Michael James ("Mike") Hall passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospital on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at the age of 76. Mike was born in St. Louis, MO to James and Dorothy Hall. A graduate of Crystal City (MO) High School in 1963, Mike attended Stanford University, from where he graduated with a Bachelors degree in Mathematics and a minor in Communications. He then obtained a teaching credential from UC Berkeley and taught in San Jose for a year. Mike was a Vietnam-era veteran, serving as an officer in the US Air Force from 1967-1973. Upon leaving the Air Force, Mike moved to Merced with his wife, Renee (Mettier), in 1974. Mike and Renee managed Brunelli Jewelers on Main Street from 1974 until its closure in 1993. Mike was a substitute teacher in Merced-area schools until his retirement.
Mike was active in service and fraternal organizations in Merced. During his time in Merced, he was a Rotarian and Elk, but his most active involvement was as a member of Free and Accepted Masons Yosemite Lodge #99, Yosemite Gateway Chapter #126 of the Order of the Eastern Star, and Valley of Fresno Scottish Rite. He held various positions within area Masonic organizations over the years, most recently serving as lodge secretary of Yosemite Lodge #99.
Prior to and after his retirement from substitute teaching, Mike, Renee, their daughter Andrea, and friends enjoyed attending renaissance festivals, Dickens Faires, Revels performances, and travels that took him and his family and friends to all continents with the exception of Antarctica. He was well-regarded by those who knew him, and well-known for the breadth and depth of his knowledge and for his sense of humor.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents James and Dorothy, his brother David, and wife Renee. He is survived by his daughter, Andrea Hall-Cuccia, and his son-in-law, Nick Cuccia.
Donations in Mike's name may be sent to Soroptomist International of Merced, PO Box 615, Merced, CA 95341, http://soroptimistinternationalofmerced.org/donate.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18