Michael Thomas Davidson

Michael Thomas Davidson, 82, of Rochester Hills, Michigan, passed away on November 19, 2025.

Born on July 14, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to Caroline (Niccoli) Davidson and Morton Davidson, Mike grew up in Morton Grove and graduated from Niles East High School. He attended Lawrence Tech briefly before jumping into what became a lifetime of work, creativity, and connection.

A true car buff from an early age, Mike co-founded the Gashoppers car club in Morton Grove and later built a long career in the automotive industry. After moving from Chicago to Detroit, he worked for a record distributor-an early job he loved for the music, the stories, and the brushes with artists like Martha Reeves and a young Stevie Wonder. He then joined his father at Davidson Sales Co. and after Mort's passing, he co-founded Active Marketing, working as an aftermarket automotive parts salesman for decades. During that same time, in the basement of the family's home in Troy, he co-founded Dynamic Merchandising, an automotive packaging and distribution company that he helped build and run with his wife Marilyn for 30 years.

Mike brought energy and optimism to everything he did. Larger than life, endlessly optimistic, and unmatched at remembering names and faces, he was loyal to friends, proud of his children and grandchildren, and happiest when he was creating something. His hobbies and side projects were limitless: photography that yielded legendary vacation slide shows; a basement mini–golf club–making business in early semi-retirement; The Picture Peddler, where he matted and framed photos and framed many of Marilyn's artworks; and, more recently, his Rockin' Clocks made from old 45s and the dozens of diamond art pieces he crafted and sold.

He and Marilyn also devoted many years to organizing the annual Simon House charity golf outing, supporting a Detroit home for mothers with HIV and AIDS and their children.

Mike is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marilyn Davidson; his daughter Laurie (Davidson) Salswedel and her husband Eric Salswedel; his son Robert "Rob" Davidson and his wife Diana (Flynn) Davidson; and his grandchildren Emily Salswedel and her husband Zack Waggner. Mia Davidson, Samuel "Sam" Davidson, and Ava Davidson. He is also survived by his sister Patricia "Pat" (Davidson) Van Sickle and his beloved dog, Lola.

Visitation Friday, November 28 from 3-8pm. Funeral Saturday, November 29 at 10am at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile), Sterling Heights. Memorial contributions to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are appreciated. Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook at WujekCalcaterra.com