Michael Stull

Mike is a reason people believe in good people.

Michael D. Stull, born January 4, 1947 in Akron, passed away May 1, 2024 at Mulberry Gardens Memory Care surrounded by love. He was finally set free from his 23 year battle with Parkinson's and then dementia to meet God and all those he loved who departed before him.

There was not much that Mike did not love - food, travel, libraries, sports . . . His love of food spanned all cultures and cuisines, from sashimi to pierogies, from hot dogs to corned beef sandwiches, and from potato chips to donuts. Perhaps because he did not get to do so as a child, Mike fell in love with traveling as an adult: road trips with his kids; "hunting" trips to Myron's cabin, where he never hunted; family time at Mohican; and a special trip to Micronesia. Similar to his food preferences, his love of learning spanned all topics and he often spent full days in the library. Mike also loved sports, particularly NE Ohio sports teams - and most especially, any sports in which his children and grandchildren participated. Even up until the final months of his life, Mike and Kathy could be found on the sidelines of their grandchildren's sporting events bundled in blankets cheering on the kids. But what Mike loved most of all was people. He never met anyone he could not talk to or with whom he could not make a connection. Over the years, his children ceased to be amazed how, no matter where they went, Mike knew someone. And if he didn't, he was about to make a new friend. It was these personal connections with people that made Mike who he was.

A life-long Akron resident, Mike's early years were marked by neighborhood antics with his brothers, cousins, and Sumner Street buddies. His life was shaped by his family's poverty and the kindnesses of others, particularly his aunts and grandmother. This impact could be seen throughout his life with regards to his own resourcefulness and to how he engaged and served others. Mike attended Leggett Elementary, St. Bernard School, where his family were members of the parish, and St. Vincent High School, graduating from Akron Central High School in 1965. The first in his family to graduate from college, Mike worked at the post office and Schwebel's Bakery to finance his bachelor's degree in business from the University of Akron. Upon graduation in 1969, he began his career as a case worker with the Summit County Welfare Department. While there, he earned a master's degree in guidance and counseling and became one of the deputy directors of social services. While he had many work accomplishments, what mattered most to him was direct work with people. Thus, once he retired, and despite a recent Parkinson's diagnosis, Mike returned to the work he loved as a case manager, this time for Mobile Meals. When dementia took over, Mike moved to Mulberry Gardens Memory Care where he often talked about his new "work" - learning about the residents by helping them reminisce about their lives. He was happiest when he was serving others, and he continued to find ways to do that even in death, donating his brain to science.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Dolores and Bernard; his brother, David; his brother-in-law, Tim Ryan; and his sister-in-law, Carol Leigh. Mike is survived by his wife, Kathleen (nee Ryan); brother, Bernie, wife, Maribeth; sister-in-law, Patty Ryan; and, sister-in-law, Mary Dee Burns, husband, Patrick. Mike is also survived by his 4 children and their spouses: Melissa, Brodie, Aaron, Alicia, Courtney, Ryan, and Lauren; his 11 grandchildren: Seth, Trenton, Aidan, Henry, Andrew, Cameron, Abigail, Colin, Lincoln, Harper, and Greyson; beloved Brett Cleary; special friends, Pat McGrath and Myron Zuder; and countless family members and friends.

The family sends a special thanks, and so much love, to Don Hedges and Don Zehner, who came to visit Mike regularly over the course of his 3 years at Mulberry Gardens and to the wonderful aides and staff at "Mumbleberry" for the loving care they gave to Mike. Thanks to Traditions Hospice for their support.

To honor Mike's life and legacy, make that phone call you were meaning to make or pick up some groceries for a homebound neighbor. Those small demonstrations of kindness, which Mike did all of his life, have the power to spread love and light in the world. In lieu of flowers and if you wish to make a charitable gift, please consider the brainsupportnetwork.org or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, May 7 from 4-7pm at Hummel Funeral Home, 500 E. Exchange Street, Akron. A mass will be held on Wednesday, May 8 at 10am at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 44 University Avenue, Akron.