Michael E. Strear

A proud native of Denver, and a later transplant to Savannah, GA, Michael E. Strear passed peacefully on Thursday, January 11th. Michael was the eldest child of Naomi and Pine Strear, and older brother to Nancy Strear and Barbara (Marty) Dubin. With many life-long friends, Mike attended Steck Elementary, Hill Middle School, East High School and graduated in the second graduating class at George Washington High School. Marrying his high School sweetheart, Michael and Anna Jean would remain married for 25 years and have three children together, Julie (Glen) Green, Jay (Beth), and Jennifer (Jason) Rich, and seven grandchildren (Molly, Zoey, Sammy, Aliza, Bella, Sophie, Elie).

Much of Michael’s career was working with his father Pine, and uncle Perry Strear, at Keystone Pawnshop on Broadway. With Pine the businessman, and Perry the salesman, Michael was the encyclopedia - knowing all things pertaining to cameras, stereos, guns, tools, jewelry, watches, and more. Later Michael became a real estate agent, particularly enjoying recruiting and teaching new agents at Keller Williams. Throughout these years, Michael always volunteered: co-founding the Lung Run at National Jewish Hospital, coordinating ushers for High Holiday Services at Beth Joseph Congregation and proudly serving as President of an Aurora chapter of Optimists. In 2006, Michael moved to Savannah, GA and found a welcoming community.

Ever known as a warm, gentle soul, with wit on his tongue, Michael came to know what seemed to be the entire community of Savannah while working as a receptionist at Savannah's Jewish Community Center, and as a docent at Mickve Israel - the third oldest Jewish congregation in America. With his encyclopedic mind, Michael loved sharing the history of his adopted community, allowing for a bit of his own embellishment. An audiophile and lover of the arts, Mike endeared himself to the arts and culture community, knowing many artists on a first name basis. Jazz and the love and care of family and community eased his last few, difficult years as he battled heart disease and dementia.

Funeral services will take place on Monday, January 15th, 2pm at Feldman Mortuary Chapel: 1673 York Street, Denver CO 80260. Service live streamed via Feldman Mortuary’s YouTube channel.

Shiva information pending.

Donations in honor of Michael may be made to the Savannah Jewish Federation -Tikvah fund for Jewish Family Services: https://savannahjewishfederation.givingfuel.com/sjf-social-service-health-related-funds or National Jewish Health of Denver: https://www.nationaljewish.org/

Gamble Funeral Service assisted the family with local arrangements.