Michael Keith Ball was born in Brooklyn, New York, the only child of Ivy White Ball and Keith Ball, immigrants from Jamaica, West Indies.  He grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey, attended St. Peter’s Prep, and graduated from St. Peter’s College (now St. Peter’s University).  He enlisted in the U.S. Army, and received an honorable discharge.

Following his stint in the Army, Michael moved to New York City where he became employed as a Purchasing Agent by the American Electric Power Company.  Some years later, when this company relocated to Ohio, Michael chose to remain in New York as his parents were aging.  He then found employment as a consultant to the New York City Transit Authority.  Eventually, he was hired by the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation as a manager of the contracts and bidding process for construction projects, a position he held for many years until his retirement.

Michael met his wife, Monica Pierrepointe, and they eventually married in 1990.  They shared a good life, playing tennis, attending jazz concerts, and enjoying New York City’s dining scene.  Michael especially enjoyed annual visits to Cape Cod and weekends in upstate New York, where he worked on restoring his parents’ old country house in North Hudson, and making visits to Vermont.

While in the Army, Michael traveled throughout Europe on his furloughs, and continued that interest with Monica, traveling to the Caribbean, especially Barbados and Jamaica, England, France, Italy, Norway, Western Canada, and much of the United States.

Family was very important to Michael, and he enjoyed spending time with his sister-in-law Muriel and her now-deceased husband, Paul Thompson.  He took great pleasure and interest in the lives of the children in the family and their friends, whether throwing a football with them or taking them ice skating or sledding.  Many of them still speak fondly of Michael’s support in their academic and professional pursuits, and interest in their personal lives. He also looked forward to Christmas gatherings at the home of his brother-in-law, Grantley, and his wife, Georgette.

Michael and Monica were also known for their large Thanksgiving dinners, where the children, now adults, would reflect with some humor on their years of singing “We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing ...”   And for many years, they gave an annual Holiday Party where friends, relatives and colleagues would gather for a feast celebrating New York City’s varied food offerings.

Michael had a sharp sense of humor, a warm and engaging personality, and a youthful spirit.  He was always ready to join in a conversation, especially about sports, politics, and history.

In retirement, Michael spent much time reacquainting himself with the neighborhood businesses.  One of his favorites was Little Miss Muffin where he 

enjoyed coffee and chatting with the owners about Jamaican life.  The last walk that he was able to take in the neighborhood was to this store where he was warmly welcomed like a member of the family. 

Sometime after this, Michael became bedridden during which time he was blessed to be lovingly cared for by his nurse Ms. Nilsa Candelaria, her sister Carmen, and her nephew Chris.  Additional care was provided by his aide, Mr. Jordan, whose humor Michael especially enjoyed.

Michael’s spirit remained strong and intact until the end.  He continued to enjoy family gatherings, especially Saturday morning coffee hour with Monica, Nilsa, his sister-in-law Muriel, and occasionally friends.  He remained lively and grateful for every day.

Michael departed this life peacefully on the morning of Thursday, June 5th at home.  He will be mourned by his devoted wife Monica; his sister-in-law Muriel Thompson; his brother-in-law Grantley Johnson (and his wife Georgette); nieces and nephews: Michele Suarez (and her husband Franklyn), Brian Thompson (and his wife Shona), Colette Dionne (and her husband Paul), Deanna Johnson, and Susan Babb; great-nieces and -nephews: Nyah, Antonio and Camilo Suarez, Oliver and Naomi Thompson, and Jalen Babb; cousins: Julie Bartlett and family, Pauline and Erdley Alberga and family,  David Ball and family, and by other relatives and friends