Michael D. Salon

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Michael David Salon 77 of Clearwater, Florida passed away September 2, 2026.

Born on September 16, 1948 in Chicago Illinois, Michael lived a life that will be remembered with love by those closest to him. His passing brings sorrow to his family and friends, who now honor his memory and the place he held in their lives.

Lovingly remembered by his son Adam (fiancée Emma), his brother Richard (Lois), his sister Sari Salon, and many adored nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends throughout the world. These family members and friends carry forward the memory of Michael with affection and gratitude, and will remember him for the bond they shared and the lasting presence he had in their lives.

Michael was raised in Skokie, Illinois and was a proud resident of the Chicago area. He attended Niles West High School, as well as the University of Miami, Kendall College and Chicago State University where he earned a Master’s Degree. Throughout his career as an educator and psychologist he taught, mentored and befriended - leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met. Michael never met a stranger. He loved to 'schmooze' with anyone and everyone, from his family, his friends, to anyone willing to have a conversation. His ability to get to know a person, their background, and so much about them was truly a gift.

Michael moved to North Evanston in 1989 where he then met some of the best friends of his life who have literally been family now for decades. One of the highlights of his years in Evanston was being involved in his son Adam’s education and athletic career during his time at ETHS and then at Wabash College. Known as “Mikey” to Adam’s friends, he was a constant supporter, cheerleader, and confidant to them in such pivotal moments in their lives. He took great pride in Adam, and knowing about the many successes of his friends and teammates.

After visiting to attend the wedding of his cousin, Michael fell in love with Curacao. He spent 17 years on the island in the Dutch Caribbean. He built lifelong friends, with whom he stayed connected until his final hours. His time in Curacao was a life-changing experience, and his cherished friends there truly became family. He was a regular participant in countless family functions with those dear friends, and was an extra father and grandfather figure for so many.

In a way that only Michael could, he also made an impact across the island; especially with children. He volunteered at several schools, working with staff members, and children in need for over a decade. His other favorite was “The Snoa” – the oldest Synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. He was an active member of the Jewish community, attending services and events regularly. Michael also volunteered to lead tours of the Snoa to visitors of the island, and was an amateur speaker of the native language Papiamentu.

Upon his return to the States in 2017, he resided in Sarasota, on Siesta Key. As always, he built many lifelong friendships. As one of his closest friends says, “Mike was my Consiglieri”…as he was to many. He was known to take a walk for his prized chocolate gelato each night and still talks with the family who owned the shop.

As a resident of Grand Living in Lakewood Ranch, he built close relationships with his neighbors, and many staff members and their loved ones. Michael was always able to get to know people on a level that many others never could. 

Even in his last weeks, he made some wonderful friends while receiving such exceptional care at Bayfront Hospital and Suncoast Hospice. His ability to listen and connect was impeccable, as always, even while dealing with his awful prognosis.

Michael lived a full live, and his relationships with those who knew him will live on forever. In one of his last waking hours, he told Adam “tell them I’m out of pain, but I’m not out of love”.

May his memory be for a blessing.

Graveside service will be 10AM Friday, September 4, 2026 at Chapel Hill Memorial Park, 12905 Wild Acres Road in Largo FL.

Shiva following the service will be held at The Karol Hotel, 2675 Ulmerton Rd., Clearwater 33762 https://www.thekarolhotel.com/

Donations in his memory can be made to:

“The Snoa” Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue in Curacao https://snoa.com/

Wabash College https://www.wabash.edu/

Heritage Funeral Care, David and Steven Gross Directors, Largo FL are serving the family.