Michael Russell Reagan Sr.

Michael Russell Reagan, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:30 p.m. in his Scottsdale home. He was 80 years old.
Mike died in the comfort of his own bed, holding the hand of his wife of 56 years, Donna Reagan. At his side were his daughter Michele and son Michael, who lovingly surrounded him in his final moments. For the past two years, Mike bravely battled Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) with strength and perseverance. Though his illness ultimately claimed his life, it never dimmed his spirit.
Mike lived a big, colorful life - full of work, service, adventure, and humor. He built a career in sales with technology companies in the Chicago area before moving with his family to Arizona in 1991. There, he proudly opened FastSigns on Central, which he owned and operated alongside Donna and Michele for 10 years. Together, they became an integral part of the Phoenix business community, earning numerous awards - including the National Small Business Administration Small Business of the Year Award. After selling the business, Mike continued his service to the community as a Justice of the Peace for 15 years, respected for his fairness and common sense.
He had many passions and adventures. A licensed pilot of both planes and helicopters, Mike flew everywhere from the Arizona skies to over glaciers in Alaska. He was a Corvette enthusiast, owning several over the years, and especially loved the friends made through the Scottsdale Corvette Club. He and Donna cruised countless scenic roads in their red Corvette, exploring new places and sharing memories with fellow members.
He loved music and comedy - from Elvis and the Gaither Vocal Band to his favorite stand-up comedians, especially Kathleen Madigan. In fact, while battling lung disease, Mike couldn't resist sneaking out of the house to see her perform at a local casino for one last night of laughter and entertainment. He supported the mission of the non-profit Silent Witness as a longtime board member and was a volunteer at McDowell Church. On Sundays, he could often be found serving coffee as a volunteer barista - delighted when he was "promoted" to running the espresso machine.
Mike was deeply proud of this family and loved cheering on his grandchildren. He rarely missed a basketball game or dance performance, always in the stands rooting for his grandson on the court and his granddaughter on the pom line. True to form, he didn't just watch – he joined the volunteer crew, helping operate lighting to make each game more exciting.
Mike was a lifelong learner, always curious and never afraid to dive into something new. Just for the challenge, he took the securities license test, earned his travel agent certification, studied to be a realtor, mastered the rules of evidence, and even traveled to Guatemala for a Spanish immersion course.
He also had a playful side. He loved sharing McFlurries (Oreo, of course). He enjoyed Rummikub battles with his wife. He embraced being a proud "girl dad," even joining Michele for fish pedicures. He and Donna cherished their cabin in Payson - Two Elk Lodge - where they escaped the Phoenix heat, entertained family, and even befriended a squirrel named Rocky. Whether at the cabin or back home, Mike and Donna were active members of their close-knit communities, always surrounded by friends and making meaningful connections.
But more than any hobby, award, or title, Mike was that guy.
· That guy you saw at Mountainside Fitness, working out with his oxygen machine slung over his shoulder.
· That guy who talked to you in line at Circle K, stashing away extra French vanilla creamers "just in case."
· That guy in the airplane seat next to you, who somehow got your whole life story, even if you tried to hide behind earbuds.
· That guy who made you laugh, made you feel seen, and made you feel like you belonged.
Mike wasn't famous, or super rich, or a Mensa-level thinker. Instead, he was funny, stubborn, compassionate, and honest. He rarely met someone who didn't become a friend. He was a talker - and sometimes, a listener too. That was his legacy.
He is survived by his wife Donna; his children Michael (Jami) Reagan and Michele (David Gulino) Reagan, his brother Dennis Reagan; his five cherished grandchildren, Easton, Jameson, Camden, and Preston Reagan, and McKenzie Jones (Michael); and his treasured great-grandchildren, Declan and Emerson.
A memorial service will be held at McDowell Church (10700 N 124th St., Scottsdale AZ 85259) on Saturday October 25th at 1:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate Mike's remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the non-profit Silent Witness.