Michael Patrick Vaughan

November 2, 1943 – June 7, 2025

Michael Patrick Vaughan, 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Hawthorne, California, on June 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Mike was born in Omaha, Nebraska, to James and Evangeline Vaughan. He was the seventh of eight children and shared a special birthday bond with his younger sister, Mary Jo, who was born seven years later on the same day.

At just 17 years old, Mike joined the United States Marine Corps in September 1961. He served honorably for three years, spending much of his time stationed in Okinawa and the Philippines.

Upon his return, Mike married the love of his life, Janet Vaughan Horinek, on August 17, 1963, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Hermosa Beach, California. After his discharge from the Marines in 1964, the couple moved to Omaha for a year before settling in Los Angeles, where Mike began working at North American Aviation on the space program.

He later worked at several machine shops before joining Roto-Rooter. In 1980, Mike earned his contractor’s license and founded his own business, Rooter Man Corp., which he ran successfully until his retirement.

Mike was a man of many passions. He loved the outdoors including fishing, camping, and hiking were among his favorite pastimes. A dedicated and disciplined individual, he even completed two marathons. Whether he was on a trail, by the water, or with his family, Mike found joy in nature and togetherness.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, James and Evangeline, and his brothers Jim, Bill, and George.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Janet; his children: Kelly Graybill (husband Alan), Rick Vaughan, Michelle Keenan (husband Dan), and Stephanie Golden (husband Ted); his grandchildren: Sean, Josh, Aaron, Chad, Alex, Andrew, Danielle, Sydney, Grace, Natalie, Elijah, Kaitlin, Natalie, Danny and Robert; and his great grandchildren: Samantha, Shyler, Stella and Cameron. He is also survived by his sisters: Bette Flaherty, Jeanne Sempek, Barbara Vaage, and Mary Jo DeSanti (husband Tony).

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A Memorial Mass for Michael will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 10AM at American Martyrs Catholic Church, 700 15th Street, Manhattan Beach, California. A Celebration of Life Reception will occur Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 11:30AM to 3 PM at Lighthouse Memorials & Receptions, Rice Center, 5310 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, California. A Committal Service will occur Monday, July 14, 2025 at 9:30AM at Los Angeles National Cemetery, 950 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90049.

To honor Mike’s life, we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Every person and family touched by this disease knows the same urgency for a cure. Your contribution will help support vital research, develop advancements in patient care, and continue the search for a cure.