Michael P Sbrocchi

Michael P. Sbrocchi passed from this life on April 16, 2021 after fighting an extended bout with Vascular Dementia. Born in Roseto Valfortore, Foggia, Italy in 1929; he immigrated to America at 9 years of age with his sisters and parents Filippo and Clementina. Mike attended Holy Rosary Elementary School, and Waite High School where he played football. He was a self-made man who joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17 to serve his adopted country and was stationed in Japan from 1946-1948. Upon returning home he was employed with the City of Toledo for over 35 years, working his way up through various positions to ultimately become the Commissioner of Public Buildings. Michael met Shirley Walkowiak in high school and upon his return from the service they reconnected and married in 1950. They were blessed with 4 sons and Mike’s focus became providing the best education and opportunities for them. He accomplished this by working 2 jobs for many years, and sometimes 3. He was the top salesperson at his second job multiple years, outperforming his full time co-workers despite working only part time. His knowledge of building and construction allowed him to purchase and repair houses for rental or sale long before “home-flipping” was a common occurrance. This gave him an outlet he enjoyed since his work ethic did not retire when he did! He built a number of beautiful homes for himself and his family, which was a true labor of love. These included a cottage at Dewey Lake in the Irish Hills, where the boys learned to waterski, swim and fish when they were young. He and the boys also built an in-ground pool at their home which was the site of many enjoyable gatherings in the 1960s and 1970s. Michael was a man of deep faith and as such he was one of the founding members of Christ The King Catholic Church. He also was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. Mike was a strong believer in hard work to attain life’s goals, coming from humble beginnings. This philosophy was passed on to his sons and continues throughout his family. He was selfless and his entire energy was spent on the betterment of his family circumstances. In his later years he was an avid walker, taking long daily walks regardless of weather, followed by an afternoon visit to the local donut shop for coffee and conversation. Mike boxed in the Golden Gloves League in his youth, but his final opponent was one that ultimately could not be beaten. However, in his passing all the limitations of dementia he experienced are over and he is finally free. Michael was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Rose, Constantine and Josephine and 1 infant brother, as well as his loving wife Shirley and son Timothy. He is survived by his sons: Michael (Kathleen), Dr. Richard (Anne), and Thomas (Robyn). Grandchildren, Michelle (Barrett) Schwartz, Anthony, (Nicole), Brandi, Philip (Malin), Dr. Alexander (Dr. Anastasia), Dr. Tyler (Kristen) Devon , Austin(Kellie), Christina (Rosario) Bruno, and Nicholas. Great grandchildren: Anthony, Nia and Kayla Friends may visit the family on Friday, April 23 from 4-8 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd), masks and social distancing will be required. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday at Christ the King Catholic Church 4100 Harvest Lane Toledo, OH 43623, the funeral will be live streamed at cktoledo.org. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff who compassionately cared for Michael for the last 3 years at Kingston of Sylvania Memory Care, as well as Hospice of Northwest Ohio. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. John’s Jesuit High School 5901 Airport Highway Toledo, OH 43615, The Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave. FL 17 Chicago, IL 60601 or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.