Obituary: Westfield Native Michael Raymond Akins, 63

Obituary courtesy O'Brien Funeral Home

Michael Raymond Akins sadly passed away on January 26, 2014 at the age of 63, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Christopher, Illinois he grew up in Westfield, NJ and he went on to raise his family in Point Pleasant where he resided for many years. 

Michael had an impeccable career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. He began his career at Rahway Hospital, where he spent 25 years before working for Jersey Shore Medical Center. He then finished his working years with Advanced Anesthesia, retiring in January of 2013. Michael proudly served his country as a medic in the National Guard. He was a man of few words and a gifted athlete, who excelled at any sport he tried. In his youth, Michael loved skiing and boating with his beloved family, and in later years, developed a passion for golf. He loved the warm weather and welcoming family and friends to his home, where he manned the grill and piloted endless boat rides. 

He was a devoted and loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. Michael was an intelligent, quiet, humble man, with a quick wit and a gentle soul, who will be dearly missed by his family and friends, and whose love and generosity will be remembered always.

He was predeceased by his cherished daughter Lauren Nicole and his father George Vavoulis. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years Joan Akins; his devoted son Luke Akins and future daughter –in-law Lauren Gonzalez, his dear mother Kiki Vavoulis, his loving sister Katherine Smith husband Robert, his dear brothers James and Steven Vavoulis, his brother-in-law Charles Sakin and wife Kathy; his sister-in-law Barbara Sakin; and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 from 2:00 to 4:00pm and 7:00 to 9:00pm at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 505 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick. A Funeral Service will be held on at 11:00AM on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s memory as a tax deductible donation to the Lauren Akins Memorial Music Scholarship, 1507 Salem Rd., Point Pleasant, NJ 08742.