Michael's legacy is a testament to his unwavering values and his departure will be heartfelt by all those fortunate to have known him. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to various roles, including but not limited to, beloved son, brother, cousin, friend, husband, father, leader, charitable volunteer and willing mentor to those in need.
Michael graduated from Mt Carmel Seminary High School in Niagara Falls, Canada. Following his family's relocation to Florida, he received his bachelor's degrees in English Literature and Political Science from the University of South Florida.
During the late 1960's, he enlisted in the US Army and served his tour in Vietnam as part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. During this time, he reached the rank of 1st Lt and received multiple medals, including multiple Bronze Stars, an Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, an Air Medal, and a Purple Heart.
Upon his return from Vietnam, he attended law school at Florida State University. After receiving his Juris Doctorate, he built a career working for the State of Florida in various roles including the Division Director running the statewide Unemployment Compensation system under the Florida Department of Labor, Executive Director of the State Job Training Council and ultimately retiring from Enterprise Florida, the state's official Economic Development Organization.
Throughout his adult life, Michael volunteered with numerous organizations including Salvation Army, St Vincent De Paul Society, the Homeless Coalition, and America’s Second Harvest.
A highly intelligent and quirky man of diverse hobbies and interests, Michael enjoyed reading, calligraphy, wood-carving, varied creative home improvement projects, genealogy research, experimental cooking, exploring local ethnic groceries and restaurants as well as writing humorous Yelp restaurant reviews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Molly Switzer; brothers, John and Daniel Switzer.
Michael is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sheila Switzer; children, John (Tirrah) Switzer, Joanna (David Faulkner) Switzer, David (Jacqueline) Switzer; grand-daughter, Ivy Faulkner; siblings, Patrick Switzer and Marianne Switzer.
You are invited to join Michael ‘s family in celebrating his life at a memorial service on Friday, November 30th at 10am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 509 N. Florida Ave, Tampa FL 33602. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart St Vincent DePaul Society (https://sacredheartfla.org/get-involved/groups/st-vincent-de-paul-society/).
In closing, Michael's family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff of TGH, whose skill, dedication and compassion were both humbling and of great comfort during his final days.
