Michael Joseph Wynne Sr., age 99 of Lansdale PA passed away Thursday November 12, 2020. He was a great father, loving husband, heroic Marine (recipient of the Silver Star and two purple hearts) who died peacefully at home after a long battle with Father Time.
Born and raised in Centralia, Pennsylvania, Mike and his wife, Julia, moved to Philadelphia and then eventually settled in Lansdale for the last 55 years. A Sears employee for 27 years he was a renowned appliance repairman and kept, much to his wife’s chagrin, many spare washer and dryer parts in the house.
A devout Catholic, he attended and ushered Mass at Saint Stanislaus church in Lansdale, from 1963 until his legs no longer permitted in 2017. Monday night Novena was a weekly service for him and Julia. Until his last days every morning and evening he would kneel at his bedside and pray; the knees surrendered but he never did.
An outstanding and loving father of seven wonderful children: Mary Anne Mattero (Joseph), Michael Jr. aka Mickey, John (Mary Alice), Francis (Patricia), Clare Wetzel (Wayne), Kevin and Timothy. He equally loved his in-laws, Sally Wynne, Susan Hendrzak and Amanda Trackim. Among the many things he left them was his wry sense of humor.
Mike Wynne was preceded to his eternal rest by his wife, Julia (nee Collins), all 5 of his siblings, two Sons-in-Laws, Joseph Mattero Jr., and Karl Wagonhoffer Jr. And he endured the passing of two grandchildren, Joe and Peter Mattero. In addition to his children, Mike is survived by 24 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren with two on the way. Of course, his favorite grandchild was his neighbor Kelly Wynne.
The longest serving member of the Centralia VFW (76 years) he was honored, in July 2020, on his 99th birthday, for his service to his country with a parade in Gordon, Pa. He was the oldest member of the
Lansdale Cannoneers Sportsmans Club and immensely enjoyed a visit to the club after Mass on Saturday night, where everyone saluted him and thanked him for his service. He will be dearly missed by the club members.
The quintessential quiet man, Mike Wynne was not big on words. A few hand gestures usually told his family what he was thinking. He liked Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. Don’t Fence Me In, was his anthem. A simple man, Mike liked rocking on the back porch swing, playing horseshoes, watching the sunset, sipping a beer and listening to his beloved Phillies on the radio. He was an avid hunter his entire life, even though he never shot a deer. He never wore shorts, always bolo ties and had a slew of hats.
Mike Wynne was a force for change, money that is. Throughout the house he kept cans, jars, socks and cigar boxes filled with coins. It was a running joke with all the kids. He always had change for a card game.
He loved playing cards with his grandkids. Pass The Ace, a simple one card game was a tradition at every holiday gathering. A game of elimination, tears and laughter always ensued as the game whittled down to the last two contestants. Eventually, Pop consoled the crying loser and encouraged the happy winner to share the whopping $3 prize with their cousins.
It wasn’t just a game that he taught the family, it was a life lesson: Treat everyone the way you would like to be treated. That’s the way Mike Wynne was, kind and gentle.
Until we meet again Mike, Semper Fi, ya old jarhead.
In light of the current Covid epidemic, the family will be accepting online condolences.
Visitation will be held from 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM, on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at St. Stanislaus Church, 51 Lansdale Avenue, Lansdale, Pa. Mr. Wynne’s Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:30 PM. Interment private.
The funeral mass will be live-streamed on Zoom
Here is the link:
https://gmercyu.zoom.us/j/92606045108?pwd=WmJvMHlyN2YzV203VUZUd09hbk41QT09
If you are using a laptop the link will take you right to the event.
If you are using a phone or pad you need to download the Zoom App.
If you have any trouble connecting directly to the link here is the meeting # and password.
Meeting ID : 926 0604 5108
Passcode: 281688
Donations may be made to St Stanislaus Parish Social Ministry, and sent to our Parish Office at 51 Lansdale Avenue, Lansdale, PA 19446. We use donations to help those in need of rent and utility assistance in our Lansdale area.
Catching up with my parents on Thanksgiving I heard the news that your father passed. Deepest sympathy and condolences to everyone in your family.
We thank Mr. Wynne for his honorable service to our country. Above and beyond. Decorated WW2 combat veteran. WOW. Those men that served in that conflict witnessed humans at their worst. I grew up never knowing the horrors he witnessed as he was so kind to us and always made our day. The smile he would have when he pulled that Sears van up to the curb and the kids came running to the Chicklet Man. He made sure to speak to each and everyone one of us. “Are you doing good in school?”.
It’s awesome to see the names and remember the others that posted here. What a tribute to him. I could probably have 9 lives and never touch the 1 great life he lived. Just the service to his country was impressive enough but I have learned so much more through these posts of people that knew him the best. We should all be grateful we were able to live in an awesome neighborhood. He was a very sweet neighbor always asking how my family was doing whenever he saw me later in life.
A salute to the greatest generation. We could sure use a lot more Mr Wynnes in this world right now.
Thank you Mark.
That was beautiful. Your kinds words bring tears to my eyes, bring back so many fond memories of cedar st and truly touch my heart, Mark.. I hope you and your family are well.
Thank you so much!
Mary Anne, Mickey, Johnny, Fran, Clair, Kevin and Tim….. to you all, my most heartfelt sympathy. What a lovely tribute to your dad. I had no idea of his valor in his service to our country….I am in awe….to me he was the “ chiclet man” . A sweet man always a smile on his face. I remember when I was a child, one of the best past times was to chew a wad of double bubble gum and blow the biggest bubble possible. Well , I did and it was awesome! However it burst all over my face. My mom couldn’t get it off so she said let’s ask Mr Wynne. Your dad said to use rubbing alcohol and it came off. It’s funny the moments that “stick” with us. We were the luckiest kids in the world growing up on Cedar Street. We belonged to one neighborhood family. The loss of your dad is a loss to us all. May he Rest In Peace with the love of his life until we all meet again.
Michele Gagliano Kraynak
Thank you Michele. Cedar street was the best.
When Mickey came home from the war, he visited most of the homes in Byrnesville. He came to our house (Reilley) and my Mom and I were there and we both got a hug and kiss from him. I was 13 – my first kiss – from a handsome Marine – what a thrill. When my older sister Theresa came home she was upset because she missed a kiss. I later moved to Washington DC and then married a handsome Marine. M y sympathy to the family.
Bette Reilley Birney
After the war, when Mickey came home to Byrnesville, he went to most of the houses in Byrnesville to greet the people. He came to our house (Reilley) house and my Mom and I were there and we each got a kiss and hug from Mickey. I was 13, it was my first kiss. Boy, was I thrilled When my older sister came home and I told the story, she was upset because she missed her kiss. I later got a job in Washington D.C. and married a Marine.
Bette Reilley Birney My sympathy to the family
Thank you Bette .
To the Wynne family ( our family! ) , My heartfelt condolences and prayers. What an amazing person! Such a treasure to have in my life. There are s many things to say but the one that I still think of is every time the Sears truck rolled home he would do the chicklets snd his soft greetings to all of us and he will ALWAYS ask me “ how are you today, how is school “ and finish with “ be good “ . You know I was just a kid baking around the hockey ball on the street. It meant everything to me for him to take such an interest… Mr. Wynne left an everlasting imprint on me . God bless !!
Thank you Bill.
Wynne Family,
I am so sorry for your great loss. I just read the beautiful obituary today after mass. May he rip after a very long wonderful life.
Sincere Sympathy,
Phyllis Rausch
Thank you Phyllis
To my Wynne Cousins:
Uncle Mike is about as “chill” guy anyone could know. Whether sitting in a store parking lot waiting for Aunt Julia so she could “just run into the store for a few things” or his ability to go along with the flow with his common retort “yeeaahh”. Just a sweet guy. That’s what I remember most of all. But obviously much more to him that. Husband , father, grandfather, father -in law, uncle, friend, war hero, etc. Oh and let’s not forget horseshoe champion and failed deer hunter.
Thinking of all of you and my sincere condolences. Love, Owen.
Thanks O. He loved you. He nearly got a deer 🦌 one year with his Chevy nova. Yeaaah !
Wynne’s
What a beautiful obituary.
Memories are many. Here are a few. Your Dad’s sense of humor.Rarely, if ever did I not laugh at some point talking to Uncle Mike. He was funny. Plain and simple. You guys got that from Him.
The smell of scrapple in the morning. Sitting around the kitchen table talking. The door was always open. We would talk about anything and everything. You would feel better leaving your house. From your Mom and Dad we learned love, patience, and how to care and support one another.
Your Dad was a hero to many people, most of all His family. Many of us didn’t know his military history and honors until later in life. He wanted it that way. He was quiet in a strong way.
His Catholic faith. Any time I went to church there was Uncle Mike. It is beautiful to see His children carry on that faith.
Playing cards on Sunday nights. my Dad, Didge, Frank Kerrigan. nickel, dime quarter.
As my brother said how lucky we were to grow up with our Aunt and Uncle and cousins across the driveway. I loved your Mom and Dad. They were great people. It helps to know they are together now. Your Dad missed her.
We look forward to celebrating His life soon the way He would have wanted sitting around the table sipping a beer and laughing.
God Bless,
John, John Park and Rose.
Thank you guys. Semper Fi.
I can’t remember seeing Mike without a smile on his face. Always great to talk with. An exceptional wartime hero. Rest in peace Mr. Wynne.
Thank you Tom.
I am grateful I met Mike when I had the honor of bringing Communion to his beloved Julia. His warmth, quick wit and twinkle in his eye always touched my heart and continues to do so when I think of him (and your Mom!). Prayers and blessings to all of you.
Fondly,
Debbie Eble
Thank you Debbie for your great service to the sick.
To Mary Anne, Mickey, Johnny, Fran, Clare, Kevin, and Timmy. I am terribly sorry to hear about your Dad. Uncle Mike was always an ace. As said in the obituary, he was the quintessential quiet man. He and Aunt Jule were an amazing team. Always a force for good. He will be missed by many, many people. He will always be missed by me. He kept me out of trouble on several occasions. Apologies for not being there. Maybe when things get better we can all get together. Something your Dad would certainly like. Too many memories to count. Once again, my condolences.
Thank you Larry. We’ll see you soon I’m sure. Dad loved you too.
Kevin –
I was sorry to hear about your father’s passing. He had the good fortune of a long life surrounded by a loving family which must bring you great comfort. Also, I appreciate your kind condolences on the loss of my mother, and it was good to see you. 99 years is a good run. Hats off to both of them.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Grace
Thank you Grace. Our parents were great and a great generation.
Our deepest sympathy to the family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Jackie Geddes
Thank you John and Jackie . Mr Geddes and Dad won the war!
To My Cousins….
Uncle Mike was the kindest and gentlest soul of a man! The “Chicklet Man” as he would roll down Cedar St. at the end of the day in his Sears truck and hand out Chicklets to all of us as we played in the street. My fondest memories are from growing up next to the best cousins and family anyone could want in the greatest setting ever! Uncle Mike had the driest sense of humor and always had a wry smile on his face. He did love his Phillies on the radio as I remember it like yesterday. He will be forever missed.
Our deepest condolences and wish we could share as these are difficult times to gather and celebrate his life. Hope to see you all soon and share with you those great memories that will never leave my mind.
Danny, Debbie, Max, Alysia and Alexa Collins
Our Danny … thank you !
Such a beautiful tribute. I have so many wonderful memories of Uncle Mike.
Monica, Ponica, Sonica, Boom!
So sorry for your loss. Much love to the Wynn Family
Thank you, Monica. We miss Uncle Joe too.
I miss him too. I miss him coming to my house in a full snit because he had just visited his sister Julie and that “Goddamn” Leroy got on his nerves!
May he Rest In Peace
LOL.
Our prayers and sympathy go out to the your family. I will always remember your father as a quiet, gentle man with a great personality and who was dominant at horse shoes! Growing up on Cedar St spending time with the Wynne family is time I will always cherish. I remember well hearing the clang of the horse shoes on a warm summer evening and I knew Mr. Wynne was out honing his skills. He and Mrs. Wynne raised a wonderful, loving family, he will be greatly missed. Finally he and Mrs. Wynne will be reunited and they will be sitting around the dining room table enjoying a beer together again. Rest in Peace to a true hero from the Greatest Generation. Got any Chicklets Mr. Wynne? God bless the Wynne family.
Thank you Greg. May many chicklets be bestowed upon you !
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. We were acquainted with Mr. Wynne through his work at Sears & service of our washer/dryer. God Bless him, may he Rest In Peace.
I remember when he would take us for a “ spin in the Kenmore. Thank you Bernie and Lily.
Dear Mary Anne and Family,
My heartfelt and sincere condolences to the entire family. As you know Mike was my prayer partner for more than 15 years in the Adoration Chapel. I came to know him as a truly sincere thoughtful individual. It gives us all comfort that he is now at peace with his Julia. God Bless your family and treasure the memories.
🙏❤️Lorraine Biffar
Thank you Lorraine. God bless.
My sympathy to the Wynne Family for the loss of your amazing father! We were neighbors and my siblings and the Wynne clan shared many good times…Mary Anne, my school mate and friend, so sorry.
Never knew Mike was a Silver Star winner – doesn’t get much higher than that. 💕🇺🇸
Thank you Pinky.
Our sincere condolences to the Wynne family. We thank Mr. Wynne for his honorable service to our country. May he R.I.P. I’m lucky to have met John a few years ago. He is a good friend and guitar student. He has truly taught me the meaning of patience. Don and Betty
Thank you Don.
Dear Clare and family, I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Wynne’s passing. He and your Mom were like second parents to me. I probably spent more time at your house than my own. They always welcomed me into their home and treated me like one of the family. Those memories will always remain a big part of me. I know it hasn’t been easy taking care of him these past few years, but I also know talking with you that he was ready to go and be with his beloved Jule. I’m sure they are together again, happy and in no more pain. I believe with all my heart that we will all be together again. Until then, I wish you all peace and pray that all of the wonderful memories of your Dad bring you comfort.
God Bless you, Mr. Wynne. I’m glad that you were part of my life.
Love, Susan Smith
Thank you Susan. Our door is always open.
Aww, Kevin…do you even remember me? You always cracked me up, as did your whole family! I swear those times back in the 70’s and 80’s could not have been better. Clare was the best and I will always love her and your whole family. Please take care! All the Best!
Sue (Todorow) Smith
Thank you so much for those endearing memories, sue. I certainly remember you at our house so many times. It was so much fun to be with you and Clare growing up. You guys “taught” me alot of things. Wink wink.
So sorry for your loss. Meghan always talked about her Pop and what an amazing man he was. May he rest in peace. My condolences to John,Mary Alice and the entire family. Kathy Snelbaker
Thank you Kathy. Peace.
Thinking of your family with love & hoping that time will help soften your sadness, leaving only beautiful memories that last forever in your heart from the Ed & Mary Walsh Family.
Kathy and Tom . Thank you
My sympathy and prayers.
Thank you Jim.
A heart-warming tribute to a man well loved. The Chicklet Man! As a kid, we ran to see him when he came home from work because he passed out chewing gum – chicklets, so we called him The Chicklet Man! He kept packs of chicklets because he knew we would come running. What a kind and funny man. God bless him and his family.
Thank you Debbie. Confucius say: many chicklets, many children.
A heart-warming tribute to a man well loved. The Chicklet Man! As a kid, we ran to see him when he came home from work because he passed out chewing gum – chicklets. We called him The Chicklet Man! He kept packs of chicklets because he knew we would come running for him. What a kind and funny man. God bless him and his family.
He was like a father to me He and my dad were good friends he was with my father the day he died. I one thing and anyone should remember and I looked forward to was he always had chicklets for you if you were good. I will always remember him and love 💕 him. Rest In Peace Leroy
Thank you Bobby. We still have the Buick .
A beautiful and humorous obituary honoring an extraordinary man and a life well lived. Our sincere condolences to the Wynne family on the passing of your patriarch.
Thank you Joe and Chris.
It was a true honor to meet and care for Mr. Wynne. He was wonderful man who aside from being a decorated war hero, he was a kind, gentle man who raised a beautiful, loving family. My sincerest condolences to you all.
Thank you Kathy.
The qualities of good friend and good neighbor are precious indeed. Mike Wynne was the epitome of these qualities! Pray for us Mike.
Mrs Boland. Thank you
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thanks to Kevin, we got to meet almost all of Mike’s children and have to say all very nice people. Good job Mike! You will be missed and remembered. May you Rest In Peace!
Thank you Terri and Norm. We miss Dad and Frankie.
Thinking of all the Wynnes at this time, sorry about your beloved Dad, I loved his sass..♡
Thank you Anna. He was never a pain in the sass.
Our sincere prayers and sympathy to the entire Wynne family on the passing of your father , grandfather , great grandfather a kind and wonderful man and war hero who will be missed by everyone who knew him ! Rest In Peace ! Mr. Wynne .
Charlie and Sharon. Thank you. Great, and a GREAT GENERATION
That was a beautiful tribute to your Dad. I learned most about Uncle Mike from my Dad, Charlie. He looked up to Uncle Mike and always had a fun story from his time spent in Lansdale with Uncle Mike, Aunt Jule, and his cousins. I hope Dad and Uncle Mike are having fun catching up with each other up there!!! Sending sympathy and prayers to all of you.
Love,
Erin (Gownley) Blozusky
Thank you Erin. Maybe playing horse shoes.
RIP Mike Wynne. A beautiful tribute befitting for a man like Mr Wynne. He will be missed by all. John and Joann
Thank you John and Joanne
RIP. You had to be a great guy with an amazing sense of humor to Create John
Love to all!!
Thank you Rosemary. Love our Johnny. !
I remember Mike with great fondness from all his visits to the “Foot” with the family. A sweet, kind, gentle man. My sincere sympathies to all of you on the loss of a great man!! May he Rest In Peace and may God give you all comfort at this very difficult time!! Love, Carolyn Gower Yackera
Thank you Carolyn
My thoughts are prayers are with the whole Wynne Family. I had so many great memories of Pop Mike. I thought he was the most amazing man. So so kind. So gentle. So funny. My children LOVED him so very much. He meant the world to them. Pop Mike was truly one of a kind. His faith in God was amazing and he was an inspiration to many. May you get through this most difficult time with all your wonderful memories. He now is resting in peace with his beautiful bride Nanny Jule. God Bless, Amanda Trackim
Thank you Amanda
To the entire family. My heart goes out to all of you for your great loss. He was definitely a wonderful man and I’m glad I’ve got to know him as my neighbor growing up. I have a lot of wonderful memories of your dad and grandfather and everything else. He has lived a great life for 99 years. It’s finally his time to rest now and be with his wife. He protected his family and his country. I’m glad he was honored for his service as he truly deserved it. He will live on forever in all of your wonderful memories that you have and he will forever be in your heart. May God give you the strength and peace in your hearts to carry on with your life. My sincere deepest sympathy to all of you. You are all in my thoughts and my prayers always. God Bless all of you. Love, Linda Mohn
Thank you Linda. I think our baseball is still in your yard.
Clare & family, I will always cherish the memories of your parents at Aunt Pegs house in NJ. Such a sweet kind man your Dad was. He will be missed deeply. God bless you all
Thank you Janyne. Your pool was awesome.
Our condolences… he lived a great life.
Speese family
Thanks Les
I grew up with Claire on Cedar street and I remember Mr. Wynne Prayers to the Family RIP Mr. Wynne
Thank you Patti. Cedar street forever.
Such a beautiful tribute to a great person with my deepest sympathy 💜🙏🏻🙏🏻
A wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. He will be missed by all especially Cedar Street.
Hello Mary Lou. Thank you
Thank you Diane
A beautiful tribute to a great man. I am honored to be a friend to his wonderful daughter Maryanne Mattero. Sincere sympathy to his family.
Debbie Rae Walter
Thanks Deb
Thank you Deborah.