Michael McDonell, age 65, of Macomb, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025. Born on May 15, 1960, in Middletown, Ohio, to the late Ronald McDonell and the late Sandra (nee: Achberger) McDonell. Michael lived a life marked by dedication, curiosity, and love.
Mike attended Edgewood Senior High School and in his junior year wrote an essay which was chosen from a pool over 20,000 Boys State participants to attend Boy’s Nation. He was one of two delegates to represent the state of Ohio as a Boy’s Nation Student Senator. It is an annual forum concerning civic training, government, leadership, and Americanism making it one of the most selective educational programs in the United States. The delegates attend a week-long event in Washington, DC funded by scholarships. Mike graduated Edgewood Senior High School in 1978 and went on to study at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he received a scholarship with the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). In addition to their chosen academic majors, all midshipmen complete eight Naval Science courses designed to build a solid foundation of professional knowledge. Mikes advanced subject was nuclear engineering. In addition to his studies, he was a Resident Advisor and Assistant Hall Director.
His commitment to service led him to the United States Navy where he completed rigorous training through the Navy Nuclear Power School. To graduate he was interviewed by Hyman G. Rickover who is known as the "Father of the Nuclear Navy," for nuclear marine propulsion and his influence on the Navy, its warships and submarines. This was a prestigious honor in itself. Mike went on to complete Nuclear Prototype Program, and the U.S. Navy Submarine Officer School’s Leadership and Management Training in 1983. His life in the Navy took him to exotic ports of call which contributed to his love of travel. Later, he continued his education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, earning credits toward his bachelor’s degree in 1994.
Michael’s professional career was as diverse and impressive as his interests. He served in roles ranging from engineering officer, to account and district sales manager and received many prestigious awards in shapes of various animals made of precious metals. He was also a senior program engineer, and eventually a devoted home healthcare provider. His technical talents also extended into his hobbies—he loved building computers for personal enjoyment, and home communication/internet/WIFI networks. He collected movies, but his passion was music. He collected over 7,0000 songs and most of the time when I came home from work or the store, he was in his office jamming to his tunes. He had the volume so loud I could hear him through the walls of the office and laundry room into the garage.
On October 31, 1992, Michael married the love of his life, Carol, at St. Sylvester Catholic Church in Warren, Michigan. Their 32-year marriage was a true partnership grounded in faith and filled with shared adventures. Together, they owned 30 cars, reflecting Michael’s lifelong passion for automobiles. The couple also shared a love for travel, with unforgettable trips to Hawaii, the Caribbean and South Carolina.
Michael was a courteous and enthusiastic sports fan and television viewer. Mike and Carol loved the fall as they followed their college and Pro football teams (Detroit Lions and University of Michigan among others) watching games every Saturday and Sunday. They also enjoyed the Detroit Red Wings. Also, all the good TV shows were on in the Fall. He especially enjoyed the Bosch series, FBI, Law & Order, Battlestar Galactica, and the Star Trek series and films—particularly Deep Space Nine. While he and Carol never had the opportunity to own pets, Michael had a deep affection for animals and a gentle spirit that endeared him to all who knew him.
Above all, Michael was a man of faith. His and Carol’s marriage was a testament to their shared devotion to each other and to God. Known as a big teddy bear, Michael’s warmth, kindness, and strength left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
He was the beloved husband of Carol. Devoted of Karen (George) Rolfe, Kate, Kevin (Stephanie), Sean (Anne), Patrick (Tara), Brian (Christy) McDonell, Colleen (Brad) Johansen, Mary Ann (Daniel) Harner. Uncle of Liam, Graeme (Morgan), Hannah, Olivia, Andrew, Emma, Houck, Matthew, Alexander, Megan, Abigail, Zachary, Noah (Katie), Riley, Braden, Connor (Aubrey), Jordan, Augustus, Gabriel, Cameron, and Celeste. Great Uncle of Tadhg, Aneurin, Brooklyn, Colton, Jackson, Callan, Charley, and the late Elliot.
Michael is nephew to his Godmother Toni (Walt) Luker, Irene (Alred) Kurtenbach, the late Norma (Marvin) Fisher, the late Mary Ann Achberger, and to the late Godfather Don (Gretchen) Achberger,
Visitation will be held on Monday 4-9pm with a 7pm Rosary Service the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road).
He will lie in state on Tuesday 10am until the time of his Funeral Mass at 10:30am at St. Peter Catholic Church in Mt. Clemens.
Please share memories at his guest book below.
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