Arthur Michael Powers, 89, born on September 22, 1929, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2019 at the Baybrooke Care Center in McKinney, Texas shortly before his 90th birthday. He was the son of John and Teresa Powers of Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he spent his younger years, graduating from Holy Spirit High School in 1947 with his older brother, Jack. Michael continued his education, graduating from St. Francis College with a double major in English and Economics.
He began his professional career with a brief stint of employment with the Federal Government as a Federal Agent using his skills as an actuary. Michael also worked at General Electric in the accounting department before deciding to continue his education by accepting a teaching Fellowship at Niagara University to obtain his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology.
In 1960, he joined the faculty of Pennauken High School as a guidance counselor. During that time, he met his future wife, Helen Cioffi. They married in 1965 and made their home in Cinnaminson, New Jersey.
Shortly thereafter, Michael joined the staff at the Willingboro School System, first as a guidance counselor then as a District Psychologist. After the untimely death of his wife in 1986, he continued his professional career until retirement, guiding many students toward their careers. Michael resided in Cinnaminson until 2019.
Known to his family as “Mike”, his life was an example of abiding love and care for his family, friends, and students. Michael graciously accepted the role of brother/father after the death of his father, assisting his mother in the care of his younger siblings. With higher education as a goal between mother and son, he was the first member of his family to complete college. Michael’s successful academic career inspired and encouraged his three sisters to also continue their educations. All three sisters finished college and embraced careers in the teaching profession. Generous in all aspects of his life, he inspired others to do the same especially as an active member of various scholarship programs. Michael was always an avid reader and it became a major activity during his retirement years. He continued pursuing his interests in investments and organizing social events for colleagues and friends.
Michael is survived by his sisters, Marguerite Krouse and husband, James of Ventnor, New Jersey, Ellen Thoennes and husband, Clemens of Pawley’s Island, South Carolina, and Mary Kranz and husband, Paul of Fairview, Texas; and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family.
Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas and Schetter’s Funeral Home in Cherry Hill, New Jersey are entrusted with Michael’s burial at the Locustwood Memorial Park in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where he will be interred with a graveside blessing at 12:00 noon, Thursday, August 22, 2019.
In lieu of memorial gifts, kindly make donations in Michael’s name to Baybrooke Care in McKinney, Texas or New Century Hospice of Dallas, Texas.