Michael W. Fox

Michael Wade Fox was born in Waynesboro, PA to Joseph and Gene Pryor Fox and resided in Sabillasville, MD. He would grow up with his 3 brothers: Jack, Chuck, Greg and "sister" Marsha. Many called him "Micky", a nickname that would stick forever. Mike was a 1964 graduate of Thurmont High School. In 1966 he left home and moved to Rahway, New Jersey where he secured an apartment and made a home for his new bride Cindy. He began his career as a tool and die maker for Jacobson in Kenilworth, NJ. After several years and many new friends, they moved to Sewaren, where they purchased their first home and would raise their two children, Amy and Ryan. Mike was very involved in the Woodbridge Methodist Church until the late 80s where he and his family would find a new home at Wesley United Methodist Church. Mike took pride in his role at the church where he was a lay leader on Sunday mornings beside the Pastor. He would raise his children to be kind Cristian individuals always volunteering their time at soup kitchens or shelters. Mike was often found fixing or painting something at the church and running the thrift store where he prided himself on helping the community. He was a giver with a huge heart and always found comfort in helping others. Mike worked for Jacobson for years until they shut down. This would lead him to Englert in Perth Amboy NJ where he worked for nearly 30 years. He was well a respected leader and manager during his employment. He would later retire and would continue to work as a consultant for a few years. As the kids grew, he would find himself busy at their Karate School. He enjoyed being a part of the Karate family, helping new families enroll, keeping up with paperwork, and organizing tournaments. Mike always instilled a good work ethic and morals in his children. He made sure they were ready for the real world. In addition, he would make sure they could change their own tires and never, ever let your gas tank go below a ¼ tank! (Thanks Dad!) In 1995, Mike and Cindy would divorce, and Mike continued to support his children in their Sewaren home as Amy finished college and Ryan finished High School. As the years went on, Mike would become busy with his family as it continued to grow. Two weddings and five grandchildren later, Pappy, as he would be called, was now spoiling the grandkids, having sleepovers, keeping the pool operational for them, and ensuring they all knew what a GOOD hot dog was. He always enjoyed looking for new hot dog joints. He was a hot dog connoisseur. Sewaren continued to be a gathering place for family and childhood friends and would provide many memories throughout the years. Mike would later sell the Sewaren home and move in with his long-term girlfriend Cheryl. Though they were never married, Mike and Cheryl found comfort and companionship in each other as they entered their senior years. They continued to support each other and enjoyed vacationing and making trips "home" to Maryland to visit family. As the years passed, and their health declined, Mike and Cheryl would then share an apartment at an assisted living home where they could both get the care they needed. He would battle his Parkinson's and later fought kidney cancer in 2023. Cheryl succumbed to her dementia in the fall of 2024. Dad continued to live in Hillsborough at a long-term care facility and would eventually suffer from several bouts of sepsis and other infections that would ultimately shut down his body. He died peacefully in his sleep. Mike led a full meaningful life and had many cherished friends. His legacy will continue to live on in his children and grandchildren. Mick is preceded by his parents, Joseph and Gene Pryor Fox. Brothers, Jack and Greg Fox, sister Marsha Hawbaker and his loving girlfriend Cheryl. He is survived by his daughter Amy and husband Dan. Son, Ryan and wife Menky. Grandchildren; Matthew, Andrew, Allison, Gavin and Dylan. Cousin Bud Merritt, wife Loise and several other cousins and relatives. In typical Dad fashion, he didn't want anyone "fussing" over him, and we have chosen to respect his wishes. Therefore, there will be no service or viewing at this time. We do however want to thank everyone for your calls, texts, prayers, and support over the last few months as Dad began to prepare to be with the Lord. We find comfort in knowing he is at peace and reunited with his family and loved ones.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Flynn and Son/Mitruska Funeral Home, Fords, NJ. Donations in Mike's name can kindly be made to: Wesley United Methodist Church, 5053 Woodbridge Ave., Edison, NJ 08837