Renowned bassist, Michael Anthony Sheriff, was called home on July 10, 2024, at the age of 73 in Dorchester, MA.
Born on April 18, 1951, in Cambridge, MA, his younger years were spent honing his giftedness for playing the bass guitar. From his teen years on, Michael was found engrossed in music of all genres, holding down the funky bass lines for numerous esteemed bands and churches including: Mother Adell J. Collins and The Collins Singers, The God Squad, Clarence Thompson Sr. and The New Spirits, The Midnight Crew, Together for Christ, Jose Ramos Band, Antioch Pentecostal Baptist Church, Shekinah Glory (COGIC), The critically acclaimed group The Energetics (booked by Mambo Willie), and more. His bass playing prowess landed him on stages worldwide and in acquaintance with noted acts such as Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, Ronnie and The Emotions, and Tony and The Dynamic Superiors to name a few. “Mike was famous for having the fastest fingers on bass. He was fantastic and never liked conflict.” -Bishop John Borders III
Michael was educated in both the Boston and Rockland Public School systems. There he was a model student and popular basketball star!
Post high school, he commenced a 45 year career with Verizon, formally known as New England Telephone, Bell Atlantic, and Nynex. He served in the company as a well respected, award winning foreman.
Michael loved foreign cars, traveling the world, southern food, bazooka bubble gum, lemonade, Doritos, pork skins, and for a late night snack, his absolute favorite was popcorn with extra butter and salt along with Polar fruit punch. Aside from his life of music and work at the telephone company, his style was low key, filled with tranquility, and jokes.
He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Sheriff, Aunt and Uncle, Earline and James Allen, brother, Spencer Michael Collins III "Big Mike," cousin, Edward Dibbles, cousin, James A. Jordan, and former wives, Rev Dr. Gwendolyn Collins and Juanita Key-Sheriff.
Michael is survived by his wife of 28 years, France Brady, mother, Mildred Banks of VA, sister Laverne Banks of NY, brother, William Sheriff (Julia) of TX, former mother-in-law, Ella Mae Key, his beautiful children whom all were his pride and joy: Michael Jones, Nichelle J. Mungo (Tyrone), Lillian Vallee (Christopher), Richard Sheriff (Estelle), children-in-love; James Jones (Vanessa), Wyndy Jones-Dunton (Demetruic), Jerome Stephens, Taryn Jones, Cynthia Brady (Eric), Chad Brady (Michelle), and Troy Brady. Grandchildren: Alleciah, Tyrah, CJ, Nicklaus, Anthony, Jordan, Olivia, Cyrus, Jordan, Jason, and Tori; 3 great grandchildren: Jaxon, Avery, and an expectant great-granddaughter, special-cousin Mildred Allen, his beloved Shih Tzu dogs, Bria and Sophie, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family invites all to join them for an informal time of visitation and remembrance on August 19th from 12:00PM-3:00PM at Florian Hall, 55 Hallet Street, Boston, MA 02122
Cards are accepted at 174 Pond Street, Avon, MA 02322