Richard Douglas Michael

1937 - 2021

Richard Douglas Michael, age 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 30, 2021, in the comfort of his home.

Richard was born on February 8, 1937, a son of the late Robert D. and Thelma E. (Fickenworth) Michael. Born and raised in Erie, he was a proud graduate of Strong Vincent High School, class of 1956. While at Vincent, he played football and participated in track.

Richard enlisted in the Navy immediately after high school. After basic training, he trained to be a medical corps man. During his four years of enlistment, he was assigned to be a corps man for some Marine units. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune. While in the Navy, Rich went on a Mediterranean deployment to many countries including Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Algeria, and others. He was also stationed in Pensacola, Fla.

After his service ended, he returned home to marry the love of his life, Charlene Vogt, on February 4, 1961, at St. John's Roman Catholic Church. They recently celebrated 60 years of marriage and raised four awesome boys.

In his adult years, Rich served as a Boy Scout Leader and coached various youth football leagues. He followed his sons' and grandchildren's sporting activities as a very loyal fan. Rich also participated in various sporting activities including bowling, golfing, hunting, and fishing. He loved to bake bread, especially cinnamon kuchen (coffee cakes) at Christmas. Rich worked as a lineman at Penelec for over thirty years, retiring in 1994. Richard and Charlene enjoyed traveling making their way to most of the states and Hawaii, Cancun, Mexico, and Japan.

He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife, Charlene (Vogt) Michael; four sons, Richard Michael (Terri), James Michael (Jennifer), Donald Michael (Becky), and David Michael (Virginia); ten grandchildren; one great- grandchild; two sisters, Norma Henderson (Robert) and Nancy Snyder; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who loved him.

Friends may call on Thursday, June 3, 2021 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th St. Services will be held there on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Mark O'Hern officiating. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Food Pantry, 816 West 26th St., Erie, PA 16508 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences may be sent at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com.

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