Michael John DeAngelus

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Michael John DeAngelus on November 28, 2024, in Asheville, North Carolina, at the age of 80.

Born on September 29, 1944, in Northampton, Massachusetts, Mike graduated from Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton in 1962. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) in roles such as Port Security and Hospital Corpsman, remaining in the Coast Guard reserves until being honorably discharged in 1970.

In the mid-1960s, Mike became certified as a Respiratory Therapy Technician and Pulmonary Technologist. He trained extensively and worked at esteemed teaching hospitals in Massachusetts, Florida, and Maine. Mike served alongside doctors throughout his career and influenced the medical literature on the leading respiratory therapy interventions of that era. He also held various hospital leadership roles, ultimately being promoted to Director of Respiratory Services at Augusta General Hospital, a position he held for 17 years.

In 1986, Mike relocated to North Carolina, initially working in carpentry and small engine repair. In 1992, he established Total Home Care, a medical supply company in Morganton. He dedicated 16 years to serving his customers with exceptional care before retiring in 2008. Mike was known for going above and beyond for his cherished customers.

Mike was extremely creative, quick-witted, and astute in a variety of subjects, particularly in the medical field. He loved to make people laugh with his one-liners. He was a man of diverse interests and passions, finding his greatest joy in time spent outdoors. He thrived on activities such as skiing, bicycling, fishing, sailing, playing racquetball, riding his Harley, and making music with friends. He loved his Martin guitar.

Mike was a visionary and an innovator, and his love for woodworking and carpentry was particularly notable. In 1978, he completed the design and construction of a Scandinavian-inspired passive solar home in Windsor, Maine.

Mike loved dogs, notably Bumper the pitbull, who went to work each day with him at the medical supply store and happily greeted customers all day.

Mike is survived by his daughters, Lisa Vivero and Maria McCoy, his sons, Carlo DeAngelus and Marco DeAngelus, his sisters, Carol Yarbrough and Tobie Petkus, his brothers, Mickie Chilson and CJ DeAngelus, his granddaughters, Annabella Vivero and Angelina DeAngelus, and his grandson, Jordan Vivero. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles J. DeAngelus and Carolyn Pattison DeAngelus.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.