Michael Harley

Michael Harley moved his family to Pine Island in 1978 living in St. James City until 2006 then in Matlacha until his death on the day before Thanksgiving, 2009. He was a devoted family man raising two children, Joseph and Jonathan on the island. His home building business, Apex Builders, was among the first group of businesses in the Winn-Dixie plaza. Apex Builders built the island’s first four story home. Two of them in St. Jude Harbor in St. James City in the early 80s.

Michael was married twice. Once to Fran Orfino, the mother of Joseph and once to Ellie Capelli, mother of Jonathan. It was with Ellie and Joseph that he moved to Florida from his home in Pennsylvania. Jonathan was born in Fort Myers.

Michael and his crew built the concession stand at the Pine Island Little League field. It stood strong through Hurricane Charley.

The last two years of his life, he worked at Seven Seas bait and tackle. Mike loved his family more than anything and enjoyed the second half of his life on the water around Pine island with his family. Those who knew him know that there was no limit to what he would do for a friend or family member. Ellie passed away in 2005 and Mike could not live without her. He is with her now and forever.

His memorial service will be on Monday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Bokeelia.