The Life You Built for Us In Loving Memory of Michael C. Casapis Verse 1 On an island called Cyprus, beneath the morning sun, Michael learned the meaning of the work that must be done. Beside his father, Costas, while still a little boy, They built a place that gave their town both shelter, food, and joy. And always in his heart remained his mother, Maritsa dear— Her love traveled beside him, though an ocean kept her far away. Pre-Chorus He carried every lesson and every dream across the sea, With courage in his heart and faith in what his life could be. Chorus Oh, Michael, you gave more than words could ever say, You loved through every sacrifice you quietly made. From Cyprus to America, beneath a changing sky, You built a life of honor that will never truly die. Everything you worked for and everything you dreamed of Lives on within the family you surrounded with your love. You traveled far from Cyprus to make your dreams come true, But the greatest life you ever built Was the life you built for us. Verse 2 All alone at eighteen, he crossed the ocean wide, Chasing down the promise of a dream he held inside. At Wisconsin’s university, he worked to find his way, And earned his degree in sixty-five through courage every day. A gifted engineer, his work reached countries near and far, But wherever his journey took him, home was where his loved ones are. Chorus Oh, Michael, you gave more than words could ever say, You loved through every sacrifice you quietly made. From Cyprus to America, beneath a changing sky, You built a life of honor that will never truly die. Everything you worked for and everything you dreamed of Lives on within the family you surrounded with your love. You traveled far from Cyprus to make your dreams come true, But the greatest life you ever built Was the life you built for us. Verse 3 He was a proud Papa to Dino, Christina, and Maria, The greatest treasures of his life, the ones he held most dear. And Dino truly adored him, with a love both deep and strong, A devoted son beside his father all life’s journey long. Five grandchildren knew his laughter, kindness, love, and pride, And his siblings, nieces, and nephews were forever by his side. Verse 4 He found his peace in country fields and simple days on farms, In open skies and quiet roads, away from worldly harm. Through every test that life could bring, his strength would see him through, And he gave hope to others fighting battles that he knew. A family man in every way, devoted to the end— A loving father, Papa, brother, uncle, son, and friend. Bridge Five days before his birthday, heaven called his name, But eighty-four years of loving us will always remain. And somewhere over Cyprus, where the sun meets earth and sea, His spirit walks beside us in every memory. Perhaps his mother met him there and welcomed home her son, And held him close within her arms when his earthly work was done. Final Chorus Oh, Michael, you gave more than words could ever say, You loved through every sacrifice you quietly made. From Cyprus to America, beneath a changing sky, You built a life of honor that will never truly die. Your courage is our compass, your strength is in our blood, And every generation will remember how you loved. You traveled far from Cyprus to make your dreams come true, But the greatest life you ever built Was the life you built for us. Outro So rest now, our dear Papa, Your work on earth is done. Your story lives within us With each new rising sun. Until we meet in heaven, You’ll be here with all of us— In every precious memory And the life you built for us.
