Michael E. Altizer, “Coach Mike,” 66, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024, in Smithfield, VA. He was a native of Grundy, VA, and had lived in Smithfield for the past 25 years. Michael retired from Newport News Shipbuilding as a Virginia Class Production Control Manager. He graduated from Ferguson High School in 1976, attended Trinity United Methodist Church, and graduated from Newport News Apprentice School, where he played baseball. Michael was a former President, board member, and coach at Smithfield Recreation Association, and coached Varsity Baseball at Smithfield High School, along with many other baseball teams in Newport News, VA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Eleanor Altizer; cherished wife, Linda Altizer, whom he was married to for 22 years; and daughter, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Altzier.
Michael is survived by his wife, Anna Altizer; daughter, Sarah Miller (Shae); son, Joshua Altizer (Charlotte); brother, Vincent Altizer (Jean); grandson, Hudson Miller; niece and nephew, Cameron Altizer and Margo Altizer; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Beale Park in Smithfield, VA, officiated by Reverend Dan Kim. Be sure to bring a chair and wear comfortable clothing. The service will take place on the baseball field.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Save Beale Park in Mike’s honor (https://www.facebook.com/SaveBeale, they have a Q.R. code on the website to scan) or Smithfield Recreation Association (mail checks to P.O. Box 23 Smithfield, VA 23431). You may also support the Smithfield High School baseball team by sending baseballs to 14171 Turner Drive, Smithfield, VA 23430.
4 Comments
Ike was a great shipbuilder, and more importantly, a great person. He will be truly missed by those whose life he touched.
Mike was a great friend, we served our Apprenticeship together in the pipe department. I worked for him on the 688 class submarine project, we would always tease each other about who carried our tool bag on the job! To his Family and Friends we were fortunate to have him in our lives. RIP Mike no more pain, but will think of you often. Joey Maben
Mike was my Dear Friend. Thank you Mike for all the great memories! Thank God for your wife Anna and the entire family. You are so missed but we celebrate your life today. So many agree you touched. A Christian friend, Coach, Teacher, Role model. So missed but such a joyful day to honor our friend. Your Legacy here is complete, now a big celebration in heaven. No more Parkinson’s or suffering. Yes, even better than baseball in heaven now! We celebrate your joys now Mike. I can only imagine as the “Only Imagine” song goes. Enjoy Mike in Heaven now. You brought so many of us joy. God Bless Mike Altizer!
I had the pleasure of working with Mike for several years in the early part of my career at NNS. He was a great guy and good to work with. So glad to have known him.