Michael Harold Birdsell, decorated veteran
Michael Harold Birdsell died peacefully in his sleep Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milford, from complications from blood cancer. He was 83.
He was born at Griffin Hospital, Derby, Conn., Feb. 20, 1941. Michael was the oldest son of Elbert Birdsell and Josephine Dadurka. He was particularly close to his paternal grandmother, Florence “Flossie” throughout his formative years. He is preceded in death by his parents; and his younger sister, Arlene.
“Mike,” as he was known to the wide circle of friends who cherished his stoic presence and wry sense of humor, was a model of integrity in every way. He maintained his wit and warmth through his final chapter with, in his own words, “Absolutely no regrets.”
Mike began his military career in 1959 at Parris Island, S.C., where he grew from a carefree teen into a responsible young man. During his venerable career, he was stationed in North Carolina, California, Japan, Vietnam, Maryland, Morocco, Korea, and Hawaii. He retired in 2009 with 24 years of dedicated service to the Marine Corps, followed by 26 years spent at the National Security Agency as a cryptologist and later as an aide to the director of Foreign Communications. He was highly decorated, having achieved the rank of master gunnery sergeant, the highest enlisted rank attainable in the Marine Corps. His leadership and wisdom will continue to be realized by the generations of those he served with.
From grilling by the pool at “Dad’s Place” to crabbing along the shores of the Magothy River in Pasadena, enjoying the beach at Bellows Air Force Base in Honolulu, to hiking the volcanic peaks of Mt. Fuji in Japan, Mike lived an extraordinarily full life of love alongside the many friends and family who meant the most to him. His presence at the head of the table will be dearly missed. When asked what advice he would have given a younger version of himself, Mike said, “Talk less, listen more, and make good choices.” Those who were blessed to know him, know the sentiment is one he lived each day.
He leaves behind his devoted wife who held his hand through an incredible 61 years of marriage, Eugenia “Genie” Anne Birdsell, née Hobbs. They were wed on Oct. 12, 1963, at Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia, Conn. He is survived by son, Michael Edward and wife Laura; son, Raymond and wife Kim; five grandchildren, Ashley, Alexander, Sophia, Michael James and Jacob; and great-granddaughter, Eleni. He is also survived by his brother Walter, his wife Lucy, and their children Walter Gerard, Mary, and Susan. He is preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Nick and Richie. He is survived by Nick’s daughters, Felicia and Heather; Richie’s son, Jason; Richie's wife, Jeanne; brother-in-law, Frank and his children Alo, Luke, and Lila, and their extended families.
A mass will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 22, at St. Jude The Apostle Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. A celebration of life will be held at Fish On, 17300 N. Village Main Blvd., Lewes, immediately following the mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delaware Veterans Home, 100 Delaware Veterans Blvd., Milford, DE 19963.
