Michael J. Friolet

Michael J. Friolet passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 16, 2025, in Milford, Delaware, at the age of 84.

Born in New Brunswick, Canada, on September 29, 1940, to Alexis Friolet and Eva Paulin and adopted as a baby by Michael Demers and Catherine Friolet after the death of his father, Michael grew up in Berlin, New Hampshire. He spent most of his adult life in Delaware before retiring to Sun City Center, Florida, where he enjoyed 19 years with his loving wife. In their final months, they returned to Delaware to be closer to family.

Michael served in the United States Air Force in the early 1960s, which first brought him to Delaware and earned him U.S. citizenship. He carried that discipline and steadiness into his civilian career, working at Bell Atlantic—later Verizon—as an installer, specializing in corporate installs and troubleshooting.

He had a knack for fixing things, chatting on his ham radio, and spending summers at Buttonwood. He loved sweets, especially Oreos and powered donuts, and supervising projects with a cold beer in hand—his true retirement plan—though he was always quick to roll up his sleeves when needed.

Michael married Annette Friolet on April 13, 1985, and they spent 40 years together before her passing on July 6, 2025. In their final years together, he became her quiet caretaker—first through her diagnosis and recovery from pancreatic cancer, and later as her health declined in ways that demanded patience, presence, and constant attention. He didn’t talk about it; he just tried to do what he thought was best. Their life together was built on consistency and a shared understanding of what mattered.

He is survived by his children Earl Friolet (Amie), Philip Maguire (Barbara), and Kaylyn Miller (Steven); grandfather to Earl Jr. (Ashley), Kimberly McDaniel, Kevin Maguire (Mary), Colin Maguire, Joshua Miller (Michael), and Seth Miller (Natalie); and great-grandfather to many.

A joint celebration of life for Michael and Annette will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice.

And in true Michael fashion, we like to think he’s already found a spot with a beer in hand—keeping an eye on things, ready to jump in if he’s really needed.