Michael Jay Felo Sr.

Michael “Mike” Jay Felo, Sr.

July 22,1959 - July 20, 2026

Michael Jay Felo was born July 22, 1959, in Norwalk, California, to Dennis and Pat Felo, joining two-year-old sister, Deborah “Debi”, who he would form a close relationship with through shared childhood experiences.

He embodied the spirit of a typical Southern California child, enjoying the beach and indulging in sports. A die-hard Dodgers fan; a passion he would eventually share with his son. He was known for his kind heart and his lively personality, affectionately dubbed “mouth” by his teachers. Michael had a remarkable ability to make friends, forging connections with many throughout his life.

Growing up in Southern California during the latter half of the 20th century, he witnessed a dramatic transformation in his surroundings. The lemon orchards he walked through on his way to school, snagging and eating them sprinkled with salt, were replaced by businesses and housing developments, evolving into the subdivisions of today.

He graduated Alta Loma High School in 1977 and briefly attended Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, California. He developed a deep love for music, another passion he would later share with his son, and bicycling, completing several races and a tour along the way.

In 1984, Michael met Candice Ann McGuire at Lucky Strike Bowling in Upland, California, marking the start of a tumultuous journey that ultimately led him to become a single father. They never married, but welcomed their first child, daughter Nicole Felo, in 1985. Tragically, Nicole passed away in 1986. In 1987, while living in Riverside, California, on May 29th, Michael and Candice celebrated the birth of their second child, Michael Jay Felo Jr., officially making him a Sr.

Although Michael and Candice separated when their son was a toddler, he took on single fatherhood. He spent time playing baseball, football, and whiffle ball, teaching his son to body surf in the ocean, swim, golf, play billiards, and drive. They enjoyed games like dice, cards, darts, and dominoes. Michael supported his son's interests, including skateboarding, soccer, and snowboarding, and even built a tree house with him in the fourth grade.

In the early 1990s, Michael began a relationship with Lisa Jill Scott. After their marriage, he relocated his family to Montana to be closer to her parents in Dell. Lisa would pass away in a car accident a few years later, prompting Michael to move just north of Dell to Dillon, where he remained until Michael Jr. turned 18, before returning to the Inland Empire area in California.

During his time living in Dillon, he attended the University of Montana Western, obtaining his degree in Human Resource Management. They made yearly visits to California, often spending summers with Michael's childhood best friend, Raul. During their road trips, they established traditions, including stopping in Idaho Falls, Idaho, for Jack-in-the-Box tacos.

In 2010, Michael became “Granddad” with the birth of his granddaughter Harper, followed by Ellie and Michiah in 2014 and 2015. As a grandfather, he carried on similarly as he had as a father, visiting between Montana, Arizona, and California. Taking the girls K1 Kart racing, going to the beach, and participating in family events.

During the last ten years of his life, Michael settled in a retirement community in Ontario, California. He passed away at home during a medical event on July 20, 2026.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Dennis and Pat. He is survived by his son Michael Felo Jr., his sister Debbie Higgs, his granddaughters Harper, Ellie, and Michiah Felo, his niece Stephanie Felo, and many dear friends.

A memorial is being held at Beryl Park West, September 26th, 2026, at 11 AM. Reception and lunch to follow.