Age 82

Beloved husband of Catherine. Dear father of Mike (Courtney) and Tony (Rosey). Grandfather of Michael, Amanda, Leo, Elle, Gio, Conner, Kelsey, Tanner, and Brayden. Brother of the late Lorraine (Earl) Begley.

"The man, the myth, the legend, Grand Master Mike Olivero did a flying side kick through the gates of heaven this past Monday, May 23, 2022. Mike grew up in Detroit with strong Italian and Romanian roots. When Mike was 13 years old, he discovered martial arts, initially studying judo, then ultimately Korean Karate, which became a life-long passion. These experiences helped Mike develop his self-confidence, compassion, mental and physical strength. He attended St. Francis de Sales High School in Detroit. Like all great legends, some stories aren't fit for print, but one of them certainly is. Mike had a best friend named Jim Casey, and Jim just happened to have an adorable little sister named Cathy. Friendship led to romance, and in 1968, Mike and Cathy were married in an event that many dubbed "the party of the century"! Soon after, like many heroes of his era, Mike served his country in the Army Reserves. During the 1970s, Mike and Cathy had two sons; "little Mike" came first, followed 3 years later by Tony. The child-rearing years were spent carting kids to school and sports and camping trips with friends that became family. As a martial arts instructor, Mike taught his boys not just the sport, but the art of karate, and he taught thousands of other kids and adults as well, often for free. Mike was an entrepreneur, creating a successful pharmaceutical distribution business, Econolab, literally from the ground up. Mike was generous, incredibly generous. If a friend had a need, Mike always stepped up to help, and never expected anything in return. As a father, Mike exemplified the saying that "words matter, but actions matter more". He was reliable, present, strong, and caring, truly "one of a kind". Mike and Cathy got to spend 53 amazing years together in marriage. Despite the inevitable challenges that life threw their way, Mike remained a constant source of strength and love, never letting Cathy down, and never leaving her side. Mike and Cathy were able to travel the world together, experience the joys of being grandparents, and share the fun of life with countless numbers of friends and family in Westland and in Cadillac. Mike lives on in those who know him; in the words we say, but most importantly, in the actions we do."

Visitation Monday, 4pm – 7pm at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 N. Inkster Rd., Garden City. In state Tuesday, 11:30am until the 12pm Funeral Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 31530 Beechwood, Garden City (at Merriman Road, 2 blocks north of Ford Rd.).