Michael Joseph Kaye

Michael Joseph Kaye, age 68 of Grosse Pointe Woods, died Sunday, December 13, 2020 at Woodside Senior Living in Sterling Heights. He was born February 3, 1952 in Detroit, son of the late Joseph Francis and the late Adela Theresa (nee: Markon) Kaye.

For those who are lucky, the blessings of love come into our lives, change our hearts, and set us on a path toward spending a lifetime together. And that is what transpired to lead Michael to the altar and into the arms of his beloved, Gloria, as the two shared their vows of marriage on September 9, 1977 at St. Hubert Catholic Church in Harrison Township, Michigan. They would go on to welcome two beautiful children into their lives, and to grow deeper in love with each passing day.

If you knew Michael, then there is no mystery that he was a numbers guy; he could easilymemorize a long list of phone numbers or sum up all the items on the grocery receipt in his head. He applied these quantitative skills in his lifelong career as an auditor for the State of Michigan. Michael found great reward and satisfaction in serving the state and the wonderful friendships he had with his colleagues.

Yet, for as hard as he worked, Michael always valued having balance in his life. He loved sports and was a huge fan of all the Detroit sports teams (yes, even the Lions, who broke his heart year after year). When it came to getting into the action, his primary passion was for the game of golf, especially when he got to share the day with Gloria. Even on the days when Michael spent more time in the woods searching for balls than on the fairway, he and Gloria had fun and treasured the moments they spent on the golf course together. Michael’s other hobbies included bowling and playing euchre, although his enjoyment of both activities was largely because they involved spending time with family and friends. The cards would sometimes be an afterthought during the often rowdy euchre parties he and Gloria hosted because the conversations and story-telling were much more entertaining.

Both in stature and personality, Michael was larger than life. Between his height and signature moustache, he was both noticeable and memorable wherever he went. It was nearly impossible to lose him in a crowd. Michael also never met a stranger. With his warm smile, boisterous laugh, and heart as big as the moon, people were drawn to him. Michael made every person feel important, like they were part of his family.

Michael loved music. Despite occasionally being a bit off-key, he would never hesitate to belt out the lyrics if a song he liked came on the radio. Michael and Gloria were often the first ones on the dance floor at weddings, either swaying together in each other’s arms or throwing their hands up in the air to “Shout!” His family and friends have fond memories of Michael’s two favorite dance moves: raising his arm in the air like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever and jamming on his infamous air guitar. Michael was always the life of the party.

Michael and Gloria shared a love of travel and the water. Michael enjoyed planning each vacation, whether it was a golfing adventure in Northern Michigan or a relaxing beach getaway in Mexico. 

Although he and Gloria loved their vacations to exotic destinations, some of Michael’s best times were spent on Lake St. Clair with family and friends. He truly enjoyed spending a sunny summer day on the water surrounded by those he loved.

In addition to being an adoring husband, Michael was a devoted father and grandfather. He always offered his unwavering support to his children, from the time when they were competing on various sports teams as kids to when they were pursuing an education, career, opening a business, and starting their own families. Another of Michael’s best qualities as a father, and later a grandfather, was that he loved to play, probably because he was a big kid at heart. The time Michael spent reading, dancing, playing tag, or racing down slides at the park with his grandchildren createdthose special moments that they will always reflect on with love.

A loving husband, father and grandfather, Michael leaves a legacy of love to be embraced by those who were blessed to know him and be loved by him. He touched a multitude of hearts in his journey this side of Heaven. May he now enjoy the blessings on the other side as he rests safely in the arms of God.       

Beloved husband of Gloria. Dearest father of Andrea (Kenneth) Chomistek and Jeff (Katrin) Kaye. Loving grandfather of Anna, Regina, Alex, James, Eva, and Adrienne.

Due to the COVID pandemic, private family services have been arranged for now. But the family plans to host a future memorial service where Michael’s life can be more fully celebrated at that time.

Memorial donations are welcomed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Southfield, Michigan 48033. (www.alz.org)  

Please share memories of Michael at his guest book below