With sadness we announce Michael Francis Hurley of Ocean View, DE passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, May 26, 2024 with his wife, Beth Patterson Hurley, by his side.

In addition to his parents, Virginia and James Hurley of Medway, MA, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ann Beaudoin of Worcester, MA. He will be remembered and missed by his sister Ellen Staffier and brother-in-law, John Staffier (Jay); his children, Kara Gularson (Dave), Colin Hurley (Alex) and Heather Foley (Shan); his grandchildren, Brittney (PJ), Jack, Will and Evan; as well as his great grandchildren, Peter and Colin. Holding a special place in his heart were his nieces and nephews, Lisa, Bonnie, John, Eric, Rick, Rob, Ryan, Russ, Thomas and David, along with a circle of beloved friends and neighbors.

Born February 4, 1942 in Milton, Massachusetts, Mike graduated with a B.S. in Biology from The College of the Holy Cross, before moving to MD and finally DE, working with the Department of Agriculture and the State Department prior to becoming licensed for addiction counseling.

Closest to his heart and the lasting legacy he leaves behind was the extensive work he accomplished throughout his life supporting programs for all types of addiction and providing resources to aid his community. Mike flourished assisting people develop the skills and behaviors that helped them reclaim their lives, touching and transforming countless individuals during his years of service, guidance and friendship.

Mike, and those who knew him, felt especially proud of his 37 years of sobriety and his dedication to the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. In his later years, he also devoted his time, love and energy to supporting cat and animal rescues, becoming a loving father to his own feral and domestic fur-children. Mike's well-known love of the sun, sea and sand was celebrated not only in where he chose to live, but with the yearly trips he took with his sisters to Old Orchard Beach in Maine, which he enthusiastically looked forward to and fondly remembered.

A mass will be held Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at St. Martha's Episcopal Church in Bethany Beach beginning at 11 AM, with a reception at the church immediately following. Mike felt most comfortable and himself in his Hawaiian shirt and flip flops, therefore everyone attending the mass and reception is encouraged to join us wearing Mike's favorite beach-loving style. A private water ceremony to honor his life and say goodbye will be held for Mike's family and close friends at a later date to be decided.

If friends or loved ones would like to honor Michael Hurley and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations: The Brandywine Valley SPCA - or - The Wilson House of East Dorset.