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Michael May Obituary
Michael John May, 71, of Glendale, Arizona, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2021, after a long battle with liver disease. Mike was born on June 20, 1949, in Toledo, Ohio, to Ronald J. and Lillian H. (Lanning) May. He graduated from Macomber Vocational High School and attended the University of Toledo. On July 11, 1970, he married Deborah Dobes. Together they raised two sons, Zac and Andrew.
Mike was involved with computers as they were evolving in the 1970's. He worked with several companies designing data systems, writing code and keeping up with the latest technology. His talents were recognized as he ultimately was hired by Honeywell. He worked for Honeywell in Clearwater Florida, Freeport, Illinois and finally Phoenix, Arizona. He advanced at Honeywell and ultimately was the leader of a team charged with implementing a new manufacturing/accounting data system at several worldwide Honeywell facilities.
Mike played baseball in elementary school, was on the bowling team in high school and was in bowling leagues for years while in the Toledo area. He was a "car guy" He successfully raced his 1969 Z-28 Camaro at local drag strips in the Ohio/Michigan area. He attended the Bob Bondurant driving school in Arizona and competed in weekend local sports car races. He was a long time NASCAR season pass holder at Phoenix International Raceway. He was a hockey fan and was deeply involved with Zac and Andrew in their junior hockey league experiences. Mike enjoyed sailing and had sailboats in Ohio and Arizona.
Mike was a hardworking, loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He was a friend to everyone he met and will be missed by all.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving are his wife, Deborah; sons, Zac and Andrew; granddaughters, Vivian and Zoey; brother, Ronald (Marian) May; sister, Linda (Jack) Swartz; brother-in-law, Mark (Gillian) Dobes; uncle, Hiram (Beverly) Lanning and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Due to Covid-19 concerns, no public services are planned.
The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to: Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014 ( www.hov.org/donate/donate-now/) or The Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905. (https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael May
Shashikala T Sridhara
July 14, 2022
I worked under Mike May at Honeywell, Fort Washington, PA between 1988 and 1989. I am deeply saddened that we have lost a wonderful human and a technically competent person. My sincere sympathies to the family.
February 15, 2021
Debbie,
We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. You and your entire family are in our prayers. Tammy & Greg
Phil Govert
February 14, 2021
I remember sailing back from Put-in-Bay to Port Clinton with Mike and Debbie. The wind was strong so we sailed down the east side of South Bass Is. for cover. When we cleared the island, Blammo!, 35 knot winds and huge chop. At the helm, Mike spilled wind while Debbie shortened sail. It was touch & go for a while but they got the Pearson under control and we got safely to Port Clinton. When your life depends on your best friend and he delivers, you’re bound forever. That was true for Mike and me—he always had my back.
Dennie Sherer
February 14, 2021
Always a bright guy, even when he was young, Mike was always well-liked, and respected by all who knew him. I have fond memories of him.
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