Essex Junction – Michael David “Mike” Danley, 75, passed away on September 23, 2021 at University of Vermont Medical Center. Mike was a creature of habit and a master of to do lists. For most of his adult life he had a daily list through which he structured his day. Throughout the year, some of Mike’s lists were of gifts to give. Whether he was tracking down harp strings, esoteric train set pieces, or science books, Mike was thoughtful and consistent gift-giver to his nieces, grandniece, and grandnephews. Mike connected with everyone in his family through a variety of ways, whether it was shared interests in sports, passing along tips for local restaurants, attending the Champlain Valley Fair or arguing over Army vs Navy (Army, of course). He shares the most, perhaps, with his brother, John, with whom he resided. Together Mike and John toured revolutionary and civil war sites and visited their family members. Above all, Mike was a man of his family. He was a constant in the life of his family members: convivial, steadfast and present. Michael was born December 1st 1945. A native of Winnetka Illinois, he graduated from North Trier High School in 1964. Mike’s first job out of high school was working as a guide U-505 captured German submarine at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. This job catalyzed a life-long passion for military vessels. He enrolled in the ROTC program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Go Badgers!) and as a student, managed the crew team, setting him up for a lifetime of avid crew fandom. Mike graduated in 1968, enrolling in the army upon graduation. He served actively beginning in 1968, including a tour of duty in Vietnam at the MACV Headquarters MI Group. By the end of his four-year commitment to the army he had earned the rank of Captain and a Bronze Star. Once returned from Vietnam, Mike enrolled in Law School at the University of Maryland-Baltimore, graduating with a JD in 1975. In the meantime, Mike’s family had moved to Vermont, where Mike joined them upon graduating from law school. During his 46-year law career, he focused on real estate law and contributed to a number of local law firms including Arthur Law Firm, Kolvoord Overton and Wilson, Bergeron Paradis & Fitzpatrick, Wiener& Slater Law Offices. Mike greeted everyone with “How goes it?” He said goodbye with “Be good.” He followed Badger sports, Formula 1 racing, historical model airplanes and American history. He provided such a constant and positive presence that, at his passing, his niece Rebecca observed, “it feels like one of the tent poles is missing.” We will miss you, Uncle Mike, be good. Michael was preceded in death by his sister Christina Jane Danley, his father, John Rutherford Gage Danley and his mother, Margie Mae Telander Danley. He is survived by his brother, John Bruce Danley, his sisters, Susan Danley Mack and Amy Danley-White, his three nieces Killian Erin White, Elizabeth Chava Co, Rebecca Alice Mack and his great niece, Talia Rose Co, and great nephews Kathir Mack-Dev, Chaviv Mack-Dev, and Eliot Alexander Co. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel. Inurnment will be private and at the convenience of the family.