Michael J. Howley

Michael Joseph Howley passed peacefully after a long illness on August 29, 2023.

Michael was born near Mullingar, Ireland on August 1, 1959. After starting life in one of Ireland’s now notorious mother and baby homes, Michael had the extraordinary good fortune to be adopted by his loving parents, George and Mary (Lynch) Howley, Irish ex-pats who brought him to be raised in Rockford, IL. There, Michael attended St. Peter’s Catholic Grade School and Boylan Central Catholic H.S. before graduating with honors from DePaul University and embarking on a career as a bank examiner for the FDIC.

Michael is remembered for his great sense of humor and gentle spirit. He was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus and loved following sports and, as his collection of team caps attest, embraced several teams as he moved from Rockford to Columbus to Milwaukee. He was a lifelong Cubs and Bears fan and a devoted Notre Dame football and DePaul basketball supporter. He became an Ohio State football fan during his 20 years in Columbus and supported the Bucks and (sometimes) the Brewers during his time in Milwaukee.

Michael is survived by his brother Kevin (Becky) Howley, his nephews Connor (Caitie) and Brian (Machaela) Howley and his cherished grand nephews and niece. His brother from yet another mother, Tim Bartel, was a lifelong friend who provided tremendous support to Michael and his family during his long battle and kept him connected to his other dear friends over the past few years.

To Michael’s great surprise, he learned five years ago that after having to give him up, his birth mother eventually reunited with his father, and they married and had six additional children. While his birth parents had long passed, he was blessed to be able to connect with his two brothers, Mark and Keith, and four sisters, Rita, Elaine, Anita and Sinead. His youngest brother, Keith, and his wife, Elaine, traveled to Milwaukee in July to finally meet Michael face to face, resulting in a magical visit that brought Michael and all involved great joy.

A Memorial Mass for Michael will take place at St. Peter’s Cathedral at 11:00 AM on September 22, following a brief visitation starting at 10:00 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Legacy Hospice in Elm Grove, WI. Legacy’s caregivers provided amazing support to Michael and his family. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.