Michael John Loll

Michael John Loll, beloved husband, father, and quiet community leader-by-example, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2024, in Columbia, Maryland, just days shy of his 68th birthday. A proud native son of Central Jersey, Mike was born November 30, 1956, in Trenton, New Jersey, to John and Isabelle Creighton Loll and was the older brother of Patrick Loll.

Mike's lifelong passion for the environment led to a focus in ecological studies for his Bachelor of Science from Kings College in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, and to his Master of Science in Agronomy from Pennsylvania State University, where he investigated possible mechanisms for breakdown of pesticide residue in soils.

Mike met his wife, Ellen, at Penn State, and following a whirlwind 7-year romance, they married in 1987, sharing 37 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised a son, Joseph, who was the pride and joy of Mike's (and Ellen's) life.

Mike’s working life was varied. Initially, he purified antibodies for medical diagnostic tests. A later second career involved geospatial information systems (computer mapping), which led to his providing mapping support for Anne Arundel County, where he also learned a lot about the intricacies involved in local government operations.

In the early 2000’s, Mike’s character as quintessential caregiver for family and community became evident. He was full-time caregiver for his aging mother following his father’s death, and for school-age son Joe, and likewise supported Ellen’s parents. He served as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Joe’s Boy Scout Troop 75, played a legislator for Atholton Elementary School’s Simulated Congressional Hearings, and volunteered at Oakland Mills High School, including helping students prepare for their futures via his participation in Junior Interviews.

A man of faith, Mike was an active member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church’s Green Team, where he helped establish native plant gardens and shared approaches for advocacy learned from PATH and Indivisible Howard County. He was a staunch supporter of nonviolence and peace with justice and compassion.

Known for his charity and compassion, Mike was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, embodying the spirit of kindness and generosity. His political engagement and advocacy for social justice were driven by a desire to create a better world for all. Mike's legacy of kindness, dedication to family, those in need, and environmental advocacy will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. His life was a testament to the power of compassion and community, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many.

Mike is survived by his wife, Ellen Salmon; son, Joseph Loll; brother, Patrick Loll (Nadia Adawi), cousins Edward Kahn (Hana) and Joseph Kahn (Nancy); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Michael will be held Monday, December 16, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Witzke Funeral Homes Inc., 5555 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045. A visitation will occur Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 10431 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia, MD 21044. A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 12:00 PM at St. John The Evangelist Church at Wilde Lake interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Road., Columbia, MD 21044. A committal service will occur Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 1:15 PM to 1:30 PM at Columbia Memorial Park, 12005 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029.

Mike's family would like to thank Mike's medical care staff for their skill and empathy, and the many friends and family members who sent notes of encouragement as Mike's health was declining.

In lieu of flowers, Mike's family asks that his friends and family donate to a charity that supports people in need (such as Beans and Bread (https://www.vincentbaltimore.org/what-we-do/homelessness/beans-and-bread/ ), protection of the environment (such as Chesapeake Bay Foundation https://www.cbf.org ), or cancer research or the cancer community.