Maurice left this world on February 25, 2026. Born in Florence, Kentucky Maurice’s parents moved to the metro Detroit area in 1944. Maurice attended St. Mark’s Catholic elementary school. He is a 1960 graduate of Fitzgerald High School in Warren, MI. Having his birthday in November, Maurice graduated from high school at the age of 17. He wanted to join the Navy, however his parents would not sign off giving permission, so he took a job at Metropolitan Life Insurance.
Once Maurice reached the age of 18, he eagerly joined the United States Navy. He served on the USS Ulysses S. Grant, SSBN 631 (B). Proud of his service to his country, Maurice is a plank owner of the Grant. He was active in the Grant’s alumni having attended many reunions events. Maurice’s commitment to his country had a profound influence on his grandson, Joshua, who served five years as an aviation electrician attached to an expeditionary unit for search rescue. He is a life member of the American Legion.
Once Maurice was discharged from the Navy, he resumed work with Met Life until his retirement in 1997.
In 1968, Maurice married Virginia Josephs. Together they built a life in Clinton Township, Michigan known at the time as Mt. Clemens. They had two incredible children, Craig in 1970 followed by Michelle in 1973. After Craig’s graduation from high school in 1988, the family moved to Livingston County. Sadly, Virginia passed away in 1990 from brain stem cancer.
In May of 1979, Maurice became a licensed Amateur Radio Operator, AKA HAM radio. Starting out as a simple hobby, this became his lifelong passion. Prior to Virginia’s passing, she became licensed and the two spent countless hours on the radio. Being a HAM radio operator is more than talking to people around the world, it is also a life of servitude especially during times of disaster. HAMs are called to serve, bringing means of communication in times and places where there is none. Maurice and Virginia always answered this call bringing their children instilling lifelong values and virtues within them. Maurice was HAM of the year twice in his lifetime.
The family spent many evenings at the Mt. Clemens Speedway before it was torn down in 1985. Maurice had a passion for NASCAR and NHRA Drag Racing. This love was passed down to his children.
In 1992, Maurice married Shirley Petruska. The couple established themselves in Sandwich, Il. After retirement they moved to Summerfield, FL in 2004. A baritone, Maurice sang in the church choir at Immaculate Heart of Mary. He was an avid golfer at the Spruce Creek Golf Club where he was the treasurer of the men’s golf group. He was an active member of the ARRL (The American Radio Relay League). He loved to travel with Shirley especially when a cruise was involved. One of his favorite places to visit was Pearl Harbour in Hawaii. A former Boy Scout, Maurice supported his grandsons and great-nephew on their quests to become Eagle Scouts. He was a member of his community emergency response team (CERT).
A little-known fact about Maurice…he was a roller skater! Maurice competed in roller skating dance competitions. He won several medals. He also played hockey on roller skates. He was always at school skating nights with his daughter taking over the floor with his amazing skills.
Maurice never forgot a birthday!
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 33 years, Shirley. His children, Craig (Erica) and Michelle. His grandchildren, Joshua (Kate), Joseph (Brittany), Bailey (Stephen), and Mario. His great-grandchildren: Lukas, Boston, Kamden, Scotlyn, and Sadie…with #6, a boy due on what would have been his and Virginia’s 58th anniversary. His brother, John. Life-long friends Tom Fielhauer and Doug Kaherl.
Maurice is an organ donor. His skin and tissue have been harvested to help those in need. Per Maurice’s request, cremation has taken place. A Christian mass will be held on a later date at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Florida. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Howell, MI.