Michael J. Agius

Born in Senglea, Malta on March 14, 1937, he was the beloved son of Jacqueline and Joseph Agius.

Michael immigrated to Detroit in 1952, where he began a long and distinguished culinary career at the Detroit Athletic Club. Through talent, hard work, and passion, he rose to become an Executive Chef at several prestigious country clubs throughout the Detroit area. He finished his career working for LSG Sky Chefs working across the country in different locations. Cooking was more than a profession for Michael, it was a lifelong calling. He found joy in entertaining, sharing meals, and bringing people together around his table.

A proud veteran, Michael served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963, where he was honored to cook for several high-ranking generals. In 1962, he married the love of his life, Eileen (Cassar) Agius, beginning a partnership filled with devotion, laughter, and adventure.

Michael lived life to the fullest. Known for his generosity, kindness, and quick wit, he brought humor and warmth to everyone he met. After retiring at the age of 59, he returned to his beloved Malta, where he built his dream home, and later spent part of his retirement in Hollywood, Florida. A world traveler, he delighted in exploring new places, cultures, and cuisines.

Even in retirement, Michael’s love of cooking never waned. He dedicated his time and talents to missionary work and his local church in Hollywood,

Florida, using his culinary gifts to serve others. His warmth and charm made him a friend to many, no matter where he went.

Just one week before his passing, Michael was honored with induction into the Michigan Chefs de Cuisine Hall of Fame, recognizing his lifelong dedication and impact as a legendary chef in the Detroit area.

Michael is also survived by his former wife and lifelong friend and partner Eileen Agius, his two loving daughters, Jacqueline Agius (Terry Whitfield) and Elizabeth Bielski (Kevin Bielski), and his cherished grandchildren Gina, Ryan, Clare McNamara, and Abby Bielski, his sisters Lourdes Gabrielle and Carmen Zahra. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Maryanne Agius and Joyce Egan, and his grandson Jacob McNamara.

Michael is also survived by several other family members in Michigan and Malta.

Visitation will be held at Harry J. Will Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 18, from 2:00–7:00 PM. 37000 six mile road, Livonia, MI 48152.

A Funeral Mass will follow on Wednesday, November 19, at 10:30 AM at St. Edith Catholic Church, 15089 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48154.

Michael will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend — a man whose love, laughter, and culinary legacy will live on in all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers please send donations for the following fund;

The Chef Michael Agius, CEC, AAC Student Challenge Scholarship Prize Will Be Awarded to the Culinary Institute of Michigan – Port Huron Campus student who scores the High Score in the Chef Michael Agius, CEC, AAC Student Challenge. Which will be held during the 10th Annual Roland E. Schaeffer Culinary Classic ACF Sanctioned Competition on Saturday April 18th, 2026 at the Culinary Institute of Michigan – Port Huron Campus.

Contact [email protected] if you would like to contribute to the scholarship fund that dad would be so proud to give.