Michael Joseph Toohey, amazing cook
Michael Joseph Toohey, 51, of Lewes passed away suddenly Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, and the world will never be as bright. He was born April 17, 1969, in Wilmington, son of the late Arthur and Alice Buchholz.
Michael was best known for his boisterous laugh, and his fierce love and loyalty to his family and friends. He was an amazing cook, and he had an incredible voice which he did not share with us often enough. Michael had an unrivaled work ethic, employed as a manager at Christiana Care VNA for 20 years, Lloyd’s IGA Market for 36 years, and Lazy Susan’s Restaurant for 10 years, sometimes simultaneously. Of the many places he traveled, nothing compared to the Redwoods. He could be found most summer weekends in his duct-taped 1998 Dodge truck at the drive-on beach at Cape Henlopen, or at one of his favorite hangouts with strangers who became friends and friends who became family. Michael was generous with his time and talent. He could speak passionately (and loudly) about any topic, be it books, movies, music, food, his favorite Dog Fish Head beer, or the Raiders. He had the gift of gab and was larger than life. Above all, Michael treasured time spent with those he held most dear. He was a loving and devoted partner, brother, uncle and true friend, who will be deeply and genuinely missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his brother, John Toohey; and his brother- in-law, John Homan. He is survived by his partner of 28 years, Georgia Truitt; his brother, Kevin Toohey (Donna Winegar); his sisters: Victoria DaPonte (Michael), Susan Monroe (Clay), Mary Alice Zeh (David) and Alicia Myers (Paul); as well as his nieces and nephews, whom he adored as much as they adored him; and of course, his faithful pups: Otis and Frankie, and his beloved cat, Art.
A visitation will be held Thursday, Aug. 27, from 6 until 8 p.m., and Friday Aug. 28, from 1 to 2 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, funeral services will be private.
In keeping with preventative protocols, masks will be mandatory for everyone attending or participating in any aspect of services.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Michael’s memory may be made to the Cape Henlopen Food Basket, 37510 Oyster House Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or Grass Roots Rescue, PO Box 422, Milton, DE 19968.
Please visit Michael’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
