Michael Wales

1919 - 2013

MICHAEL COLLINS WALES March 4, 1919 - September 19, 2013 Michael Collins Wales, WWII Veteran, passed away peacefully at home on September 19, 2013 in Rancho Mirage, California. Born on March 4, 1919 in Troy, New York, he was the son of the late Rena (Collins) Wales. He married the late Corinne (Hamilton) Wales of West Sand Lake, New York, on June 30, 1953, and, was preceded by her passing on November 29, 2008. A loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, Michael is survived by three children - Kathrene Wales (Hugh Dismuke) La Quinta, California, Beth Wales (Bill Kelly) Clifton Park, New York, and, Michael Collins Wales II (Courtney Wales) La Quinta, California; four grandchildren - Michael Barrett Swartz (Elyse Andrews), John Marshall Swartz, Madeline Cate Wales and Caroline Grace Wales; and, sister - Caroline S. Wales. Michael was a decorated World War II Army Captain including two Purple Hearts, a Silver Service Star, among others. On August 18, 2012, he was appointed the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by Decree of the President of the French Republic. In 1964, he started his own business, Michael C. Wales & Co. Direct Marketing Counselors to Management, and served as a consultant for national Catholic organizations including Claretian Publications, National Catholic Reporter, Divine Word Seminary, Passionist Missions and the University of Notre Dame. Michael will receive full military honor funeral services and Catholic Mass with interment following at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia on Monday, February 24, 2014 at 8:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, his family requests memorial donations to be given to St. Jude League, 205 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60606.