Donald E. Michael passed away on July 23, 2024, at age 95, surrounded by members of his family. Predeceased by his parents, Nellie and Frealin Michael, his wife, Ellen Margot Michael, his daughter, Anne Elise Michael, his sister, Virginia Cooper Lovelace, and his nephews, Robert L. Cooper and Ralph D. Cooper.

Educated at Davis and Elkins College, as a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity he may or may not have enticed a cow into the Dean's office. He then joined the Air Force, where he learned respect and honor, the art of zealous organization, and how to achieve the perfect shoeshine. Following his stint in the Air Force he joined the Baltimore City Police force, where he walked his beat and created friendships along the way. He believed that a sense of community and camaraderie helped elevate a neighborhood. There wasn't a store, bakery, bar, or restaurant that didn't know him by name, and he counted Blaze Starr as a friend. As a pioneer of the original breathalyzer test, he was required, as a happy test subject, to drink shot after shot as the researchers took notes on his inebriation levels.

He was then educated at the University of Baltimore School of Law, and met his wife, Margot, on a double-date. They were married at Roland Park Presbyterian Church in 1958 until her death in 2005. During his long and illustrious career in insurance and financial fraud investigation, he made many friends, whom he cherished until the day he died. As a long-time community leader in Dulaney Valley, he was known to be fair and kind. A loyal husband and friend to many, he was also a member of the Loch Raven Badminton Club and won many medals in the Senior Olympics. An avid cyclist, he rode long distances on the Eastern Shore with friends. He was a fan of a perfectly cut and edged lawn, The Orioles, a good cigar, nice watches, fine liquor, a well-tailored suit, and a fast game of pinochle with his buddies. His happiest moments were spent with his grandchildren, Madeleine and Ethan, who constantly made him proud, and who inherited his quick wit and charm. His packed 95th birthday party was a testament to his lifelong friendships. He was an exemplary father, grandfather, and friend who never met a stranger. At 95, his was a life well-lived, with loyalty, integrity, style, and wit. He will be greatly missed.

Survived by his daughter, Donna Michael Emeott; son-in-law, Matthew Emeott; granddaughter Madeleine Cohen and grandson Ethan Cohen; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Michael; goddaughter, Jennifer Asplen Little; dear friend of over 60 years, Philip A. Recknor; many other family members, and countless friends.

Friends are invited to visit Ruck - Towson Funeral Home, 1050 York Road, on Sunday, August 11, 2024, between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Interment will be at Loudon Park Cemetery on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 11 a.m. A private family celebration will be held at the Elkridge Club. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in his name to the American Cancer Society is requested. American Cancer Society, 8219 Town Center Drive, Baltimore, MD 21236 or donate.cancer.org