On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, Michael X Doto (age 57) passed away at his home in Wilmington, DE.
Michael was an accomplished craftsman, skilled at woodworking, computer-aided design, and all aspects of residential renovation. He loved animals, and diesel cars (especially his 35 year old Mercedes station wagon). He never tired of discussing politics and current events.
Michael was also a lifelong guitarist, with a love for, and encyclopedic knowledge of, rock, blues, and jazz. One favorite musical memory was the time a teenaged Michael on guitar accompanied his grandmother, Mary E. Doto, while she played her trusty console organ. He convinced her to put aside her Christmas carols while they played a ragged version of Lynyrd Skynrd's "Free Bird" that left everyone laughing so hard that they cried!
In years past, Michael was often seen walking his beloved golden retriever, "FACE" throughout the streets of the Trolley Square area. To be more precise, FACE was usually the one doing all the work, as he pulled sidewalk surfer Michael around on his skateboard.
In more recent years, Michael faced the twin ravages of degenerative disk disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with stoic grace. His family would like to thank his friends and neighbors at the Terry Apartments who regularly checked in on Michael, especially during the COVID lockdown.
Michael is predeceased by his grandmother, Mary E Doto; his father, William J. Doto, Jr.; his uncle, Richard J. Doto; and his cousin, Jennifer Duncan. He is survived by his aunt and uncle, Lyn Doto and Bill Montgomery, with whom he was very close throughout his life. He is also survived by his mother, Elaine Hoffman (Skip); his sister, Molly Waddell (Jonathan); his uncles John Horisk (Fern) and James Horisk (Marlene); his aunts, Michele J. Fanny Montgomery (Mike) and Lori Doto; his nephews, Gage and Greyson Waddell; his cousin, Nicholas Toman (Laura); and his second cousins, Abbey Rhoads and Evan Toman.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Michael's memory to Faithful Friends Animal Society, 12 Germay Drive, Wilmington, DE 19804.
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