Michael Anthony "Big Mike" Dobbs Sr.

Michael Dobbs ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Perry Funeral Home - Newark on Mar. 7, 2026.With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Michael Anthony Dobbs Sr., affectionately known to many as "Big Mike." He passed away at the age of 59 on February 24 at 2:42 a.m. at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey. While our hearts are filled with sorrow, we also celebrate the life of a man whose love, strength, and presence shaped our family forever.Michael Sr. was born on May 19, 1966, in Newark, New Jersey, to the late Thomas Clarence Dobbs Sr. and Virginia Dobbs. He was raised in Newark and attended West Side High School. It was there that he met the love of his life and soulmate, Sharon Teresa Jefferies. What began as young love grew into a beautiful partnership that lasted more than 40 years. Together, they built a life rooted in love, loyalty, and devotion to family.Michael Sr. and Sharon created a family that meant everything to him. He was the proud father of five children: Michael Anthony Jefferies Jr., Angelia Tiffany Jefferies, Shakira Dominique Jefferies, Darnell Fadel Jefferies, and his youngest, Terrell Anthony Jefferies. To the world he was known as "Big Mike," but to us he was simply husband, Dad and grandad-the heart of our home, our protector, and the person who always made sure his family was taken care of.Throughout his life, Michael Sr. worked hard and took pride in providing for those he loved. He held various jobs over the years, including working at Blockbuster, before dedicating more than 15 years of service to Benjamin Moore. After years of commitment and hard work, he quietly retired in 2013. Yet his greatest accomplishment was never just his career-it was the family he loved so deeply. Michael Sr. was the foundation that held our family together. He served as our moral compass, always showing us through his actions what it meant to be strong, responsible, and devoted to the people you love.Michael Sr. was also a proud and loving grandfather to Makayla Murray, Anastasia Jefferies, Kevin Claudio, Billy Claudio, Jazir Jefferies, Amaya Jefferies, Mariyah Jefferies, My'Asia Jefferies, and Amir Jefferies. His grandchildren brought him endless pride and joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them.Michael Sr. came from a large and loving family and was one of thirteen siblings. He is survived by his sisters Vicky Singleton, Caretha "Ree" Dupree, Cindy Lesaine, Charlene Dobbs, Tracey "Terri Ann" Lesaine, Melinda Carmichael and brother in law Fredrick Carmichael; his brothers Daryl Dobbs and Maurice Murray; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Clarence Dobbs Sr. and Virginia Dobbs, and his siblingsFaye Lesaine, Thomas Dobbs Jr., and Ricky Dobbs Sr.Michael Sr. had many interests that brought him joy. He loved professional wrestling, technology, and video games. Music was always close to his heart, especially the sounds of Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, and Jon Bon Jovi. He also appreciated life's simple pleasures-starting his mornings with a cup of coffee, enjoying his favorite Pepsi, and spending time with his beloved soulmate Sharon, and his two ginger cats, White Nose (Morris) and Brown Nose (Oppie), whom headored.But above all else, Michael Sr. will be remembered for the kind of man he was. He was hardworking, kind, and had a sense of humor that could make anyone laugh. He showed his love not only through words but through the countless ways he cared for and supported his family every single day. He taught us about loyalty, strength, and what it truly means to stand by the people you love.To us, he was more than a husband, father, and grandfather-he was the heart of our family, our greatest supporter, and the example we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. Though he is no longer physically with us, the love he gave us, the lessons he taught us, and the memories we share will remain with us forever.Michael Sr. will be deeply missed and forever loved."Thank you for the love, the guidance, and the strength you gave our family. We will carry you with us always."Forever in our hearts,Your loving wife and childrenThis Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Michael Anthony Dobbs Sr. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.