Michael D. St. Angelo

Major Michael Dominick St. Angelo, of Leesport, Pennsylvania, was called home to God on January 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 23, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, Michael was the son of Pauleen and Dominick St. Angelo. In 1961, at just 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Army beginning a lifetime of devoted service to his country.

Michael was selected for the elite Green Berets and Special Forces, serving two tours in Vietnam in logistics and communications. His bravery and dedication earned him numerous commendations, including two Bronze Stars, one for Valor and one for Meritorious Service. He also received the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding service in the Red Ball Division, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry awarded by the Vietnamese government for serving on an A-Team alongside Vietnamese forces against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong, and Vietnamese Jump Wings for participating in an airborne mission with Vietnamese soldiers. Additionally, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his work with FEMA, the Good Conduct Medal, and multiple service and training ribbons.

Major St. Angelo served on active duty from 1961 to 1972 and continued his service in the active reserves for an additional 30 years, totaling 43 years of military service. He retired from the United States Army in June 2004.

Michael earned his bachelor's degree from Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and his master's degree from the University of Florida in 2011. He continued to support the military as a civilian project manager and quality control officer on projects with organizations including the NSA, NRO, and NGA. In 2008, he served six months in Iraq as civilian support to the Army. He was also an adjunct professor of Computer Science and Criminal Justice at Gwynedd Mercy University, Montgomery County Community College, Reading Area Community College, and Alvernia University.

His commitment to service extended deeply into the veteran community. Michael served as Commander of the Leesport Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 11282 and was honored to be the Grand Marshal of the 2014 Pine Grove Memorial Parade. He was also the founder of Horses Helping Heroes, an equine-assisted program offering support to veterans and their families.

Michael often advised future servicemen and women to "learn to follow the rules, take the opportunities presented, and respect those who came before you."

His life priorities were simple and steadfast: God, Country, Family.

Michael was married for 52½ wonderful years to his beloved wife, Kay (Wetzel) St. Angelo. He is survived by Kay; his daughter, Andrea Swift, wife of Sean Swift; and his son, Christopher St. Angelo, husband of Krysti St. Angelo. He was a proud Pop-Pop to five grandchildren: Alyssa Maurer, wife of Kyle Maurer; Alexander Engel, boyfriend of Andréa Altobelli; Eric Swift; Nicholas Swift; and Willow St. Angelo.

He is also survived by his brother, Dominick St. Angelo, III, husband of Nydia St. Angelo, as well as several nieces and nephews: Kim Shepherd, Pam Reitz, Andrew Wetzel, Alexandra St. Angelo, Katherine St. Angelo, and Marc St. Angelo.

Michael loved fiercely and served selflessly. Those who knew him knew he would do anything for the people he cared about. He shared a deep love and lifelong friendship with his wife, Kay, and spent countless hours studying military history and theology in his personal library and beyond.

Michael had a special love for the movie Lilo & Stitch and lived by its message: "Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind."

Funeral services will be held on January 27, the anniversary of the signing of the Paris Peace Accords (1973), which officially ended direct U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War. Services will take place at Bern United Church of Christ, 3196 Bernville Road, Leesport, PA 19533, beginning at 11:30 a.m., with a visitation from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to Bern UCC, St. Jude's Hospital, or The Leesport VFW.

A private interment will be held at Fort Indiantown Gap at a later date.

Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Leesport, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.