Michael John Mireider, veteran, extraordinary man
Michael John Mireider, 77, of Lewes, died at home Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Michael was born June 23, 1947, in Chester, Pa., and lived in Media, Pa., before moving to Delaware more than a decade ago. He was predeceased by his parents, Miriam and Joseph; brother, Curtis; sister, Phyllis Ferriola; and partner and mother of his children, Charlotte Mellor.
At 20, Michael was drafted and served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a military police officer. From 1967-68, he was stationed with the 300th MP Company and attained the rank of sergeant. Michael continued to serve in the Army Reserves until 1973. During his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.
In his professional life, Michael was a hairdresser and small business owner. He loved being a stylist and continued to cut hair until it became too difficult. Michael’s hobbies included gardening, spending time with friends at the beach, and celebrating with great food and wine, or an espresso martini.
Survivors include his husband of 44 years, Joe Manente; his children, Jeffrey (Jill) Mireider and Jessica (Adam) Roth; grandchildren, Alexis-Diane Mireider and Jeffrey Mireider Jr., and Wyatt, Charlotte and Elliott Roth. He is also survived by his brother, William Mireider; and many nieces and nephews.
Michael will be remembered for his gentle nature, sweet personality, boisterous laughter, and beautiful smile. He and his husband Joe were soulmates. Their love for one another was undying. They adored the children they raised together, and enjoyed having both them and the grandchildren visit. During their four decades as a couple, Michael and Joe hosted lavish parties, traveled the world together, discovered unbelievable antique bargains, and together, they beautifully decorated the homes they owned in Pennsylvania and Delaware. They cherished one another, their families, and friends. Michael will be deeply missed by everyone whose life he touched. He was an extraordinary man, son, brother, husband, father and friend.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 13, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where family and friends may begin visiting at 10 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michael’s name to ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html.
Visit Michael's' Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
