Obituary
On Saturday, February 10, 2024, Michael “Mike” Muth, 76, of Raleigh, NC passed away peacefully at his home after a lengthy illness of advanced bone cancer. He was surrounded by family which included his beloved wife Kathy of 32 years, devoted daughter Kristin, and one of his brothers, Gregory (“Greg”). He is survived by his son, Michael Jr. of Westbury, NY, and Kathy’s daughters Alicia Rosser (Justin) of Broadway, NC; Andrea “Andi” Bunting of Cary, NC; Kristin Barbour (Alton) of Raleigh, NC; and, Kari Owen (Robby) of Holly Springs, NC. Also left to mourn are his grandchildren Joseph Muth (Westbury, NY); Dominic Muth (Westbury, NY); Connor Haggist (Cary, NC); Kaira Barbour (Raleigh, NC); Avari Barbour (Raleigh, NC); Jeremy O’Neil (Raleigh, NC); Morgan Haggist (Southport, NC); Ennon Barbour (Raleigh, NC); and, Falllon Owen (Holly Springs, NC). Also left to grieve are his two brothers Greg (Kathryn), of Jamesport, NY and Harold (Mary Beth), of Bayshore, NY, and a host of other loving nieces, nephews, family members and friends.
Mike was born on May 5, 1947 in Queens, New York, the 1st child of Harold F. Muth, Jr. and Jean Maurer. He was raised and educated primarily in Baldwin, NY. Mike attended Baldwin High School and was on the Varsity Gymnastics Team which placed 2nd in the South Shore Division, ending the season with an impressive record. He navigated the rings with such perfection, he earned the nickname of “Rock” due to the extraordinary muscles it took to execute the “Iron Cross.” He graduated from Baldwin High School in June of 1965.
Mike always wanted to serve his country as he studied, read and followed the United States Navy (USN), the maritime service branch of the United States Armed Forces. Shortly before his graduation from Baldwin High and due to his underage, he needed parental permission and convinced his Mom and Dad to consent and Mike enlisted with the USN. Right after graduation from Baldwin High, he was stationed at Floyd Bennett Field, Naval Air Station in Brooklyn, NY. Shortly thereafter Mike was assigned to U.S.S. CONY (DD/DDE-508), a Fletcher-Class Destroyer and proudly served and fought in the Vietnam War and received the National Defense Service Medal. He was released from active duty and received an Honorable Discharge. Mike was a true American Patriot and loved his country dearly until the day he passed.
After his discharge from the USN, Mike being no stranger to challenging work, embarked on a very successful career as a teamster concrete driver/operator working primarily on Long Island as well as operating his own private concrete company providing services to homeowners throughout Long Island, NY. Relocating to Fort Lauderdale, FL, he flourished as a Sales Executive Representative for an American wireless telephone service. After settling in Raleigh, NC, he began working for the Street Maintenance Department with the City of Raleigh, the Parks Department and finally with Budget Rental transporting trucks to various locations throughout North Carolina.
If you knew Mike, the role that he was most proud of was that of “Poppy”. The loves of his life other than his wife Kathy, was his beloved twin granddaughters, Kaira and Avari. He was always extremely attentive, supportive and generous. He faithfully attended every Tae Kwon Do practice, testing and competitions. He attended every one of their dance recitals and cheerleading competitions. When they both were accepted at East Carolina University (“ECU”) to study nursing, Poppy made a point to visit at least twice monthly. He was so proud and encouraged them with their heavy curriculum and was bursting with pride when they both made the Dean’s List. He waits from above anticipating the good news of acceptance into the nursing program at ECU in mid-March.
Mike’s other devotions in his life were his 4-legged loved ones. His first-love was cats, but it wouldn’t matter what type of species, he took care of all living creatures, great and small and radiated nothing but compassion and love. A true inspiration for all to live by.
No one could argue that Mike was one of a kind. Those who love him are heartbroken by this loss and also share in the relief that he no longer faces the continuous pain and fight, and that his body and spirit are free. Mike fought the tough fight for almost 20 years, right up to his last breath. He was blessed to be able to leave this world on his own terms, in his own home, and with his loving family by his side.
No memorial service is immediately planned. A celebration of life will occur sometime in the Spring 2004. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Purr Partners Feline Rescue (www.PurrPartners@yahoo.com).
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Transitions Life Care Hospice for their compassionate and exceptional care in his last week. An additional note of thanks for his very compassionate and beloved oncologist, Megan Ann McNamara, M.D. along with his cardiologist, Gregory C. Rose, M.D., FACC, who walked and guided both Mike and Kathy through many dark paths.
