Michael James Slattery

January 3, 1943 — January 29, 2022

Michael Slattery was born to James and Florence Slattery in Cincinnati, Ohio. The family later

moved to Wilton, Connecticut, where Mike spent his childhood and graduated high school. He

also attended St. Lawrence University in New York.

Mike is survived by his wife, Beverly Christley, sons Matthew Christley and Ryan Christley,

daughter Tracie Christley Strucker and husband, Raymond.

Mike is survived by a sister, Patty Burress. In addition, survivors include Michael James (MJ),

Sean, Miles and Alexandria (Alex) Slattery, plus several grandchildren.

Mike was once told that he would never make it as a Marine. Boy, he proved them wrong,

having served as a Marine for five years!

Mike loved life and everything in it. Cars were always a passion for Mike. He had his first car -

a 1933 Ford coupe - at age 13, getting it all “fixed up” before he could even drive. Mike

enjoyed stock car racing, worked in and managed a body shop, and was eventually employed

in the insurance industry for over 20 years for Christley Farmers Insurance Agency.

Mike liked music, especially Doo-Wop, and enjoyed music trivia contests with son, Matt.

As a young man, he played drums in a band, “The Blue Jays.”

Mike always enjoyed sports, playing football, basketball and becoming the AAU New England

Champion Swimmer.

Known as “Mr. Fix-It,” Mike was a talented builder and repairer.

In 2001, Mike joined Toastmasters when a client told him he needed to speak better. He

improved quickly, eventually achieving the highest level — Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM)

and becoming one of only 35 Toastmaster Qualified Speakers in the Inland Empire.

Mike was known for enhancing his speeches with both physical and verbal humor. His

imposing stature and booming voice made every presentation memorable.

In 2002, Mike joined Riverside East Rotary Club. He served as club president in 2007-08 and

again in 2013-14. Mike played Santa at Rotary’s holiday parties for children, coordinated the

Four Way Test Speech Contest for youth and had a strong passion for The Rotary Foundation.

Funeral services were held May 18 followed by burial at Olivewood Cemetery.