Michael J. McGann

Michael, also known to many as Jack, died peacefully after fighting yet another valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.
Michael was born on October 11th, 1935 to Michael and Mary Helen McGann in Detroit, Michigan. Michael grew up in Royal Oak where he attended St. Mary's High School. After high school, he earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Detroit College. While attending college, Michael met Sylvia and they were married on June 19th, 1959. Michael continued his education, earning his Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit in 1964. Moving the family to Jackson, Michigan, he worked as the Assistant District Attorney for Jackson County. He was proud of his record of never losing a case and often had amusing stories to share about the intricacies of the legal system. Moving the family back to the Royal Oak, he worked for the National Bank of Detroit in their Estate Law and Planning department. After that, he worked as an administrative law judge for the State of Michigan and retired after twenty-five years on the bench with no decisions overturned.
Michael was a man of strong faith, rarely missing Sunday service at Shrine of the Little Flower, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, or St. Hugo's Catholic Church. He provided a steady and generous presence in countless ways, both seen and unseen. He cared deeply for his friends and provided companionship to many.
Michael was extremely proud of his Irish heritage and belonged to several Irish organizations such as the Gaelic League and the Irish Lawyers Association. Michael spoke fluent Gaelic after studying the language for years in Detroit. He also spent several summers studying and speaking Gaelic in Ireland at the Gaeltacht. Michael was proud of his work around the house. There was no task too large or complex; he rebuilt decks, installed retaining walls, rough framed and finished rooms, and built a bar in his basement. Additionally, Michael loved classic cars. He owned several through the years, such as his customized 1948 Mercury, a 1941 Chevy coupe and a 1949 Ford convertible. He spent countless hours working on cars and perusing car magazines and loved going to the Woodward Dream Cruise, where he could re-live his times racing for pink slips.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents: Michael McGann and Mary Helen McGann (McIsaac) and his brother Eugene McGann. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years: Sylvia McGann (Pappas) and his two children Michael McGann and Sheila Shields. He is also survived by four grandchildren; Michael McGann, Katherine McGann, Brendan Shields, and Julia Shields; brothers-in-law Peter Pappas (Karen) and Joe Pappas (Lynn); as well as numerous dear nieces and nephews; and friends and family around the world.
Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (between 14-15 Mile Roads) Wednesday, March 13th, 4-8pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Hugo of the Hills Stone Chapel, 2215 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, Thursday, March 14th, at 10am. Burial will be in Oakview Cemetery, Royal Oak.