BIDDEFORD – Known for his keen mind, wit, generosity and empathy, Michael “Mike” Morel of Biddeford died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.

A lifelong resident of Biddeford, was as proud of his “Green St. Boy” heritage as much as his achievements as a commercial banker. His seaside home was his haven for all to enjoy where Mike engaged in conversations with family and friends – and a few jokes – around the fire with a cigar and espresso.

Mike served on various boards including Jobs for Maine’s Graduates, Community Partners, Home Health, Biddeford and Saco Water Company and St. Andre Health Care. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of University of New England for 13 years, including three years as Chair; during that tenure the university added the College of Dental Medicine, as well as a third campus in Morocco.

Michael A. Morel was born on Dec. 18, 1942 to Adolphe and Doria Morel. He graduated from St. Louis High School in Biddeford in 1961, and earned a B.A. from St. Anselm College in 1965.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Marilynn Morel, to whom he gracefully and lovingly provided care and support for the 26 years following her spinal cord injury that left her a quadriplegic.

He is survived by three daughters, Michelle Morel and husband Curtis Robinson, Melissa Bonfatti and husband Andrew Bonfatti, and Melanie Morel; six grandchildren, Michael and wife Abigail, Sam and partner Faith, Dominic, Joseph and wife Maddie, Grace and Finnegan; his sister, Rachel Reny and husband, Richard; plus dozens of nieces, nephews; and long-time friends, neighbors and colleagues.

Visiting hours will be held on Sept. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hope Memorial Chapel in Biddeford. A funeral mass will be held on Sept. 5 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Dempsey Center and all the support it provided during Mike’s four-year battle with cancer, as well as the compassion and comfort that Gosnell Memorial Hospice House provided to him and the family.

Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel. To share condolences online, please visit http://www.HopeMemorial.com

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