Michael Ferrence Jr.

FERRENCE, MICHAEL "MIKE" Age 78, devoted husband, father, and public servant, passed away September 3, 2025 in Charlotte, NC surrounded by family.
Born in 1947 to Michael Sr. and Katherine Ferrence in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Mike grew up in Detroit as the youngest and only son, lovingly kept in line by his three older sisters, Betty Jane, Marge, and Joann. From those early days, his life was marked by loyalty, humility, and an unwavering sense of purpose.
After serving honorably in the U.S. Army medical corps during a turbulent period of our nation's history, Mike pursued higher education at Wayne State University, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in police and public administration while working full-time. He later added a second graduate degree in adult learning and human resource development, embodying his lifelong dedication to education and leadership.
Mike's professional life reflected the breadth of his service: from firefighter and mortician's assistant to Public Safety Officer in Grosse Pointe Woods and Chief of Police for DeWitt Township, where he became one of the youngest chiefs in Michigan's history. In 1978, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation, beginning a distinguished career that spanned counterintelligence, fraud, and counterterrorism, culminating in his role as Unit Chief of the Leadership Development Unit at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. His work developing leaders across law enforcement was among his proudest achievements, influencing generations of public servants at home and abroad.
Even after retiring from the Bureau in 2005, Mike never stepped away from service. He founded a small advisory firm with several distinguished FBI colleagues, continued to contribute to the Leadership Development Institute, held executive leadership roles with the Major County Sheriff's Association, the Leadership in Counterterrorism Alumni Association, and most recently with two law enforcement-focused companies. His colleagues remember him as a steady presence - respected for his integrity, generosity of spirit, and ability to bring people together.
But for all his professional accomplishments, Mike's deepest devotion was to his family. In 1970, he married the love of his life, Kay, and together they built a partnership that endured more than 50 years. They raised two children, Patrick and Jessica, who were his constant pride and joy. The family moved across the country as duty required, but wherever they landed, Mike and Kay created a home filled with laughter, support, and the quiet example of a man whose values never wavered. Later years brought the joy of living at Lake James, North Carolina where he took immense delight walking the neighborhood greeting his neighbors (and their dogs), and held close to a wide circle of extended family and friends who treasured his steady presence.
Those who knew Mike remember a man both strong and gentle, who carried himself with quiet dignity. He believed in the simple truths: be dependable, stand by your word, listen more than you speak, and never waste time on anger. He had a gift for making others feel seen, and his legacy is measured not only in the institutions he shaped but in the countless lives he touched.
Mike will be remembered as a man rock steady in his convictions, certain of what truly mattered, and faithful to the end in living a life defined by service, love, and integrity.
He is survived by his devoted wife Kathleen, and leaves to cherish his memory his children Patrick (Angela) and Jessica, his sister Betty Gould and her husband Ken Gould, his sister Marge Kirsch and her husband David Kirsch, his sister Joann Boldy and her husband Jim Boldy, and his sister-in-law Patricia Anderson and her husband Dr. John Anderson. His loss is keenly felt by each of his 11 nieces and nephews, two of whom, Todd Boldy and John Anderson followed in his footsteps to become career law enforcement professionals. He was loved and will be missed by his countless cousins, friends and colleagues. He deeply mourned the preceding deaths of his parents, Michael Sr. and Katherine, and grieved the untimely passing of his cousin Fred Posavetz, Chief of Clinton Township Police in 2021.
Visitation Thursday 3-8pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile (Shelby Township). Funeral Friday Instate 9:30am at St. Kieran Church 53600 Mound Rd. (btw. 24 and 25 Mile Rds.) until time of Mass at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org/), a cause Mike strongly supported for over a decade.
Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Share memories with the family at their " On Line Guestbook" @ WujekCalcaterra.com