Michael M. McCloskey, Sr.

Michael Martin McCloskey, Sr., 77, of Philadelphia, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 3rd, in North Wildwood, NJ. He was the beloved son of Robert McCloskey, Sr. and Frances McCloskey and was born on May 17th, 1949.

Michael grew up in Fishtown and graduated from Jules E. Mastbaum Vocational/Technical School, where he was at the top of his carpentry class of ’66. He went on to work as a Union Finishing Carpenter at Strawbridge & Clothier for over 30 years, earning the distinction of Master Finishing Carpenter. His friends knew him as MikeMc and Crackbat.

Michael enjoyed playing baseball for Fishtown AC and Flatiron Adams. He also loved bow hunting whitetail deer, archery, flounder fishing, music, lottery tickets, dancing, making and eating pirogies, telling stories, living at the shore, the history of his father’s ship in WWII, eating Tacconelli’s pizza, rotisserie tanning, following Philadelphia sports and using his expertise as a carpenter to build anything his heart desired. He was also the captain of his high school’s ping pong team.

Throughout his life, Michael was a loyal son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather who took great pride in the family he built.

Michael is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elsie McCloskey; his sons, Michael McCloskey, Jr. (Debra), Matthew McCloskey (Erin), and Joshua McCloskey (Arielle); his grandchildren, Brooke, Mattson, and Benjamin; his step-grandchildren Luke and Gabby; his sister, Caroline D’Amico; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his life-long childhood friend, Gary Preston.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Frances; his sister, Jane McAlinden; and his brother, Robert McCloskey, Jr.

Michael shared his life with his beloved wife, Elsie. Together, they built a family and a home filled with memories, traditions, laughter, and love. As a father, Mike gave his sons something far more lasting than possessions or accomplishments. He gave them an example. He showed them what it meant to work hard and provide for the people you love. He showed them how to remain loyal, even when life was difficult. He showed them how to appreciate the simple pleasures: seafood from Rick’s, a day floating around in the pool, listening to Jerry Blavat, a Birds game, Phillies tailgate, line dancing, and tales about being a union carpenter.

And perhaps most importantly, he showed them that being a good husband, father, and man is not about being perfect. It is about being present, dependable, loving, generous with your time, and fiercely devoted to your family, no matter what.

His voice may no longer be here to tell the stories, and his beach chair may now sit empty, but the family he built will carry his memory forward, forever.

A celebration of life and funeral mass will be held at Holy Name of Jesus, 701 Gaul Street, Fishtown, Philadelphia, PA, on Wednesday, October 14th, 2026.

• 10:30-11:30 a.m. - Family and friends are invited to gather and pay their respects to celebrate Mike’s life.

• 11:30 a.m. - Mass of Christian Burial.

• Burial - Immediately following Mass at Palmer Cemetery.

Arrangements by McCafferty Sweeney Slabinski Barnes Funerals and Cremations, John Barnes Supervisor, 215.620.9123