It is with broken hearts and immeasurable sadness that we announce the passing of Michael “Mike” Joseph Sibley, Sr. He was 64 years young and passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at Temple University Hospital. His sudden departure has left an unfathomable void in the hearts of his family and everyone that knew him.
Mike was born in Philadelphia, PA and was son to Terrance and Suzanne (Lynn) Sibley. He grew up with older brother Terrance Jr (Terry) and younger brother Tommy.
Mike graduated from Jules E Mastbaum High School in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. Mike joined the United States Marine Corps immediately after high school where he initially went into infantry and was an automotive mechanic. He later transitioned to being a baker and eventually a food service specialist in charge of the entire marine base mess hall.
Throughout his life, Mike displayed grit and determination and was awarded several distinguished honors including: Good Conduct Medal with 5 stars, Meritorious Mast (5), Letter of Recognition, Letter of Appreciation (6), Meritorious Unit Commendation with 1 star, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 1 star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Certificate of Commendation, United Nations Medal, Sharpshooter Rifle Badge and the Navy Achievement Medal. Mike participated in Operation Provide Promise/Deny Flight and Operation Continued Hope while overseas.
Mike retired honorably from active duty in 1998 as a Gunnery Sargent. He was affectionately known to all as Gunny.
Although the aforementioned were notable honors, Mike considered some of greatest joys came from being a father of his 4 children: Shannon, Shavonne, Cathalina and Michael Jr. He was not only a proud father, but also a proud grandfather and learned that he was to be a great grandfather later this summer, of which, he was very elated.
Some of Mike's passions included cooking, riding his Harley and spending time with his family. He loved watching the Philadelphia Eagles and his last Christmas gifts to his grandchildren were Eagles jerseys. He loved to laugh and treasured each and every moment with his fiancé, kids, grandkids.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, former spouse of 25 years, Eileen (Giorgi) Sibley and son in law, David Tempio. Mike heartbreakingly leaves behind his fiancé, Heather Pierson, of which he shared nearly 6 memorable years with. Mike was also survived by his children, grandchildren (Antonio, MacKenzie, Maciano, Joshua, Matthew, Roberto, Emeterio and Josephine) and his soon to be great grandson, Jaxson. He also leaves behind his brothers, Terry and Tommy as well as many nieces, nephews and former Marines which he remained in contact with.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, June 7th, 2025, at 11:00 am at Skippack Church of the Brethren (520 Collegeville Rd, Collegeville, PA 19426) with Pastor Brian Boyer officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org), K9's for Warriors (https://donate.k9sforwarriors.org) or To Love a Canine Rescue, Inc. (https://www.tlcrescuepa.org) in the Mike's name. Rest easy, Gunny.