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Northwestern University United States Naval Academy University of Illinois Chicago University of Iowa

Michael Maley Obituary

Michael Patrick Maley, 59, of Chicago, Illinois, died as a result of a tragic car accident this weekend. Mike is survived by his four daughters, Christy (his Mistine), Lauren (his LoLo) Michelle (his MeMe Goose), and Nicole (his Noops), his dear friend and former wife Ellen Schmid Maley, his 5 brothers and sisters Jim (Patty), Maryellen (John), Margi (Glenn), Patrick (Maureen), and Matt (Kim), his aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, many, many cousins and dear friends. Mike received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy where he played baseball and football. He was a mechanical engineer from the University of Iowa, MSCE from UIC, and MEM from Northwestern University. Mike was a creative genius and brought passion to every pursuit. But his passion for all else paled in comparison to his love and passion for his family. His daughters were the light of his life and he was so proud of the women they have become. Mike was above all a fun-loving family man. His incredible sense of humor and boyish enthusiasm will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to University of Iowa Children's Hospital (800-648-6973) in Memory of Michael Patrick Maley.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Nov. 3, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Maley

33 Entries

Eugene Vega

April 22, 2025

Mike and his roommate Dave were very important influences for me as a freshman in 1980. He was interesting and and fun and guided some back to solid paths.

Mike Riehle

October 29, 2024

Hell of a baseball player and all around great guy.

steve campana

October 28, 2024

Thanks for the Memories Mike. Scamp in Iowa

Steve Campana

October 29, 2021

The college memories remain. Later .... See you again someday

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Mike Riehle

October 28, 2021

Hard to believe that he is gone. Fond memories from high school baseball

Steve Campana

October 28, 2020

Still saddened that I did not keep in touch like I should have with a great college friend. His last text to me was sharing the ESPN video of the IOWA Wave. My last text to him was an Irish toast. While alive he lived - miss his wisecracks and associated laugh. Blessings Mike.

Steve Campana

November 20, 2018

Mike was a true friend. Learning of his passing today is heartbreaking. Steve Scamp Campana

Donna Kwiatkowski

December 15, 2017

My condolences to the family. I really enjoyed working with him via emails as his personality shined through. So sorry for your loss.

Philip O'Connor

December 14, 2017

I went to a meeting at Northwestern University today, December 14, expecting to see Mike. We all found out upon our arrival that Mike would not be there. He had enthusiastically and creative participated with a number of other entrepreneurs in the energy space mentoring student in a highly regarded program at Northwestern. Mike was an example to the rest of us for his generosity with his time and his interest in the students. It is a great loss to all of us and to the students. Our condolences to Mike's family.

Mark Werwath

December 5, 2017

Mike was a very proud alum of Northwestern and the MEM program in the engineering school. He was very involved in several of our courses as an advisor and was a great guy. I just heard the tragic news and was very saddened. He was beloved by all the students who had a chance to hear him speak and be advised by Mike. Mike will be missed here at Northwestern!

Guy Piazza

November 13, 2017

I wanted a lot more conversations with Mike, and expected to have them. I always learned from him, he was brilliant but always curious. And always a lot of laughs. Too soon. Far too soon.

Always reach out, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

Greg DeBenedictis

November 9, 2017

I went to high school with Mike and kept a good friendship with him to this day. Almost on a daily basis, Mike and a group of high school friends, of which I was one, used to converse about the latest things in our lives, sporting events, and, most often, the political happenings of the day. We all had differing political leanings and often argued and cajoled our way through, what could be, several days of jibes and insults. But with Mike, things ALWAYS centered on our common past together. We could argue one moment and joke about some outrageous event forty years ago. In many ways, that was what Mike gave me. Mike kept memories of this group of friends, as well as ALL of the folks I went to high school with, always alive. He was a hinge upon which memories swung open like a door, and you could watch them and relive them, laughing all the time. We all made a joke of how Mike would come up with an old picture for all discussed people, occasions or events.

Malo's great talent was for letting you know that life was worth living, no matter how long or short it is. His gift was for making you remember all the people that you shared life with, and made living fun, despite the problems, obstacles and challenges. He was to me, a classic Irishman.

My condolences to Ellen, and his daughters and his family, of which his stories were endless and funny as hell. My condolences to his friends, many of which are my friends. We will miss him greatly.

To his daughters I can only say that your dad was a unique guy, a good man, and, if possible, a one-man parade - as life is a celebration. I think the impact he had on people emitted like concentric circles into their lives. He was one of those people that were like a stone thrown into a lake, creating circular waves in many areas and directions.

IHe was one hell of a guy to know.

Greg DeBenedictis

Mike dancing in the musical at Hinsdale South.

November 9, 2017

I am heartbroken and still in shock at Mike's passing. Mike was one of the funniest, most generous people I've ever met. We were in high school together and he was a fearless leader, crossing the boundaries between students and an example that inspired others to do the same. I will always remember that he loved to dance!! He taught himself how to tap dance and when we were at Iowa, he tried to teach me disco dancing at the bars. Full of life and curiosity, you will sorely be missed, my dear friend. My deepest condolences to his whole family. Much love and light to you all.

Alpha Phi The University of Iowa

November 8, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Maley family during this tough time. We are so sorry for your loss. With warm thoughts and prayers, The Ladies of Alpha Phi

Michael Nagel

November 7, 2017

Terrible loss for the entire family. Mike was a high quality man who will be greatly missed.

Evy Martin

November 7, 2017

Prayers and thoughts are with the Maley family and friends. So sad to hear of Mike's passing. All the sweet memories will live on forever. Sending lots of love from the Martin family to you.
<3 Evy, Alva, and Ivy

MIKE RIEHLE

November 7, 2017

MY CONDOLENCES TO THE ENTIRE MALEY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.I WAS SHOCKED TO HEAR ABOUT MIKE (MALO). MIKE WAS A HELL OF A PITCHER IN HIGH SCHOOL. REST IN PEACE MIKE

Jef Freeman

November 6, 2017

So sad to hear of Mikes passing. He and I worked together at Cogentrix and shared many interesting tales and journeys around the world.
He was a great guy and will be sorely missed.

Cathy Tillman

November 5, 2017

My deepest sympathy to Mike's family. I knew Mike through my brother, Dave Cook, when we were at Iowa. Although it's been years since I've seen Mike, his passing is a shock. He was such a great person with a passion for life, family, and friends. He will be missed. I hope your memories of him will comfort you in time.

Cassandra Lawton

November 4, 2017

The Lawton family sends their love and prayers to all the Maley girls for their tragic loss. Please know that you are in our hearts and am so sorry for the loss of your fabulous father and husband. Love Cassie, Matthew. Alana and Olivia..

Tim, Maria & Alex Maley

November 4, 2017

Always larger than life, we still cannot believe he is gone. We already miss him greatly. Rest in peace beloved cousin.

Noreen Collins-Kuenster

November 3, 2017

So very sorry to hear about his passing. Went to St. Eulalia with Mike and cheered for his football team. He always had the greatest "Irish" smile and remember his as always being happy!! His family and friends will be in my prayers!!!

At the Airliner 9/17. Always the Hawkeye!

Tim Daugherty

November 3, 2017

Iowa Homecoming 2017

Tim Daugherty

November 3, 2017

Joe Solon

November 3, 2017

My sincere condolences to you all.

Traci Bordelon

November 3, 2017

I am so very sorry for your family's loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Uncle Mud at the family reunion in Lake Geneva a few years ago. I was able to witness his love for his family, as well as his humor and kind heart. I know he will be missed by all. I am sending thoughts, prayers, and lots of love.

Joe Solon

November 3, 2017

My deepest condolences to Mike's family. This is truly shocking and sad news.

November 3, 2017

Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of Mike. Mike and all of the Maleys are in my prayers. May perpetual light shine upon him forever.

Peggy Hays Doering

Tom Ozga

November 3, 2017

My sincerest condolences for your loss.
Mike and I grew up together playing baseball in Broadview and football for St. Eulalia. He was a best friend and an even better teammate.
Years and life separated our paths but when I spoke with him, it were as if we were 12 yrs old again joking and having fun.
What a wonderful man.
I am truly saddened to hear this news.
All my best to his daughters and family.

B Dressel-Sanfilippo

November 3, 2017

I was a childhood classmate of Michaels, Saint Eulalia, Maywood, Haven't seen or heard from him since those days. But, I am so very sorry to hear of his tragic accident: and his passing. it's so difficult to comprehend an unexpected loss. So I'm sending Prayers to all of Michaels family and friends that the good Lord will see you through the pain of your loss.

November 3, 2017

My heart goes out to the Maley family during this difficult time. Uncle Mud was an incredibly welcoming, humorous and intelligent individual who loved his family dearly. I hope that his family and friends find peace from their memories of him and comfort from the support and love of those around them.

Mary Breier

November 3, 2017

My heartfelt sympathies to Mike's family. Sending you prayers and best wishes that you find comfort in one another and in God. He will be sorely missed.

November 3, 2017

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Mike's family, sorry for your loss. Tragic events bring such sorrow, but Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God is thinking thoughts of peace towards us, to give us a future and a hope, may that bring you comfort in this difficult time.

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