Michael Kwiatkowski, aged 73, passed away suddenly at Christiana Hospital on February 26th due to complications from open heart surgery. He was a beloved father, husband, brother and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Mike was born January 11, 1951, to Walter Kwiatkowski and Olive (Dunk) Kwiatkowski in Wilmington, Delaware. He attended Conrad High School where he excelled in gymnastics and was a state champion in the all-around competition. He was pictured in the News Journal performing a perfect Iron Cross of which he was very proud. After high school, Mike attended Delcastle Technical School to become a licensed plumber. He spent his early career working for R. R. McNutt and Sons and then went on to establish his own plumbing and heating business, Mike Kwiatkowski Plumbing & Heating, which he owned and operated from 1996 until his death. Throughout his career, Mike was known for his hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others. Mike also served in the Army National Guard in the late sixties. He was proud to be an American.

Mike was also very proud of his two children and their accomplishments. He was a devoted dad who enjoyed spending time with his family and was always there to offer guidance, support, and encouragement. He was well known in the community for his willingness to help others, and as a result, he had many friends throughout Delaware and beyond. Mike was always on call with his old-style flip phone. If family or friends needed his services, he was quick to respond. He was upbeat and enthusiastic, quick with a joke, and ready for any challenging project. He made us all smile; his laugh was infectious.

In his younger years, Mike was obsessed with anything that was fast and loud. He was a gifted mechanic and started building go-karts using lawn mower parts when he was barely a teenager. He soon graduated to car engines and was very proud of his '55 Chevy, which he raced at Cecil County Dragway. Later, he built from scratch a 1932 Ford Coupe Hot Rod, that he loved taking to car shows all over the East Coast, and a 1951 Harley Davidson Panhead. He owned a speed boat named "She Hates It" that delighted his nieces and nephews and terrified their parents. Mike spent his later years living in and restoring an 1880 Victorian estate and loved driving around in his customized 1929 Model A Ford pickup truck. He collected historical firearms and an assortment of unique antiques. There was always a story to everything, and he was very enthusiastic to share his joys with others. He was fun-loving and lovable.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Olive Kwiatkowski, and his sister, Kathleen Kwiatkowski. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Janet McClure; his children, Michael Kwiatkowski (Lisa), and Olivia Kwiatkowski; his grandchildren, Adrian, Xavier, Augusten, Leo and Lucinda Kwiatkowski; his siblings, Bob Kwiatkowski, John Kwiatkowski (Mika), Terry McCool (John), Margaret Flowers, Bill Kwiatkowski (Michelle) and numerous nieces and nephews. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

A visitation for Mike will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Mealey Funeral home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington DE 19808, where friends and family may call from 9:30 to 11:30am, with a Celebration of Life following at 11:30.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to St. Jude's Research Children's Hospital, which Mike had been donating to since 1990s, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 (Stjude.org)