Michael E. Upman, man of faith
Michael E. Upman, 77, of Lewes, went home to the Lord Tuesday, April 16, 2024, following a heroic battle with lung cancer.
Mickey, as he was called by his family, had two siblings and all three were raised on a farm in Catonsville, Md., by his father and paternal grandmother. He loved to tell the story of climbing any large tree and hanging on in a lightning storm while his grandmother would light candles and pray for his safety.
He joined the Marine Corps at 18 and served a year in Vietnam before finding his calling as an electrician. In his spare time, there was nothing he would rather do than fish. He would fish until he could not stay awake and still wanted to fish some more. He was blessed with a love for travel and enjoyed the adventure and newness of all ports of call that he visited with his wife, Carole. These included China, Greece, Egypt, Montana, Alaska, Scandinavia, the Florida Keys, Russia, the Panama Canal, Mexico, the Galapagos Islands, Canada, and many others.
Mike worked the majority of his life for North American Electric Inc. and enjoyed the challenges of that work and the variety of assignments. His work took his attention to detail all over the country, and he enjoyed the challenges of it. He loved people and loved serving people. Faith was a pillar in Mike’s life, and he was a devoted member of Eagle's Nest Church in Milton. More than anything, he cherished time spent with his family. Mike was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be dearly missed and forever loved by all the lives he touched.
In addition to his parents, Mike was predeceased by his first daughter who will greet him in heaven; and his younger brother, Robert Upman. He is survived by his wife, Carole Upman; his two other daughters, Gina Godleski and Kristin Upman, and their children, Drew Godleski and Charlotte Connelly, who had a special place in his heart; his sister, Patricia Palmer of Pittsburg Pa.; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He especially loved the company of cousins, Cindy and Darleen, who share his commitment to serving the world and making life better for others.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 3, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends and family may visit beginning at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, we respectfully suggest a donation to the Upman Foundation at University of Maryland to assist catastrophically injured workers, 110 South Paca St., 9th floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. Once again, helping others helps us all.
Visit Mike's Life Memorial at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
