Mike DeLeo

Mike DeLeo was born on April 30, 1946 — one of 11 children — to Ben and Patricia DeLeo in Renton, Wash.

Truly a humble servant, Mike lived a colorful and fulfilling life of service. Mike attended St. Edwards Seminary in Seattle. A U. S. Navy veteran, Michael was privileged to be an operations manager on the Apollo 11 splashdown and astronaut recovery effort. While serving on the USS New, a Gearing-class destroyer, he was awarded both a National Defense Service Medal and the Bronze Star.

In addition to being chef, manager and custodian at Troy’s Kootenai Senior Citizen Center for 30 years, Mike contributed toward the creation of the new facility. He also was a carpenter and builder of homes, landscaper, gravedigger and gardener.

Mike provided weekend meals for housebound elderly and far more. A true listener and solution finder, he was heavily involved in his faith, community and family.

Easily recognizable in flannel shirts and blue denim jacket, there was another side to Mike. He started break dancing in the ’70s and was prolific in the traditional Russian Tartar. The DeLeo family would push tables and chairs against the wall and break into a dance party. During slow dances, Mike danced the cha-cha.

Michael was a gracious and selfless man, touching many lives. Offering food for the hungry and faith for the soul, he was a servant of all. He will be greatly missed as a father, grandfather, brother, uncle and special friend.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Patricia DeLeo; brother, Ben DeLeo, Jr.; and sister, Teresa DeLeo.

He is survived by his son, Max Taylor; grandsons, Leo and Michael Taylor; sisters, Joyce Mayer, Sharon Wieber, Rebecca Williams, Teena Croskrey and Gina Smith; and brothers, John, Tim and Joe.

A rosary vigil was held, for family, at the Coffelt Funeral Service in Sandpoint, Idaho, with a low mass held in Spokane, Wash., at St. Francis Xavier Church and a private burial in the DeLeo Family Cemetery in Troy.

The DeLeo family invites friends and family to celebrate Michael’s life at an ice cream memorial on July 4, from 2 to 4 p.m., at 106 W. Spokane St., Troy, MT. A military service will be held at 3 p.m.