Mike’s beloved wife Eva Soley Joy preceded him in death last year. They were married close to 57 years and still greatly enjoyed times shared. They were the proud parents of Kevin Michael and of Gwen Kathleen, both talented artists, and warmly welcomed son in law Greg Sorter into the family in 2019. Mike was also preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Marguerite Joy and by his brother Leon Patrick, and by his in laws Florence and George Soley and brother-in-law Robert Soley. Surviving siblings are Eileen Joy Frey (Bill) and Jim Joy (Ginny). Many nieces and nephews on both the Soley & Joy sides of the family were touched by the kindness, sensitivity, thoughtfulness, generosity, and good humor of Uncle Mike. Mike is also survived by a host of cousins and good friends and neighbors that enriched his life. Throughout his entire life Mike thoroughly enjoyed sports. He played baseball and followed a variety of sports. He was adept at tracking multiple games at the same time. When Mike was in high school, his dad once described Mike as “he of the statistical mind that would put any robot to route when it came to having a memory file on athletes in any sport, their age, weight, averages, strengths, weaknesses, what they liked for breakfast, or their choice of sports’ shirts or pajamas.” Mike happily continued that interest and involvement to the end of his life. He also did his part to make this world a kinder place. He treated each person with respect. Through the years, he worked as an industrial caterer, a civil rights investigator, a social worker, and later as a guard in the Marquette Bldg. He had a very deep faith that helped sustain him in good times and in bad. He was an excellent writer and enjoyed history. He had a rich understanding of his Irish heritage and had an interest in genealogy. He said he looked forward to a celestial reunion with those gone on before him. May he enjoy that reunion now. Mike’s legacy of love will live on in his children and in all the lives he touched. Mike will be sadly missed and happily remembered.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcomed to the Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc. or Prevent Child Abuse America.
Visitation, Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores. Funeral mass, Monday, December 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. (Instate 10:30 a.m.) at St. Hubert Catholic Church, 38775 Prentiss St., Harrison Twp.
