Michael Mirhej

Michael Edward Mirhej Bonita Springs, FL

Michael Edward Mirhej was the oldest child of Edward Merhej and Rafika Merhej of Dhour Shweir, Lebanon. Born in 1931, he attended the American University in Beirut, and at age 20 left his home to pursue his education in North America. He attended McGill University in Montreal, received his Master's degree from University of Toronto, and then two Ph.D degrees from University of British Columbia, one in oceanography and one in chemistry.

In 1966, he moved to Signal Mountain, TN, with his wife Diane and two sons, where he began his long career with the DuPont Company. He received several patents for new methods and materials. While in Tennessee, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his children.

In 1982, he moved to West Chester, PA, where he continued to work internationally for DuPont. He married Renate A. Lohmann in 1990. Both were very active, traveling the world, enjoying golf, and spending time with family and friends.

Over the last eight years they split their time between Pennsylvania and Florida. On December 25, 2011, they took a cruise with their children and grandchildren to celebrate Michael's 80th birthday.

He died on February 11, 2012, and is survived by his wife, Renate; his siblings, Edward, Riyad, and Souad; his sons, Gregory Edward Mirhej, and Michael Andrew Mirhej, their children, Max, Grace, Henry, Miles, and Ella Mirhej; and nieces and nephews.

He will be remembered as a man whose fortitude created a life of opportunities for his family, and whose spirit was indomitable until the end.

A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 15th (TOMORROW), between 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, 28300 Tamiami Trail South, Bonita Springs.

The family suggests that donations may be made to Joanne's House at Hope Hospice, 27200 Imperial Parkway, Bonita Springs, FL 34135.

Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

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