Michael Foley

Mike attended many schools throughout his education including Immaculate Grade School, Cathedral, St. George Grade School, O’Dea High School, and finally Cleveland High School.

A natural athlete, he played basketball and baseball but found his home on the diamond. One scout saw him playing catcher for Cleveland High and asked if he would try out for the Yankees farm team! He said yes, but as he told it, “I could catch and throw like no other, but my batting not so much”. That was that! But despite his playing career ending, he went on to coach at St. George and Sunny Jim Little League where they brought home many trophies.

On May 18, 1950, Mike married his childhood sweetheart Dolores at St. George Church in Seattle. A life of love, humor, and generations of Foleys had begun.

Mike worked for Sunny Jim for 22 years, starting in the warehouse and ending in sales. Then in 1968 he bought the Jolo Tavern and discovered the perfect career for a savvy businessman who had never met a stranger. He never left the industry.

Mike was a genuine family man who loved spending time with his own. He was famous for corralling his grandkids to play the “money game”, a tradition they treasured and looked forward to every Christmas. He also thrived at family dinners where he’d catch up with everyone and keep track of the lives of his entire family, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren alike.

He spent his golden years helping at the Time Out Ale House where his brother Jim and high school buddies John Pompeo and Gerry Knighton would meet up and try to solve the world’s problems – or maybe create a few more!! There was always great conversation between them.

Mike is survived by his sister Margaret, his 7 children Mike (Jo), Susan (Rand), Bernadette (David), Colleen (Rocco), John (Kelly), Jim (Alida), and Anne (Pat), 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Dolores (2004).

This is a man adored by everyone. When it comes to who you get for parents… God gave us the BEST!

In lieu of flowers, please send all donations to Polycystic Kidney Foundation in Mike's honor. https://pkdcure.org/give/