Michael Mele-Wagner

Michael Gerard Mele-Wagner has left us much too soon but has returned to the warm breeze, the clear water, the soft ground, the brilliant sun, the glowing moon and the infinite stars from which he came. Beloved and faithful husband, trustworthy confidant, revered friend, ready and joyful adventurer, Michael was the calm, loving voice in times of trouble and a fierce advocate for positive change and ultimate good. 

Michael was raised in a military family in Dayton, OH. He attended Carroll High School in Dayton where he made lifelong friends, lettered in track and was proudly elected Homecoming King. He earned a BA in Sociology from Miami University of Ohio. After graduation he moved to Orlando, FL to pursue a career with Marriott Corporation which later brought him Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 

Michael later earned his master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University, became a highly skilled Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and later opened a private mental health practice in Wilton Manors, FL. As a professional counselor Michael could hear beyond the words themselves, interpret the unspoken sadness and subtleties, sense the longing for real and valid answers and inner peace. His education, experience, unrelenting compassion and intense understanding provided immeasurable comfort to many stricken, weary and vulnerable hearts.

Michael was the greatest lover of nature and the out of doors. He possessed an exceptionally good eye for photography and fine-tuned his talent and passion to become a semi-professional nature photographer. In his combined pursuit for good mental health, art and nature, Michael moved his counseling practice to the San Juan Islands in Washington State. There he created a serene private health clinic and a stunning photography studio in a safe, comforting healing space. 

In 2009 adventure called, and Michael moved to Portland, OR. There he met the love of his life Christopher Wagner while they were both singing with the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. The life collaboration with Chris led them to California, back to Oregon, Washington State and finally to Santa Fe, NM where they retired and built their subtle yet truly magnificent forever home. 

Michael carried a brilliant spark and a permanent, unforgettable smile. He loved celebrating the holidays, trimming the massive tree, roasting a turkey that would provide leftovers for a week, drinking hot chocolate outside in the cold while wearing mittens, and eating pie. He also loved bowling. He got started in grade school, he was damn good, and he took his shoes and ball everywhere. Lastly Michael loved dogs, and especially the beautiful little Chihuahua mix Lucy that he and Chris adopted in Santa Fe.

This gentle usher of humans was a deeply spiritual man and a skilled mindfulness practitioner. He loved life, his husband Chris and their Lucy, and he absolutely loved them all being in their home together in the peace of the high desert.

Michael was predeceased by his parents John and Angelina Mele and his brother Joe Mele. He is survived by his husband Chris Mele-Wagner and beloved dog Lucy, of Santa Fe, NM, two siblings and innumerable friends. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the V Foundation, Stand Up to Cancer or the American Cancer Society.