Michael Day Miklos

Michael Day Miklos “Uncle Mike” aged 62, died on April 9, 2015 from complications following major surgery. He was born on March 17, 1953 in Gainesville, FL. He was the son of John and Jane Miklos and was born with Down Syndrome. As was common in that era, doctors recommended that Michael be institutionalized in the Sunland Training Center for the Mentally Retarded, but his parents refused and took him home with them. Michael always lived at home and grew up being accepted and included in family and neighborhood activities. He went with his family on all trips and even went to Mexico City with Beverley, his nieces and brother-in-law. He loved swimming, bowling, “studying”, participating in Special Olympics and dancing - especially “moon-walking.” He was an eager volunteer at the Franklin County Food Pantry. He was a very proud “Honorary Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy”. He wore his deputy’s hat and carried his honorary identification wallet and name tag every time he rode in a car. As an avid FSU football fan, he attended tailgate parties, games and away games. As an avid Boston Red Sox fan, he attended games in Fenway Stadium. Michael’s life had a major positive impact on other children with disabilities. Since there were no public school programs available to him, his parents provided opportunities for his education. His father, a college professor, became actively involved in the development of educational programs for the mentally disabled at the local, state and national levels. John Miklos established the Leon County Association for Retarded Citizens and helped organize the Florida Association for Retarded Citizens. Michael’s father also helped write and lobby for the 1975 passage of Federal Public Law 94-142, the Education of All Handicapped Children Act requiring states to provide a free appropriate public education to all children with disabilities. His father knew that the new mandate to serve all disabled children, would mean a shortage of exceptional education teachers to serve the children. So he established, with the Florida Legislature and Department of Education, a program that allowed any certified teacher to teach the disabled as long as they took six hours each year toward certification in exceptional student education. Michael’s life had a major positive impact for disabled children, both in Florida as well as nationally. Uncle Mike took great pride in being born on St. Patrick’s Day, and his birthday celebrations were always Irish-themed. He was blessed with a large and loving family. Wherever he went he was known as “#1 Uncle” and liked to be called “Uncle Mike” by his five nieces and nephews, eight grand nieces and nephews, and countless friends and acquaintances old and new. He is survived by his two sisters, Beverley Miklos Connors (Robert) of Apalachicola and Tallahassee, FL; and Marilyn Miklos Reudelhuber (David) of Atlanta, GA. Since the death of his parents, Michael lived with Beverley, his sister and guardian. Michael’s life was lived with a joyful outpouring of love for all those who knew him. Everyone he knew experienced his bright eyes, gentleness, infectious giggle, constant teasing and warm, all-embracing hugs. His spirit of unconditional love and happiness will always be with us. A celebration of Michael’s life will take place with a service at Trinity Episcopal Church, Apalachicola, FL, Saturday, April 18, at 2:00 p.m. The service will be followed by a reception in Benedict Hall adjacent to the church. All are welcome and invited to attend this celebration of a life well lived. Uncle Mike will be interred at a private ceremony in Boca Raton, Florida, where he will be buried next to his parents. In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the following: John Miklos Exceptional Student Education Scholarship #EDU510 c/o Director of Development, College of Education Florida Atlantic University P. O. Box 3091 Boca Raton, Fla. 33431-0991 Special Olympics - Florida P.O. Box 120-128 Clermont, FL 34172-0128 Franklin County Food Pantry (Please put “Food Only” in memo section of the check) c/o Franklin’s Promise Coalition 192 – 14th Street Apalachicola, 32320 Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (www.bevisfh.com, 850-385-2193) is assisting the family with his arrangements.

Tributes

Michael Day Miklos

March 17, 1953 - April 9, 2015