Obituary of Michael John Salata

Salata, Michael (November 29, 2020)   

Michael "Mike" John Salata died at the age of 78 at Towsley Village in Chelsea MI of Alzheimer's disease. Mike will be remembered fondly for his strong sense of responsibility to his family and the virtue that he never said a negative word about anyone.   
 

Mike was born in Dearborn, MI, the oldest of five children. He married his high school sweetheart, Florence, had two kids, and eventually moved to Ann Arbor. Mike graduated from the University of Michigan with bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and Wayne State University with a master's degree in Electrical Engineering and worked for Ford Motor Co for most of his career.  Mike's responsibilities included creating computer programs to analyze vehicle exhaust emissions test results and representing Ford in interactions with the EPA.  At the time of his retirement, Mike was an Engineering Manager at the Ford Environmental and Safety Division where he led a team in the Correlation Engineering Department.   Colleagues say that Mike was very intelligent, valuable and responsible and he protected their interests as if they were his own.  

When Mike returned home from work each evening he would work in his abundant vegetable garden and fruit orchard which was his way of relaxing.  Mike was very athletic and enjoyed the Michigan outdoors for leisure. He played tennis and golf, enjoyed snow skiing and camping in Northern MI, and he cherished fly fishing on the Au Sable River, with his son.   
 

Mike was also a Michigan football superfan, and loved cheering for U of M in "The Big House". He also loved music and dancing and he and Florence regularly enjoyed ballroom dancing.  Even with advanced Alzheimer's, Mike danced a two-step with Florence just a year ago.   
 

Mike is survived by his wife of fifty seven years, Florence, son, Michael Peter Salata (Michelle), daughter, Susan Salata Andersen (Sergio Escobedo), granddaughter, Audrey Salata Kacel (Seth Kacel), grandsons, Andrew Salata, and Luke Salata, sisters, Sherry Broyles, and Phyllis Salata,  brother, Thomas Salata, many nieces and nephews, and devoted best friend, Walt Lunsford.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherry and Michael J. Salata, Sr., brother, Joseph Salata, and brother-in-law, Gary Broyles.