Michael Joseph McGlinchey

November 10, 1949 – September 12, 2023

Michael Joseph McGlinchey, 73, of Erial NJ. Died on September 12, 2023 suddenly at home. He was born in Philadelphia PA November 10,1949. Beloved husband of 50 years to Margaret McGlinchey (nee Lythgoe). Survived by siblings Eileen (Joe) McCormick, James (Brenda) McGlinchey, Bob (Denise) McGlinchey, Elizabeth (Ron) King, John (Johnnie Sue) McGlinchey; lifelong best friend Bill (Tina) Swindell and daughter Kelly (Ryan) Pistoia. Grandfather to Joseph Oriti, Harley Kelly, Conor Kelly, Marley Latka and Josephine Latka.  Michael was predeceased by his parents James McGlinchey and Elizabeth McGlinchey (nee Glover); siblings Eileen Kelleher, Joe McGlinchey, Pat (Lisa) McGlinchey, and daughter Christine Kelly. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends.

Michael grew up in Southwest Philadelphia and graduated from West Catholic High School. Throughout high school he was a drummer in several bands with his best friend Bill Swindell. Upon graduation from High School he got a job at the Navy Yard and then he joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #98 in Philadelphia. He was a union electrician for almost 30 years and worked on many of the iconic buildings in Philadelphia. Mike was known for his strong work ethic passed onto him by his father. Mike rarely missed a day of work and often worked sick and injured in order to support his family. As his daughters would often say, "dad would go to work if his arms and legs fell off".

He met his bride, Margaret, in a local bar and they were married on April 7,1973.  Mike and Marge went on to have 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. Mike's greatest joy was his family. He loved spoiling his grandchildren, spending time with his children and grandchildren and taking care of his wife. He was the strong patriarch of his family but always had love and warmth when it was needed. In April of 2023 Marge and Mike celebrated 50 years of marriage, an accomplishment he loved to brag about. His love for his family was obvious but his love for his wife was paramount.

As they got older and both retired Mike became the main caregiver to his wife and anticipated her needs before she even knew what they were. She often referred to him as her hero. Unfortunately Mike and Marge lost their daughter Christine on July 13, 2022 and this took a serious toll on both of their health. As always, Mike saved his grief for his quiet times alone to tend to his family and be the strong patriarch.

Mike was known for his many projects around the house. For a short time he had a business of buying, fixing and reselling guitars. He simply named his business "Mike's Guitars".  He was often seen at local farmers markets and yard sales going "junking" as he called it.  His goal was to own one of everything and only pay a nickel for it, if you needed it, he had one of them in his basement. In his youth he loved riding motorcycles and later graduated to building a few cars in the garage. When one project was finished, he would sell it and use the profit for his next project. For many years fishing was his favorite hobby.  He often went fishing with his brother Bob and for years they would both go fishing with their daughters. Just before he died, he purchased a boat to go fishing with his grandson Conor.

Mike was the poster child for retirement.  He retired the moment he could and loved knowing that when he woke up in the morning he could do whatever suited him at that moment, even if that something, was absolutely nothing. He loved his dad jokes and silly phrases.  When asked what was wrong with a car he would reply "the doodlefram shorted on the bandersnatch and now the snap daggle won't frap", or his famous question of "if a man and a half, can dig a hole and a half in a day and a half, how long does it take a 3 legged grasshopper to kick the seeds out of a 5 pound watermelon". By the way, do you know what a henway is?......

Mike was very simple.  He didn't like going out much other than to dinner, he loved sitting at home and watching the news and nature shows.  He was known for how much he did not want to talk to many people but also had amazing charisma when he was in a social mood. He recently expressed to his family that he feels he has accomplished everything he was meant to accomplish, his words were "I have been everywhere I want to  be, I have seen everything I wanted to see and I have outlived my enemies…I win".  I am certain his one regret would be not living long enough to see Trump go to jail.

Mike specifically said he did not want ANYTHING when he died. He hates funerals or any other attention that is just for him. But his daughter never listened to him before, why start now.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please send donations to your favorite charity, that is what he would have wanted.

Memories and condolences may be shared @ellisstiefelfuneralhome.com