Donald Bruce Michaels

Donald Michaels (Don), 85, passed away in New Bern, North Carolina on November 9, 2023, with Nancy, his beloved wife of 64 years, by his side. Don was the son of the late Ida Gause and John J. Michaels. He was born and raised in North Wales, PA, along with his three older brothers, who are now deceased.

Don was a 1959 graduate of Muhlenberg College. He served as a Human Resources Manager for most of his career, a role in which he used his great people skills. To know Don was to like him. He was incredibly personable, had a great sense of humor, and was very sentimental. He was always prepared to see the best in every person and every situation. Don was also quite the adventurer and loved to travel, ride his motorcycle, and even got a private pilot license and scuba diving certification. In his retirement, he became a real estate broker. He was an active member of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in New Bern, NC. He cared deeply about environmental issues and was a member of many environmental organizations.

Don is survived by his wife, Nancy (Ritter) Michaels, daughter Jennifer Michaels, son-in-law James McCarthy, and granddaughters Katelyn and Alana of Westborough, MA, and many loving nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa Michaels, of Oakland, CA.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in New Bern. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s memory to Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, 1605 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, 28560 or to the environmental organization Earthjustice.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Donald Bruce Michaels.