Michael William Lora

Michael William Lora, age 78, a long-time resident of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully and left the loving arms of his wife, Mary Patricia Hirons Lora, on November 15, 2023 in Dublin, Ohio. Mike was a devoted, loving husband, a great friend to many, and a man of quiet faith and goodness. He spent his childhood years growing up in Findlay, Ohio. Mike’s father was a pilot with Marathon Oil, which led to his family living in Tripoli, Libya for 2.5 years, an experience they all treasured. Mike graduated from Findlay High School in 1963. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bluffton College in 1967. Following college, Mike served in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence. After his service time, Mike returned to Toledo earning a Master’s Degree in English and American Literature at the University of Toledo. In 1992, Mike earned a Master of Library and Information Services from Kent State University and began his career of almost 20 years at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library as a librarian. He started in the Business Department but quickly moved to the library’s Local History and Rare Book Department as the Rare Book Curator – a position he relished until retirement.

Mike was an Associate of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section in the College and Research Libraries of the American Library Association. He was a member the Kiwanis Westgate Chapter for many years and served as president in 1985-1986. He served as a long-term board member of the Western Lake Erie Historical Society and a member of the American Legion.

Mike had a passion for books. He was an avid reader and collector of rare books and fine bindings. He also loved pipes, fountain pens and jazz. From 1979 to 1990 Mike owned the Library News and Smoke Shop located in the Franklin Park Mall in Toledo. Another passion of his was cars, as he so enjoyed his 1961 Cadillac and sweet, red Mustang convertible.

Mike’s special place that always called him was Glen Lake, MI, near Sleeping Bear Dunes where his family had a cottage from 1959 to 2014. He spent his summers there from age 7 on. The rolling hills, blue waters of the lake, and time with friends and family were delights of his life.

He leaves behind his wife Pat Lora, the love of his life, celebrating 50 years of marriage this past September and his brothers Steve (Joan) and Bill (Jill) and nieces Katie (Robert) Eby and Kelsey (Laurie) Gibson.

A memorial service celebrating Mike’s life will be held at the Historic Church of St. Patrick (130 Avondale Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43604) on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. where Mike was a long-time parishioner and a member of the Historic Church Preservation Society.

The family suggests tributes to the Historic Church of St Patrick in Toledo or Capital City Hospice, Columbus, Ohio in gratitude for their comfort and gentle care.