F. Michael Vale

March 9, 1956 – May 24, 2025

Francis Michael Vale, 69, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on May 24, 2025.

Born in New York City on March 9, 1956, Michael was raised in a military family as the second youngest of five children. His family settled in Central Florida, where Michael graduated from Winter Park High School and later attended Florida Technical College (now UCF).

Michael spent over two decades as an Audio/Video Engineer at The Walt Disney Company, bringing precision and craftsmanship to work he took pride in. After retiring, he found joy on the water as a fishing boat captain, sharing his love for the outdoors and the thrill of the catch.

He had a sharp eye for detail and a deep appreciation for how things worked. Michael was a man of many interests—fishing, nature, horticulture, animals, music, film, and sports. He enjoyed working with his hands and had a knack for fixing things. Whether it was DIY projects, gardening, woodworking, or taking something apart just to see how it worked, he was most at ease when he was tinkering. He also had a lifelong love of history, classic movies, and old television—always ready with an obscure fact, a memorable quote, or an offhand quip. Michael was a man of strong opinions, dry wit, and quiet passions. He valued solitude and lived life on his own terms.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Mary V. Jensen (Luke), and their children, Jack and Sadie; his son, Christopher M. Vale; and his brother, John J. Vale, as well as many extended family members and friends. He left a lasting impression on those who knew him, and he will be remembered for the life he lived.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 10:00am, at Woodlawn Cemetery, Gotha, FL. Those who knew Michael are invited to gather, reflect, and remember him in their own way. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael's memory may be made to Project Healing Towers, supporting disabled veterans post-injury through therapeutic fishing and the outdoors.

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