder, owner of his local business, Michael W. Davitt & Assoc. and also served as the statistician for the Houston Rockets for several years. Mr. Davitt is survived by his wife, Maureen Davitt of Humble, TX; parents, James & Dorothy Davitt; daughters, Erin Davies, Kathleen Davitt, Nancy Davitt and Colleen Lehman; brother, Brian Davitt and his wife, Kris; grandchildren, Elizabeth Davitt, Caitlin and Emma Davies, Craige Lehman, and Michael James Zavitsky. Visitation will be 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, March 24th & 25th at Kingwood Funeral Home. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2009 at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 527 So. Houston Ave., Humble, TX 77338 with Msgr. Paul Procella officiant. For those desiring, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Magdalene House c/o St. Mary Magdalene Church.
Comments:
We have known Michael about 20 years,we had many a good night in the Westcrest and many other places.May God give strength to his family at this sad time.

Delia and John Fitzpatrick
 
Oh my! I was so sad to come across the news of Michael's passing. Years ago my friends and I spent many great nights in the Leprechaun Pub in Elizabeth NJ. If Michael and Tommy were playing, we were there! I got married and left NJ in 1978. We ultimately settled right outside of Houston in Channelview. For years I wondered what became of the boys! So tonight I googled them. Little did I know that Michael had been performing practically down the road from us!

Every year (this March included) my friend in NJ calls me on Saint Patricks Day (I live in Idaho now) and plays the album Michael and Tommy made..The Freemen. But I wish I could hear them sing "Give Ireland Back to the Irish" just one more time..they brought down the house. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. (rest in peace Michael) and many condolences to the family
 
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