Michael Wilkey, 83, died on April 12, 2026. Mike was a character, truly one of a kind: a fierce lover of people, a playful spirit, and an advocate for social justice. Born and raised on the West Side of Cincinnati, he entered the seminary at the age of 14 to become a Catholic priest, eventually leaving a decade later before ordination to serve as a VISTA volunteer in Chester, Pennsylvania, where he was radicalized as a freedom fighter on behalf of the oppressed. He then moved back to Cincinnati and met the love of his life, Patty. His Catholic faith and commitment to family remained central.
Mike was the husband of Patricia for over 55 years; the father of Christopher Wilkey (Donelle Dreese) and Michelle (Steve) Nache; the grandfather of Isabella and Mariana Nache; the brother of Janet (Dennis) Martin and Robert (Janie) Wilkey, and the late Judy Goins, Terry Wilkey and Tim Wilkey.
A memorial Mass was celebrated on April 25 at Ascension Catholic Church, 808 S. East Ave., Oak Park.