Michael Barnard Fero Obit

Michael Barnard Fero

May 9, 1942 – October 28, 2020

Michael “Mike” Fero died peacefully in his sleep at home during the night of October 28. He had not been well, but death was unexpected. He was seventy-eight years old.

He is survived by his brothers Timothy Fero of Lakewood, CO, and Patrick Fero of Shrewsbury Township, PA, wife Mary Jo, and their families; and Mary Fero, widow of Kelly Fero, who preceded him in death. He lived with brother Tim who was taking care of him during his lengthy (non-Covid-19 related) illness.

Fero was born in Lansing, Michigan, the second born child of Evelyn Fero and Barnard Fero, both deceased. He was a graduate of Tecumseh High School, class of 1960; Michigan State University, class of 1964; and Wayne State University where he earned a masters in education. He taught middle school for over thirty years, first in Detroit, MI, and then for many years in the Cherry Creek School District in Aurora, CO.

He served his country in the Peace Corps in Brazil where he picked up nasty microbes that plagued him for the rest of life. Returning from Brazil, he was immediately drafted into the U.S. Army—Viet Nam was heating up and his draft board thought Peace Corps volunteers were draft dodgers--but he served in South Korea.

His service to his country in the Peace Corps, U.S. Army and public schools was always unstinting and his main purpose for living. He will be sorrowfully missed by his many friends and family, who loved him and knew they were loved by him. He also enjoyed Yorkshire terriers and had many of them during his years in Colorado. He will be remembered for his incisive common sense and sense of humor, and his ability to bond with children, which made him an outstanding teacher.

Fero was an intrepid sports fan who rooted courageously for the usually bad teams in Michigan and Colorado. He was also the chief genealogist for the family and compiled extensive information through keen analysis and hard work. He created hard copies of utility and grace, and provided most of the information with which his brother, Patrick, used the family genealogy Website (https://sites.google.com/site/genieworldfamily/home).

He will be buried next to his best friend of many years in Lakewood, Co. There will be no service per Mike’s request.