Michael W. Lewis

Michael W. Lewis born July 31, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio to Marguerite (nee Brown) and Damien Lewis, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2020 in Willoughby, Ohio. He is survived by his beloved wife, Wendy (nee Kraus), his sons Patrick, Dan (wife Tina), Sean (wife Sandee), his daughter Terry Sanderson (husband Paul), and his eight grandchildren Connor Lewis,  Katie Lewis, Broderick Lewis, Megan Lewis, Gavin Lewis, Sam Lewis,  Ian Sanderson and Zihuan Sanderson.

Mike grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Collinwood High School.  He then went on to study and graduate from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU).  While attending CWRU, he was a resident of the FIJI House (XI Deuteron), the area chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. During his college years he was a fierce competitor in hand ball, was a regular on the cheer squad, and got inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Mike graduated with a major in Finance & Economics. After college, Mike served in the Navy for a total of 14 years, defending our country in Korea on a mine sweeper ship where he held the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After his overseas service, he continued serving state-side in the Naval Reserves at their Cleveland based training and recruiting operations center. Mike went on to have a successful career in financial counseling, eventually retiring from Ferris, Baker Watts as an institutional investment broker. Mike loved the performing arts and was active in Cleveland’s Playhouse Square community. He was a long-time member of the Hermit Club, and emceed various entertainment engagements which ranged from Ring Announcing to Governor’s Inaugurations.  He had a gift of storytelling and could work a room like he always owned the place. He was an athlete and a lifelong supporting member of the YMCA. He was an avid golfer who had the privilege of playing with some of the best throughout his lifetime. He was enthusiastically committed to being ringside during show season, supporting his wife, Wendy and her horses as they competed on the Hunter/Jumper circuit. Mike had a deep and abiding faith in the Lord and was a member of St. Noel Church in Willoughby, Ohio.  He was a devout supporter of Stella Maris and the Greater Cleveland YMCA. He was a friend of Bill W. for 35 years. Mike lived a full and rewarding life. He will be remembered for his natural gift of story telling, of showing up and connecting with folks in all walks of life (he never met a person who was not a friend), for always instilling a sense of hope and perseverance in anyone he was in company with, and for showing us all how unconditional commitment to your passions can look.

A Life Celebration Memorial Mass and Service for Michael Lewis is planned for a date in the future to be determined based on COVID restrictions lifting.  Please sign the guest registry on this site and you will be contacted with details when available.

In lieu of flowers,  donations may be made in memory of Michael to either

Stella Maris, Inc., 1320 Washington Avenue Cleveland, OH 44113 https://stellamariscleveland.comPhone: (216) 727-2066

Danny & Ron’s Rescue, P.O. Box 604 Camden, SC 29120 info@dannyronsrescue.orgPhone: (803) 900-9800