Obituary of Michael P Mader

Mader, Michael P. “Mike”, 69, of St. Petersburg, FL, passed away December 4, 2022, after a courageous year’s battle with bulbar-onset ALS. He never complained, but rather accepted this as God’s will.

Mike was born August 7, 1953, in Monroeville (a Pittsburgh suburb), PA, to the late Michael and Mary (Luzzo) Mader. Mike enjoyed his years at Gateway High School. He graduated from Grove City College earning his BA, followed by his MFA from the University of South Florida. During his time in graduate school he fell in love with Florida and made it his forever home.

Mike retired from Almased International as VP of US operations in 2020.  In 2021 he retired from Maximo Presbyterian Church where he served as choral director for 23 years. 

Music was a passion of Mike’s. He and his wife Kathy attended the Worship and Music Conference in Montreat, NC, every summer.  For the past many years, Mike sang tenor with the a cappella choir, Chorus Angelorum. Formerly, he was a member of the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay and participated in the recording of Mahler’s “Symphony of a Thousand” with The Atlanta Symphony, Robert Shaw conducting.

Mike had a zest for living and enjoyed golfing, playing Strat-O-Matic (Strato) baseball for over 40 years with close friends and spending time with his cherished family. He was a sports nut and knew all the stats. Mike was an avid Steelers fan but made room in his heart for the Tampa Bay teams, too. His ties to Pittsburgh were strong, and he and a group of childhood friends met every year back in the “Burgh” to spend a week together reminiscing, catching up, attending a Pirates game and playing golf. To say the guys had a blast is an understatement.   

Everyone loved Mike who was noted for his kindness, gentleness, humility, grace, optimism and congeniality. Mike possessed a joyful spirit, a great sense of humor, and a beautiful smile. He loved Jesus. He will be so missed. 

Mike is survived by his wife, Kathryn (Garrett) Mader, son Nick (Lauren) Mader, daughter Carese (George) Hernando, sister Susan (David) Grofic.  He leaves behind grandchildren, Bryn and Willa Mae Mader and Bailey and George Hernando, with another one on the way.  He is also survived by nieces Lauren Grofic, Elizabeth Smith and Katherine Grofic.

Mike was a devout Christian, living his life in the light of God’s love. May he rest in peace. A graveside service will be held privately for the family.  A Celebration of Life will take place at Maximo Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 2:00 PM. The family invites all friends to join us in honoring him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Suncoast Hospice, Maximo Presbyterian Church or Grove City College. Thank you.