Michael A. Nash 1949-2021
Michael A. Nash, 72, formerly of Peoria, died on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at Vista Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois, from complications related to COVID.
Mike was born on October 13, 1949, at OSF Peoria, the son of Francis and Ruby Ramshaw Nash. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Pat; and all of his cousins.
Surviving are his only child, Mikie Pollitt; his brother, Dennis; nephews, Matt, Chris, and Peter; and his nieces, Elizabeth and Melissa.
He was a graduate of St. Bernard’s Grade School and Bergan High School, both of Peoria, Illinois, and Notre Dame University in Notre Dame, Indiana. He received a juris doctorate from John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois. He gained a Bar Card and admission to appear before the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). He was instrumental in defending a case before the Supreme Court of the United States on behalf of his child, Mikie Pollitt, and ultimately prevailed in his cause of action, obtaining a pretrial settlement, which resolved all issues to his satisfaction.
Mike spent his life teaching and utilizing computer science. He was a civilian employee of the Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, and worked as well for the highly classified New Brunswick Laboratory, a United States government-owned and operated center of excellence in the measurement science of nuclear materials. He was instrumental in the creation of firewalls for USA classified nuclear facilities. At the twilight of his career, he enjoyed teaching computer science at Great Lakes Naval Facility in Great Lakes, Illinois. He was a kind, generous, brilliant scientist, and human being.
Mike was a past president of his local A.A. chapter. His annual backyard bonfire for recovering addicts was attended by hundreds, with music, food, and guest speakers to provide entertainment and support to the attendees.
Mike enjoyed long bike rides, soccer, skiing, and, above all, dancing. He volunteered at local food banks for years.
Mike was a kind and generous man who spent most of his life in the service of and for the benefit of others.
Cremation rites have been provided. A memorial service will be held in Waukegan, Illinois, at a future date to be determined. Rest in Peace, our brother, Michael. You will be sorely missed.