Rory Michaels

1941 - 2022

Rory Michaels
June 16, 1941 - September 13, 2022
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Rory J. Michaels, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on September 13, 2022. The son of the late Joseph and Catherine Michaels, Rory was born on June 16, 1941 in the Bronx, NY and raised in Queens Village, NY. He graduated from De La Salle Institute in Manhattan, and he received a BA degree from St. John's University and a Master's degree from Hofstra University.
Rory was a devoted educator, track coach, and principal in the Seaford Union Free School District for 33 years. He and his wife, Helene, lived and raised their family in Rockville Centre, NY for 26 years. After retirement, they moved to Hilton Head Island in 1996 where he enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling. He also pursued his avocation for tennis both as player in several men's leagues and as local USTA official.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Helene; his children, Suzanne (Robert) DeRoth of Sugar Hill, GA, Richard (Jenn) of Kuna, ID, and Christopher (Angela) of Downingtown, PA; his twelve grandchildren, James (Chelsey), Merrick, Catherine, Sean (Alexandra), Joseph, Reagan (Maggie), Peyton, Peter, Elizabeth, Claire, John, and Rebecca; his one great-grandchild, Addison; and his two bonus grandchildren, Sarah and Lee. He is also survived by a sister, Ramona (Michael, predeceased), a brother, Joseph (Lucille), a close cousin, Paul (Susan), sisters-in-law, Jeanne and Laura, cousins, and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Catholic Church, 24 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC on Friday, October 14, 2022 at 10:30 AM. www.Keithfuneral.com.