Michael A. McNelis

Michael A. McNelis, age 57, of Bear, DE, passed away on Monday, September 25, 2017, after a short illness. He was a beloved husband to Rose and devoted father to Michele and Robert. A native Delawarean, Michael was born in Wilmington on February 19, 1960, and was the son of the late A. Michael and M. Julliet (Walsh) McNelis. He was a graduate of Newark High School, received his associate degree in therapeutic recreation from Delaware Technical and Community College and his bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Delaware. Michael touched the lives of many students and staff members through his work with the Delaware Autism Program, where he worked for more than thirty years. Following his retirement, he discovered a love for volunteer work, continuously striving to better his community by delivering meals to seniors through Meals on Wheels and reading to preschool children through Read Aloud. Michael was a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish. An avid self-taught gardener, he cherished his time spent outdoors. He could often be found fishing, hiking, and camping, particularly in the Shenandoah Mountains. Michael also enjoyed reading and playing his banjo, and he befriended every dog he met. He was a good and generous man with a sharp sense of humor. Michael is survived by wife of over thirty years, Rosemary Tarleton; his children, Michele and Robert McNelis; his sisters, Ann Minner and Patricia McNelis; his nephews, Frank Minner and Kevin McNelis; great nephew, Ryan DuBois; great niece, Hailee Minner; and his dog, Brandy. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday evening, September 29, 2017, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday morning, September 30, 2017. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Michael’s memory may be made to Special Olympics of Delaware, 619 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19716.