Michael Dalton

1946 - 2017

Michael Dalton
April 9, 1946 - July 13, 2017
San Jose, CA
Mike was born in Akron, Ohio on April 9, 1946. He grew up in Charleston, South Carolina and moved to California when he was 16. In 1965, Mike and Bonnie shared an Economics class in their high school senior year and he finally asked her out a week before graduation and they've been together ever since. They were married in 1967.
Mike's National Guard Unit was activated during the Vietnam War and he was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington. Upon release in 1969, Mike returned to his job with the Postal Service as a temporary carrier. He retired in 2001 as Manager of Operations for the San Jose District. He enjoyed his career and looked forward to work each day.
Mike was a man with common sense and a sense of humor. He was decisive, punctual, spontaneous, optimistic, realistic, stubborn, detailed-oriented, loyal, kind hearted, impulsive, generous, loving, knowledgeable, intelligent, competitive, logical and forgiving. He liked science fiction the Eagles, traveling, day trips, poker with his buddies, chess, fishing, Scrabble, seafood, sushi, Thanksgiving (because it was about family) and any game that had a component that rolled or bounced. Over the years, he collected coins, shark teeth, rocks, stamps, and knives. He coached his sons' basketball teams in the middle school years, making certain that all the boys had a chance to play during the games. Mike loved his wife, children, grandsons and brother with all of his heart.
Mike put his faith in Jesus Christ and his hope for eternal life was based solely on God's mercy, grace, and forgiveness. On July 13, 2017, with family at his side, he took his last breath and stepped into eternity with expectation.
Mike is survived by his wife Bonnie, sons Steve and Eric, and grandsons Stephen and Jesse. Other family includes his beloved brother Tim and sister-in-law Sharon, and many nephews and nieces, and the many friends he cherished over the years. Family and friends celebrated his 70th birthday last year and have chosen that as the final celebration of his life. He had a great time! Blessings to all!


View the online memorial for Michael Dalton