WILMINGTON — Michael Kulani Stroman, 19, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend was sent to all of us by God, bringing so much joy, sunshine, laughter and love into our lives. On Sunday, June 4, 2017, he left this earth way too soon, leaving a big, big hole in our hearts.
Michael was born Nov. 4, 1997, in Wilmington into the loving Stroman family. His granddads, Maurice DeGraw and Will Stroman III; uncle, Thomas Redmond; and great-uncle, Rich Seguin are cheering Michael’s newly formed baseball team in heaven.
In 2016, he graduated from Heide Trask High School and was currently a rising sophomore at UNC-Wilmington. Michael’s lifelong passion was baseball, playing since the age of four. He played travel ball with the Burgaw Astros and became part of a ‘baseball family,’ who still think of him as one of their own sons. In school, he played baseball for Cape Fear Middle School, and then went on to become a star athlete at Heide Trask High School, where he also played football and was part of the track team.
Michael will always be remembered as a humble and kind soul who knew no stranger; he had a smile that no one could resist smiling back at. He was a best friend to many, but especially Desire Brown, whose heart he stole as easily as he stole bases. Michael will be deeply missed by all. Family and friends know that he continues to ‘crack that bat’ in heaven.
He is survived by his parents, Art and Sara Stroman; brother, Dylan Stroman (age 12); grandparents, Connie DeGraw and Linda and Tom Pritchard; aunts and uncles, Sharon and Rick Robie, Jeannine Redmond and Julia Provencial; cousins, Alyssa Robie, Ricky Robie and Anthony Redmond; great aunts, Nancy Seguin and Doreen Cuddy; and many friends.
Memorial services for Michael will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 11, at Heide Trask High School Gymnasium, 14328 NC Hwy 210, Rocky Point, N.C., followed by a gathering at Center Field. Pastor Aaron Knoezer and David Morgan will conduct the service.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial contribution be given to Heide Trask Athletic Boosters Club, C/O Heide Trask High School, 14328 NC 210, Rocky Point, NC 28457.
Share online condolences with the family at quinnmcgowen.com.
