William McGonegal

W. Michael “Mickey” McGonegal, age 77, of Brighton, Michigan, passed away peacefully Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. Born on January 20, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late William J. and Julia E. McGonegal. Mickey shared 48 incredible years of marriage with his beloved wife, Margaret A. “Meg” McGonegal (nee Rose), whom he affectionately called his Megann’s. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and love. He was a devoted father to Timothy D. McGonegal (Sheena), Margaret R. “Maggie” McGonegal, Brian K. McGonegal, and Maureen J. Wawsczyk (Kenny). He was promoted to “Papa” and treasured his grandchildren Aria and Roya McGonegal, and Patrick and Claire Wawsczyk. He is further survived by his siblings, Patricia Struhar (Jim, deceased), Kathleen Stablein (Tom, deceased), and Terrance J. McGonegal (Tory), along with six cherished nieces and nephews, for whom he was their very proud “Uncle Mick.” His love extended to their children, their children’s children, and to many other extended family members whom he held dear. He was preceded in death by his parents; his eldest sister, MaryAnn and her husband Ben Schraegle; his brother, James R. McGonegal, and his nephew, James Schraegle (Sabina). Beginning with his parents’ upbringing, Mickey’s faith was then intertwined with his education, at Holy Family Grade School through Borromeo Seminary High School and College. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Cleveland State University and began his career as a parole officer. It was a natural transition to sales, where his outgoing personality and dedication won him numerous performance-based awards. During his career with Parker Hannifin, he was honored to have been selected to assist with clean-up efforts for the World Trade Center following September 11th. Mickey was proud of his Irish and Croatian heritage, family and faith. He had a love for learning, including knowledge of Latin and French. He had a deep interest in reading, especially presidential history and was known for his spot-on impersonations of John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. His passion for politics and government led him to run a spirited campaign for State Representative. Known for his humor and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, Mickey never met a stranger. He had a special gift for storytelling and jokes which lit up the room. He loved Groucho Marx humor, musicals, and truly believed in the value of laughter and song. Mickey found great joy in the outdoors. He loved sailing, camping, golfing, skiing, and tending to his yard and garden. He was engaged in his children’s lives, coaching them in baseball. He treasured hiking with his children through the Cleveland Metroparks, and later enjoyed walks with his wife, children, and grandchildren. A lifelong Cleveland sports fan, he enjoyed cheering on the Browns and the Guardians, forever the Indians in his heart. He liked to say, “De gustibus non disputandum est,” encouraged others to “make it a great day,” and lived by the words, “God is Love.” ….. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 27, 2026, starting at 11:00 am at St. Patrick’s Church in Brighton, Michigan, with visitation beginning at 10:30 am. Mickey will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

William McGonegal

January 20, 1949 - April 5, 2026