Michael Allen Kyle

Michael Allen Kyle, 69, of Tampa, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Aspire at the Palms Skilled Nursing Facility in Palm Harbor, Florida.

The official post of my father’s obituary comes more than a year after his passing. An expectation that seems fitting as well as a bit comical given the relationship we shared. To give light to this statement I would like to explain by describing a fond memory shared with my father.

Every Christmas, Birthday, or Father’s Day I made it a point to send or give a present (usually in the form of a funny shirt, off the wall socks, or whatever comical gadget I could find) to my dad. These gifts did not always come on time, sometimes they would arrive the following year. In the end they always made it to him. My dad would often respond to the untimely delivery and outrageous gifts in the form of sarcasm or a witty statement. This often left us laughing and engaging in playful banter.

As I packed up my late father’s clothes and belongings, I came across the many gifts sent throughout the years stored away (some still in the original bags and packaging) neatly within his walk-in closet. The intentional placement of each gift made me smile. Though he would not be caught in public wearing anything that I sent or have any use for the ridiculous items that he unwrapped (only to quickly place right back), he made sure to place each item where they could not be damaged. A memory that to me showed my fathers appreciation and love without having to say a word.

Originally, I posted an obituary that was written on his behalf to my Facebook page. However, I quickly learned that not all of the people that my father had an impact on could view it. As a dedication to Michael Allen Kyle, a father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and all that lies in between I would like to formally post his obituary to commemorate his life and preserve his legacy.

Michael was born on September 4, 1954, in Florida. He was a lifelong native of Hillsborough County attending H.B. Plant High School in his youth. Michael, known by his friends as “Mike”, went on to a prestigious lifelong career with Verizon, formerly known as GTE Credit Union. In his early years with the company, he was granted the job title Lineman. This position was perfect for his head strong personality, creative mind, and caring heart.

Michael “Mike” would often return home after a long day of work with either a nest of baby birds needing care or a large piece of sticky tape with only traces of where large spiders once were. His dedication and will to succeed allowed him to retire as a Design Technician. Michael’s inventive eye, fearless ability to speak his mind, and follow-through approach earned him the respect and gratitude of many.

Michael “Mike” was an avid fisherman and was often found on his boat casting a line. When he was not cruising the bay, he was repairing or modifying old boats in his driveway. “Mike” not only enjoyed playing in the ocean he also put in the hard work to restore it. Some weekends “Mike” was seen waist deep in the canal located outside his house walking from one end to the other tossing large rocks, driftwood, and other foreign objects out of the waterway. At one point, “Mike” had what he called a Catfish Farm consisting of a school of Catfish that would voluntarily come visit the dock located in his backyard and waited to be fed that night's leftovers.

In addition to these hobbies, Michael was also quite the writer. This talent was unknown by many but no surprise to his daughter. "Mike” could not pass up the chance to write a warning in the form of a clever rhyme, document an event detail by detail, or communicate his words of wisdom in a well-constructed piece of literary excellence.

“Mike” was loyal to his family and friends. He always held his children to high standards and encouraged them to take ownership of their futures. “Mike” had many friends, most that he had known since his school days. Those who knew him best knew that he spoke with certainty, did not shy away from a challenge, and did not care what others may think. Beyond his outside demeanor they knew that “Mike” had a heart of gold.

Michael "Mike” leaves behind his daughter, Michelle Brown (Dustin) of Havelock, North Carolina; son, Jason Kyle of Tampa, Florida; grandchildren, Jason Deiter-Kyle Jr., Allen Michael Kyle, Grace Sardinas, Francisco Sardinas IV, and Mia Brown.

Michael was preceded in death by his father Robert Kyle, mother Lillian Leiman, brother Mark Kyle, and nephew Bobby Kyle. Shortly after his passing, his ex-wife and mother to his children Esther Kyle also passed away.