Michael Michaels

Michael Michaels

Jan. 1, 1926 - Nov. 2, 2015

Michael Michaels passed away peacefully on the morning of November 2, 2015; just two months shy of his 90th birthday at the Southern Ocean Center in Manahawkin, NJ. Mike was born in Newark, NJ, the second child, and only son of Bessie and Charles Michaels, both emigrating from Greece. He grew up in a loving home in Orange, NJ. Mike joined the US Navy and the war effort at a young age, and was immediately deployed on the submarine USS Raster, where he remained until the end of WWII in 1945 and returned home as quite "the catch". He quickly got married, bought a home in Atlantic Highlands and started a traditional life, but quickly discovered it was not the path he wanted.

Mike spent the rest of his life doing all the things he loved most and was able to enjoy a rich and fulfilling life. He lived this life in and around the Red Bank area, where he became an accomplished and well known artist, working in oils, pastels and pottery. His work is part of many private collections including Riverview Medical Center. He had a deep love of the ocean and all its offerings, and would go deep sea fishing every chance he had. He fished, hunted, and traveled extensively, but would always return to his beloved Red Bank. Always a lover of women, he had many relationships, but relished the single life. His was truly a life well lived with few regrets.

He is predeceased by mother, Vasiliki (Bessie) Antonius, father Charles Michaels, sister Kula Guadagno, brother-in-law Michael Guadagno, and cousin KiKi Gakos. He is survived by nephew Michael Guadagno, niece Susan Guadagno, and great niece Steffanie Guadagno of Key West, FL, as well as nephew Carmine Guadagno, cousins Demetria Kress, Angelina Demos, and Katherine Antonius of New Jersey.

Arrangements are private and under the care of Maxwell Funeral Home, 160 Mathistown Road, Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087. To send condolences, please visit www.maxwellfuneralhome.com