Michael Paul Salser was born on October 22, 1952 to Clarence Carmile and Philomen Joan (Oldakowski) Salser, in Washington, DC.  He was the second of seven children.  Michael passed away on June 24, 2024.  

 

Michael grew up in Maryland, but after attending college for a couple of years he left Maryland for California.  He eventually settled in Petaluma, where he lived for 40 plus years.  When Michael’s aging mother was in need of additional care, Michael answered the call and returned to the East Coast to help out.  He later returned to Petaluma.  

 

Michael married Carole Zinck in 1986.  While they divorced in 2009, they remained steadfast friends.  

 

Michael enjoyed hiking, camping, spending time with family and friends, cooking, grilling, traveling, and going to the casino.  He had a passion for photography.  He loved photographing plants and wildlife.  He had a keen eye and often saw things that others didn’t.  

 

Michael had a quick wit and a great sense of humor.  He especially liked to joke with his nieces and nephews.

 

It was often said that Michael marched to the beat of a different drummer and, like Frank Sinatra, he did it his way.  

 

Michael was preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his brothers and sisters:  Douglas Salser, Kevin Salser, Edith (Edie) McCoy, Denise Combs, Diane Salser, and Julie DeShong.  He is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews, many cousins, and aunts and uncles.  

 

A private memorial will be held at a future date.