Michael (Mike) Raymond Patrick Dunlop
Michael (Mike) Raymond Patrick Dunlop began his journey home on Sunday December 17, 2023.
He was born on March 4, 1953, in Wilmington, Delaware to Doris and Thomas F. Dunlop Sr.
Mike was the youngest of four siblings. He attended Holy Rosary Elementary School in Claymont before his family relocated to Dover. In Dover, he attended Holy Cross Elementary School and was a member of the Caesar Rodney High School Class of 1971.
Mike worked for the Delaware State News in the late seventies and early eighties. He then went to work as a distributor for Archway and Stella Doro Cookies, as a sales representative for Fols Vending and eventually started his own vending company. After retiring from vending, he worked for the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) at the State of Delaware Division of the Visually Impaired. During his employment with BEP, he managed the cafeterias at Legislative Hall and the Delaware State Fire School.
Mike was an accomplished drummer and keyboard player. He played in and managed the band Sixpence which performed in the tri-state area for many years. Mike also performed in community theatre productions. He played keyboards for the Everette Theater production of Jesus Christ Superstar and drums for their production of GREASE. He also played drums in shows for the Kent County Theatre Guild.
Mike loved Disney World and we gave up trying to count the number of times he had been there. He got married and honeymooned in Hawaii and went back to visit because he loved the tranquility. He also vacationed in Paris, France with his friend Lori.
Mike loved to garden and decorate for Christmas. He spent a lot of time at Lowes! Mike was one of the founders of the Dover Alliance to Feed the Hungry and volunteered at the Modern Maturity Center.
He is predeceased by his parents, his sister, Linda Dunlop, and a brother in his heart Stan Little.
He is survived by his wife Roxanne; and his "bestest friend ever" Lori Christiansen, and his beloved dogs, Jack, and Sammie. Also, surviving him are a sister, Marie and a brother Tom, their sons, Ben and Little Tommy and many great nieces and a great nephew.
Mike loved his many friends, too many to name here, but he truly loved his band brothers, Billy Lord, Wayne Lopez, and Michael Utley. He also loved his dear friend and "own personal nurse," Kathy Steindl, and his niece Jill Watkins.
Mike was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan even when they were not doing well, he never gave up on them.
To honor Mike's memory, think of him when you go to Lowes, plant some tulip bulbs for the coming spring, donate to the local food pantry, adopt a rescue dog or cat, decorate your house for Christmas, go to the beach and watch the waves while having slice from Grotto's, enjoy a Philadelphia soft pretzel while taking in a Phillies or Eagles game.
A memorial service for Mike will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, the opening day of spring training for the Phillies. A visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 12:00 p.m. at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 1145 East Lebanon Road, Dover, Delaware 19901.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com