Donald Edward Michael

Donald (Don) Edward Michael, 79, of Bowie, Maryland passed away at home on September 17, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Betty Michael, older sister Anne Garner and nephew Mark Garner. He is survived in life by his wife of 49 years Merry Michael, sons Nick (Rachel) Michael and Matthew (Annie) Michael, granddaughter Ellie Michael, sisters Carol Landis, Sally Shope and many nieces and nephews.

Don was born in Norfolk, Virginia on September 4, 1945. Growing up a navy kid, Don lived in various states across the nation, one of his favorites being Hawaii, where he loved to surf. He was a graduate from Wheaton High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. Don was attending University of Maryland when he enlisted into the Army in 1967. He served in Vietnam as an infantryman in the 196th Light Infantry Brigade until 1969, receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze star during his service.After returning home, Don completed his Bachelors of Science from University of Maryland in 1971. Four years later, Don and Merry were wed in 1975; moving to Arizona shortly afterwards, Don attended Arizona State University where he graduated with his second degree, Bachelors in Information Systems. Don and Merry lived on the west coast for multiple years, having their first son Nicolas in Utah in 1985. The family of three settled in Bowie, Maryland in 1986, becoming a family of four with the birth of their second son Matthew in 1992.

Don had a long career with Unisys, retiring in 2015. One of Don’s passions was soccer, which he began refereeing in 1999. He shared his love of soccer with both his sons, passing on the referee skills to Nick and the talent of playing soccer to Matthew. He enjoyed spending time with his family, sharing stories with his children, playing golf and eating crabs with friends. He will be greatly missed.

He will be interred at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery followed by a celebration of life, to be set at a later date. In lieu of flowers please donate to Wounded Warriors Project or the Alzheimer’s Association.