Youssef Morcos Mikhail, age 76, of Sterling Heights, Michigan passed away on May 31, 2025. He was a beloved husband, brother, grandparent, uncle and friend, and to most who knew him, they called him “Joe”.
Born in Egypt in April of 1949, Joe spent the early part of his life there. He proudly served in the Egyptian Armed Forces and also earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alexandria. In 1978, Joe moved to the United States to begin a career in research with General Motors. It was in Michigan that Joe met the love of his life, Michele Kohn, through his brother Michael. Joe and Michele married in 1983 and went on to share a joyful life together filled with laughter, travel, and unconditional love.
Joe was a man of great warmth and generosity. He had a good heart, an infectious laugh, and enjoyed being around and helping others. Joe took great pleasure in life’s simple joys. He was a gardener and an excellent cook. He loved barbequing, preparing both traditional Egyptian dishes and his favorite American comfort food—spaghetti. He enjoyed swimming, traveling, and spending winters with Michele at their home in Florida, where he lovingly watched over the local wildlife, especially ducklings and baby turtles. Joe had a deep affection for animals, and his 4 beloved cats were his constant companions through the years. Joe also celebrated his faith for many years as a member of St. Michael Catholic Community in Sterling Heights.
He will be remembered for his boundless kindness, generous spirit, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.
Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Michele; Sisters Fula Basaly (Mores) of Florida, and Mary Mina of North Carolina, and brother Hany Mikhail (Rehab) of New York; sister-in-law Renee Newcomer (the late Al), and brothers-in-law Randy Kohn (Lisa) and Scott Kohn (Patrice); many nieces and nephews (near and far) that were like grandchildren to him, Breanna (George), Randy, Jenna, Katelyn, Isabella, Arabella and Lorelai (great-nieces), Andrew, Amir, Mandy (Meena), and Richard (Ellie); as well as family in Alexandria, Egypt. Joe was preceded in death by his brothers Michael and Samy Mikhail.
A visitation for Joe will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 11:00 AM until time of funeral service at 1:00 PM at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038. Final resting place, Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association.
