Michael McNesby, Special Olympian
Michael McNesby, 58 years young, passed away peacefully Monday, March 26, 2018.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Joseph McNesby. He is survived by his siblings Teesie Bonk (John), Trish Milewski (Jay), Joe McNesby (Sharon), Jerry McNesby (Debbie) and Dan McNesby. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Andy McNesby (Jen), Kate Adams (Tom), Erin Nowicki (Mark), Theresa Martin (Jutt), Kristen and Mikey McNesby, Michael Pat, Shawn (Meghan) and Meghan Bonk and Brian (Becky) and Jay Milewski. Michael served as the honorary best man in the weddings of his nieces and nephews, and was known as "Uncle Mike" to all of their extended friends over the years.
Born in 1960 during a time of society's uncertainty on what to do with individuals with intellectual disabilities, our parents chose inclusion - and included he was. Michael graduated from the Meadowood School and remained close with his first teacher, Barbara Spence. He was also the first DFRC Blue Gold All Star Child when he stole the show - and numerous hearts - in 1970. He later worked at Elwyn for 28 years with so many dedicated people too numerous to name... except his lifelong counselors Vicki Haschek and George Earley.
Michael's life was truly enriched through his participation in Special Olympics Delaware (SODE), winning numerous medals in bocce ball and bowling. SODE is amazing. (Thank you Ann Grunert & Co.) He was always the captain of Michael's Monkees for the DSA Buddy Walk, loved singing at the Sussex County Boardwalk Buddy Walk, and was involved in Best Buddies Delaware. A special thanks to Dennis and Sharonlee Diehl for including Michael in all of your Buddy Walks throughout the years...you two are so special.
Michael was also an honorary member of Defiance Athletic Association. He, along with brother Dan and nephew Shawn, was the biggest fan of the Washington Redskins and would defend them to the core against his many nephews who were not so supportive. A dedicated viewer of both Channel 6 Action News and the Weather Channel, Michael also loved listening to his music every night, and was a huge fan of Frank Sinatra. Every family event included him entertaining his audience with his version of "My Way."
Throughout his life, he certainly did it his way, touching the lives of so many in such a positive way along his journey....his emotional intelligence was off the charts always being the rainbow in our clouds...we should all be able to view the world through his unfiltered eyes. The world is a better place and we are better people because of him. Thank you Michael for doing it your way.
The family would like to thank the countless friends and family who made Michael's life so enjoyable. We would especially like to thank the special doctors who helped him through his numerous medical conditions. Special thanks to Dr. Vincent Schaller, Dr. Bill Keller, Dr. Lanny Edelsohn, Dr. Patricia Curtin, Dr. Jennifer LeComte and Dr. Mary Stephens.
The family would also like to thank all the eateries that Michael frequented up and down the state on a regular basis. He became so close with the staff at all his favorite restaurants, including Mrs. Robinos (Lottie), Grotto Grand Slam (Michelle), Charcoal Pit, Burger King, Ruby Tuesdays, Greene Turtle, Irish Eyes (Charlene, Tom, Emily, John) and Friendly’s.
Michael never met a person who didn't walk away being moved by his unconditional love, compassion, humor and unforgettable personality.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at St. Elizabeth's R.C. Church, Cedar and Clayton streets, Wilmington, Monday, April 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth's Church Tuesday, April 3, at 11 a.m. Burial will be at All Saints' Cemetery. Feel free to wear your Rock the Socks.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to those organizations that enriched all of our lives: SODE, 619 S. College Ave., Newark, DE 19716; DFRC, 640 Plaza Drive, Newark, DE 19702, www.dfrc.org; Boardwalk Buddy Walk, P.O. Box 805, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, www.boardwalkbw.donordrive.com; and Down Syndrome Assoc., P.O. Box 747, Middletown, DE 19709.
