Obituary: Michael James Mackey

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Michael James Mackey

Michael “Mike” Mackey, 63 of Joliet, IL passed away on August 3, 2026 after facing cancer with the same grit, humor, stubborn courage, and grace he carried through every part of his life. He left this world surrounded by the people he loved most. Mike was the guy who showed up. A man’s man and unmistakably the one who took charge, cracked the joke with a quick sarcastic wit, but underneath was a teddy bear who made sure everyone was taken care of and loved his family with everything he had. If you needed help, his answer was simple “You can stay here.” Sports were woven into Mike’s life. A longtime White Sox fan he spent decades on fields and courts across Illinois as an umpire, referee, and director. He called games with fairness, humor, and a deep respect for the athletes. He’s a member of the JBO and IHSA as a basketball official and proudly served as President of Will County Umpires Association for over 30 years. He retired from the city of Joliet after 23 years.

His career was marked by numerous honors including: USSSA Rookie of the Year, USSSA Umpire of the Year (1997), USSSA Hall of Fame, Umpire (2011), USSSA GSL “Top Gun” Director of the Year (2018), USSSA GSL Commitment to Excellence Award (2019), and USSSA GSL 25 Years of Service (2019). He also served as a One Nation Board member and Illinois Co- State Director One Nation U.I.C Umpire in charge. To generations of athletes and officials, he was a coach, a mentor, and a hero.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Jacquie (Querio) Mackey; his sons, Matt and TJ Mackey; his mother, Carol J. (Lightner) Mackey; his sisters; Deborah (David) Penegor and Cindy (Jim) Thomas; his brothers, Ted Jr. (Chico) Mackey, Chuck (Celeste) Mackey, and John J. Mackey; his sisters-in-law, Debbie (Greg) Vidmar and Anne (the late John) Querio; his brothers-in-law Rick (Susie) Querio and Jim (Kathy) Querio; his nieces and nephews; Katie Thomas, Kara, Neal, and Ryan Querio, Jessy (Nick) Wiggins, Shaun Thomas, Kevin Penegor, and Greg (Kassie) Mackey; his aunts, Doris (the late Russell) Brown, Carolyn ( the late Carl) Carlson, and Esther Mackey; and many great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family gives special thanks to his niece Shelley (Ken) Aranas for her loving care of Uncle Mike, and nephew Jake (Angie) Thomas for being his partner in crime on the basketball court, and special nephews Pat Querio, Chris (Julie) and Jon Vidmar as well as Mike’s great friend, Robert Dobyne.

He is preceded in death by his father, Ted Mackey Sr.; his parents-in-law, Robert and JoAnn Querio; his grandparents, Reuben and Gladys Carlson; several aunts, uncles, and special cousins, including Tim, Rob and Chris Mackey; brother-in-law, John Querio, BJ Querio and good friend Tom Seddon.

A Memorial Visitation will be held Sunday, August 9, 2026 from 2:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd (at Essington Rd) Joliet. A time for sharing memories of Mike will begin at 6 p.m.

All friends and relatives are invited to meet Monday, August 10, 2026, 9:45 a.m.at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N. Raynor Avenue in Joliet where a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m..Inurnment will take place at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Mike touched many lives than he ever realized, and the many friends, players, and officials who called him family are warmly invited to celebrate him. Keep praying. Keep believing. His light lives on in everyone he loved.

In lieu of flowers memorials in his name can be directed to his family for future disbursement to causes close to Mike.

For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

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