Michael Lee Ainsworth, of Tampa, Florida, passed away January 4, 2021, at the age of 59. He was born on February 23, 1961, in Manchester, Conn., to the late Richard Ainsworth and Louise Ainsworth (Morin).

He graduated from Newtown High School in 1980 and the University of South Florida in Tampa in 1984. After graduation, he returned to Connecticut where he met the love of his life, the late Cheryl Ainsworth (Messenger), and they were married January 21, 1995. They lived in Southington, Conn., for two years while Michael managed his family’s gift shop, the Briar Patch. Michael always wanted to return to the year-round warm weather of Florida, and in the fall of 1997 they moved to Tampa.

Michael is survived by his three children, Matthew; Peter and his wife, Danielle, and son, Jackson; and Samantha.

His wife, Cheryl, passed away in June 2014, and his father, Richard, passed away in June 2017.

At the time of his death, Michael was a licensed real estate agent with Weichert Realty in Brandon, Fla.

Family and friends will remember Michael for his devotion to his family, his disarming smile, and his infectious sense of humor.

A memorial Mass and celebration of his life will be held at St Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown on September 11, at 11 am.