Michael William Stein of 4987 Neals School Rd., Seaford was called home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on March 12, 2022 after a valiant 54-day battle with complications of COVID and diabetes. He was hospitalized in the critical care unit of Washington Medstar Hospital at the time of his death.
Michael was born on Sept 28, 1965 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Leonard and Amelia Stein. Michael’s family moved to Palatine, IL where he graduated high school. He attended Creighton College and later graduated from Roosevelt University. Following college he was employed by Valspar Corporation. Due to the influence of his life long friend Mark Brenan, Michael moved to Delaware in 2002. He later testified that a few years after his arrival in Delaware he became addicted to alcohol and drugs and finally ended up homeless and a resident of the Seaford Revival Center Mission, where he accepted Christ as his personal Savior. Michael’s life was radically changed and he was delivered from his addictions.
Because his love for Christ compelled him, he lived a simple and modest life style and gave himself wholly to serving the physically and spiritually needy around him. When Seaford Revival Center Mission closed in 2008 and became Teen Challenge, he became a resident and went through their discipleship program. After graduation, Michael became a spokesperson for Teen Challenge as well as providing personal care and housing to a homeless friend, Bob MacDonald, until his death.
Michael was a selfless servant of Love In The Name of Christ (Love INC), Code Purple (housing for the homeless during winter months), Battlecry Mission at Capon Bridge, WV, Shift Destiny (bringing faith-based solutions to the broken, hurting and addicted).
He served local Christian radio station 88.7TheBridge where he volunteered at countless events over the past 11 years. Michael also lead 12-15 men in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) from Sept -May for the last nine years. Lyle Humpton, one of his mentors in BSF, initially discovered Michael’s need for medical attention, called 911 and got him to TidalHealth in Seaford from which he was transported to Medstar. Dr. Michael Salvatore, a member in Michael’s BSF group, assisted Dave Smith, Michael’s friend in keeping his family and many friends posted on Michael’s condition. Dr. Salvatore was the last known person to talk with Michael on the evening of March 9. Michael’s last words were God is Good! He was faithful to the end.
Michael was committed to his church family at Atlanta Road Alliance Church serving as AWANA leader, fifth and sixth grade Sunday School Teacher, Youth Worker, Choir Member and participant in missions trips and Alliance Men’s ministry.
Michael would often share testimonies of divine encounters with those in need and how he was able to pray, witness and provide financial assistance, often leading them to place their faith in Christ as Savior.
Michael enjoyed his part time work with Ray Hall HVAC where he was able to use his skills to help others and witness to them about Jesus’ transforming love.
Mark Brenan, his childhood friend, said Michael’s kind and giving nature began at an early age. Michael’s dad had backed over Mark’s tricycle and Michael (age four) gave Mark (age three) his tricycle. They became fast, lifelong friends. Michael would often visit Mark.
They shared a love for guns and often went shooting together. Michael was an avid lover of the beach so Mark showed him all the prime Delaware beaches. Mark said that Michael would often just show up on their doorstep in Bethany Beach with a big smile and big appetite. He also really enjoyed watching auto racing in Mark’s sports room.
Michael was preceded in death by his father and mother Leonard and Amelia Stein and his sister-in-law Ann Stein. Michael is survived by his brother, Leonard (Chip) Stein (Palatine, IL), his nephews Will and Chris Stein (Denver, CO) as well as numerous other relatives.
Michael’s memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 3 at Atlanta Road Alliance Church, 22625 Atlanta Rd., Seaford, DE 19973.
The family requests that donations to any of Michael’s favorite ministries be channeled through his home church, Atlanta Road Alliance, PO Box 756, Seaford, DE 19973
To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.