Michael Sledge passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 8th, 2024 at age 64, surrounded by his loving family. Michael was a beloved son, cherished brother, devoted husband, loving father, and adored grandfather, whose spirit and deep love for life touched the hearts of all who knew him.
Michael was born and brought up in Baltimore County, MD. He went to school locally and had a wide circle of friends from school and the neighborhood whose friendship he continued to value throughout his life. He trained as an Engineer and worked predominantly in the pharmaceutical field during his career.
Michael had many hobbies. His love of cars started at an early age with his father, David (deceased) and he was always helping his friends and family out with car repairs, often in his own unique fashion. His love of cars continued through his life, and he was a keen member of the Royal GTO and Pontiac Club regularly attending club meetings and shows. He was also a keen fan of motor bike racing and Formula 1; visiting the TT races in the Isle of Man regularly and attending several F1 races around the world with his beloved wife, Jennie.
Michael and Jennie loved to travel, exploring the world together and creating memories that will last a lifetime. They made full use of their time living in the UK, travelling around Europe whenever possible and had recently returned from one of Michael’s ‘bucket list’ trips to Cuba combining his love for cars with his love of travel. He loved seeing all the old cars out there.
Throughout his life, Michael loved music. He started playing guitar at a late age when he and Jennie moved to England for a short time and persevered through practicing and practicing, all the while collecting more and more guitars! He would take his guitar wherever he travelled, so that he could play and practice.
At home, he was very proud to have built a koi pond in the back yard and he spent hours cleaning the pond and building and tending the filter. He loved a good Gin & tonic or Martini and gathered quite a collection from his travels and gifts from friends; he was always eager to try a new gin wherever he went. Michael loved his and Jennie’s three gorgeous pups; he was the person they ran to for protection, and he spoiled them totally, generally in the form of a little piece of cheese on the quiet.
Michael was truly a family man and is survived by his mother, Norma, his brother Carl and sister-in law, Liz, his aunt, Diane, his beloved wife Jennie, and his two children Jennifer and Matthew as well their mother, Terry. He was a much loved Pepaw to his grandchildren, Mikey, Angie, Conner, Jayden, Adalynn, Bella, and Harmony; dressing up as Santa at Christmas time for them and always going down the slides with them at the annual camping trip, even if he hated the freezing water. He leaves behind a wide circle of friends and colleagues, who will deeply miss his sense of humor, his solid presence, his quiet wisdom, and his joyful spirit.
Michael will be sorely missed; he was dearly loved and leaves a big hole in our hearts and in our lives. We will cherish our memories of him forever. May he rest in peace.
Visitation is Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Joseph Gawler’s Sons, 5130 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m., and the funeral, is Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 10.00 a.m at St Joseph’s Church, 8420 Belair Road, Baltimore, MD 21236, followed by the interment in St Joseph’s Cemetery, behind the Church. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation, 191 Waukegan Road, Suite 105, Northfield, Illinois 60093, or online at leukemiarf.org. Please be sure to refer to Michael. A direct link can be found below.
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