Charles A. “Mike” Michel

Charles A. “Mike” Michel, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 91 on April 12th, 2025. Surrounded by his loving family, he demonstrated exceptional strength and courage to the end.

Mike was born in Brooklyn, New York, on October 21st, 1933, the son of the late Adolph Michel and his wife Alice. After graduating from Bayside High School, he went to work briefly for AT&T before joining the U.S. Navy in 1952. He served a total of 31 years, stationed at bases around the world including Amagansett, New York, Karamürsel, Turkey, Bremerhaven, Germany, Kamiseya, Japan and Pensacola, Florida. Thanks to his specialized skills, he was asked to come out of retirement in 1980 for a final tour of duty in Honolulu, Hawaii, which he happily accepted. He retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in 1983.

After his retirement from the Navy, Mike went back to school to finish his education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from the University of Delaware in 1984, a reflection of his life-long love of cultivating flowers, plants and trees. He enjoyed a second career as a teacher and taught horticulture to young people at the Telegraph Road Learning Center in Wilmington, DE until his third retirement in the 1990s.

But retirement didn’t suit him. Throughout his life, work sustained him and gave meaning and focus, especially in later years. A devout Catholic, Mike dedicated himself to his church, St. Margaret of Scotland, where he proudly served as an extraordinary minister. He drew comfort and strength from his faith and the many warm friendships he formed within his parish community.

Those who knew him knew how much Mike loved nature and making things grow. After 31 globe-trotting years in the US Navy, Mike found lasting contentment in the Delaware countryside and his own well-loved home and garden. On all but the coldest days, he could be found out working in his yard, planting flowers every spring and bringing beauty to his quiet neighborhood.

Mike lived a full and independent life. As a husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend, he was a tower of strength relied on by so many and will be remembered for his unfailing kindness and generosity. Those fortunate enough to have known him will miss his always-ready smile and willingness to offer a helping hand.

Mike is survived by his children, Regina Michel of New York, NY, Susan M. Michel of New Castle, DE, Ann-Marie Michel of Wray, England, and Brian D. Michel of Newark, DE; daughter-in-law Theresa Michel; son-in-law Colin Penny; grandchildren Nicolas Wäckers and Henry and Thomas Michel; and his sister, Geraldine Galgano, of Brick, NJ and her family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Celeste, shortly after their 58th wedding anniversary in 2014 and his oldest son, Kevin C. Michel, two years earlier.

A viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 26th, 2025 at St. Margaret of Scotland Roman Catholic Church, 2431 Frazer Road, Newark, DE, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. In recognition of his long years of faithful service to his country, Mike will be laid to rest with full military honors at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 28th, 2025 at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE (family and friends to assemble in the chapel.)

The entire Michel family is grateful for the support and many loving messages from family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one of Mike’s favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here.