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Michael Hanson Diffley
Michael Hanson Diffley
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Michael was the first born son of the late Lt. Col. (Retired) Thomas & Geraldine Diffley in Tokyo, Japan on January 7th,1951.
The Diffley family moved to Sarasota in 1962. Michael went to Saint Martha School, graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1969 and Georgia Tech University in 1973 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at Georgia Tech, Michael enlisted in the ROTC and served as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and was a well-loved member of Theta Chi Fraternity.
After graduating from Georgia Tech University, Michael entered the Real Estate business and became the President of the Sarasota Board of Realtors in 1985.
Michael is survived by his three younger siblings, Patrick (Karen) Diffley, Kevin (Marie) Diffley, and Judi (Josh) Reynolds. He was adored by his nieces and nephews BJ (Katelyn), Kate, Thomas, Paige,Tyler, Elizabeth, and Emily (goddaughter).
Michael was known for his great sense of humor and always kept his loved ones laughing.
Michael loved scuba diving, snow skiing, watching football, trips to Las Vegas, and his annual camping trips with his long-time Theta Chi fraternity brothers.
As a parishioner of Saint Martha Catholic Church, there will be a Funeral Mass at the church on what would have been his 72nd birthday, January 7, 2023, at 10 a.m. Please join us in celebrating a wonderful soul.
For donations, please contribute to Tidewell Hospice of Sarasota County, tidewellfoundation.org.
If you wish to send flowers, please use Michael's favorite flower shop, Aloha Flowers (alohaflowers.com) in Sarasota.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Christine and George Montilio
January 4, 2023
Our hearts go out to the Diffley family at the loss of their beloved Michael. Wishing you peace, comfort and much love.
Christine and George Montilio
David Hoyer
January 2, 2023
RIP Brother. You changed my life for the better as you are one of the reasons I pledged Theta Chi. Thank you for your service as Chapter President (see picture).
My condolences to your family. Thank you for being a great person and an inspiring leader. The world needs more people like Mike Diffley.
Jim Arrowood
December 29, 2022
We are truly fortunate to have known such phenomenal person and I'm surely blessed to have Mike as by Big Brother too, he was Huge. "Jimmy"
Dwighd D. Delgado
December 29, 2022
You will always be my Big Brother, and I am grateful that our paths crossed at Georgia Tech, providing many special memories together. Love, Dwighd.
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Chris Moler
December 29, 2022
A very special man indeed. will be dearly missed
Tony Ierulli
December 28, 2022
Prayers to the Diffley family.... Mike led a great life...
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