Michael Elliott Fox

1936 - 2023

Michael Elliott Fox, Founder of M.E. Fox & Company, Inc. a distributor of fine beers and beverages passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on November 3, 2023 surrounded by his six children and loving wife of 64 years, Mary Ellen. He was known as a leader with strong convictions and fearless advocacy in his business, civic and philanthropic endeavors. Mike was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 23, 1936 to J. Raymond and Virginia Volini Fox. He attended Bishop Quarter Military Academy in Chicago; Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; and Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana. He followed a family tradition and earned a degree in Brewing Science and Technology from the Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago, Illinois. It was in 1958 that he met the love of his life, Mary Ellen, at a tea dance at Barat College in Lake Forest, Illinois. To say Mike was a good salesman would be an understatement. He managed to convince Mary Ellen to marry him and move to San Francisco where he began his career in the beer industry. They wasted no time starting a family and in 1965 an opportunity arose to acquire a small beer distributorship in Santa Clara County. They moved their growing family to Saratoga where they have resided ever since. He built his company from 10 employees to over 200 during their 50 years in business and employed all his children at various times.Mike's life was deeply informed by his Catholic and Jesuit education. He was devoted to serving his Church through many social causes. He was a Knight of Malta, Chairman of the Capital Campaign for the restoration of St. Joseph Cathedral, served on the Board of Regents of Bellarmine College Preparatory and was Chairman of the Board of Regents of Santa Clara University. Mike and Mary Ellen formed many great relationships through their countless philanthropic, civic and political activities. Mike was known to say, "Making Friends is our Business" and in this endeavor he was a big success. He participated as a board member or as Chairman in innumerable charitable and civic organizations among them: Founder of Valley Medical Center Foundation, Chairman of Eastfield Ming Quong, Chairman of United Way of Silicon Valley, and Founding Member of the West Valley-Mission Foundation. Mike received many awards throughout his life in recognition of his service to the community and his church. Among them were: Santa Clara County Philanthropist of the Year, two Papal awards from Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, and The Honorary Degree of Doctor of Public Service from Santa Clara University.Mike's generosity knew no limits. He did not know the word "No" and he provided guidance to many. He was a grateful member of AA for over 45 years. He influenced many people's lives and was a man of many ideas and interests. Everything he did, he did to excess. He couldn't just run a 5K race, he had to run the Paris Marathon and New York Marathon twice and carried the Olympic torch on its journey to the LA Olympics. He was ahead of his time and was always quick to embrace new ideas. He was demanding but had an open and warm heart. Mike loved Broadway tunes and songs by Cole Porter were among his favorites.Above all, Mike was devoted to his family. He took immense joy in involving all of his children and grandchildren in his many activities recruiting them to work at the charitable events hosted at his home and took each of them on trips to New York, Washington, D.C. Europe and Asia. Mike was predeceased by his parents, John Raymond Fox and Virginia Volini Fox and by his sister Cecilia Sommers and brother Raymond Fox.In addition to his wife, Mary Ellen, Mike is survived by his six children: Michael Fox (Mary), Dennis Fox, Catherine Bernal Bloyd (Bill), Mary Beth Suhr (Peter), Margaret Lewis (Steve) and Terence Fox (Michele). He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren: Mary Cate Bernal, Michael Suhr, Michael Fox, III, Anne Marie Bernal, James Suhr, Megan Fox, Danielle Lewis Marquardt, Robert Bernal, Katie Lewis, John Bernal, Bridget Lewis, Madeleine Fox, Elizabeth Fox, Ryan Fox, Connor Fox, Brady Fox and his devoted German Shepard, Heidi.The family is grateful for the years of devoted assistance provided by his caregivers Raquel Burciaga, Jennie Du, and Amele Kolitagane. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 17th at 2:00 PM at Mission Santa Clara on the Santa Clara University Campus. Burial will be private.In lieu of flowers, if you wish, the family asks that donations in Mike's honor be made to: Cristo Rey Jesuit Preparatory, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County or to the Michael E. and Mary Ellen Fox Scholarship at Santa Clara University.