Michael Joseph Nally

Born August 12, 1938, at St. Francis Hospital in Charleston, West Virginia, Mike’s life was defined by curiosity and a deep love of learning. He graduated from Charleston Catholic High School at 16 years old, where he captained the football team and made many friendships that he maintained for decades.

At just 20, he completed his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics at West Virginia State College and was commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Artillery Division. His service took him from Germany to the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, where he finished his military career as a captain. Michael continued his academic journey, earning a master’s degree at the University of Alabama and later a PhD at Colorado State University, both in clinical psychology.

With Nancy Jane Allen Nally, he welcomed two daughters, Carissa Marie Nally and Pamela Lynn Nally. Later, with Sheri Witham Speare, he added a third daughter, Tess DiaDama Nally.

He took great pride in his family, which grew to include six grandchildren, who adored their “Papa Mike”. Carissa, with husband Chuck Breithaupt, gave him granddaughter Laura Elizabeth Breithaupt (31) and grandson Michael John Breithaupt (26) and fiancé Julia Lee Wolfenden (26). Pam, with husband Jay Honeycutt, added granddaughter Analeigh Jayne Aubrey Honeycutt (24) and wife Jordan Pulliam Honeycutt (27). Tess added three additional granddaughters, Reese Alexis Douglas (12), Paige Elizabeth Douglas (9) and Campbell Grace Douglas (8). All of his children and grandchildren survive him.

He is also survived by his sister, Colleen Nally Stanton, his brother, Don Nally, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Vitalis Michael Joseph Nally, mother, Irene Elizabeth Palkovic Nally, and sisters, Gemma Nally Parks and Joan Nally Robinson. His devoted caregiver and puzzle partner Karla Santos also survives him, as does lifelong best friend and professional accordion player, Jim Shoemaker (XU).

A prolific writer and notetaker, who affectionately went by “The Monk”, Mike once said he hoped to be remembered “as somebody pretty smart, but also very kind, with an interesting curiosity for life.” Under the pen name Nalli, he authored countless books, articles and short stories, all infused with his playful use of words and love for vocabulary. Throughout his life, Mike enjoyed running, golfing and singing and delighted family and friends with his witty storytelling and humor. A frequent patron to the local coffee shop and lover of family reunions and gatherings through the years, Mike never met a stranger and always made it a point to know your name. He was a lifelong recycler, trash picker-upper, and a minimalist extraordinaire. Mike enjoyed watching sports, including those of his grandchildren, always ready with analysis and coaching wisdom. Over his 87 years, he touched many lives and will be remembered always as a teacher, author, part-time philosopher, father, grandfather and friend.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations go to the literacy organization Reading Is Fundamental (R.I.F.) and the American Cancer Society, organizations that reflect Mike’s enduring belief in the power of knowledge and the resilience of the human spirit.