Robert Michael "Mike" Rahaley, Jr., age 76, of Vero Beach, Florida, and Harbor Springs, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 16 in Vero Beach surrounded by family following a long struggle with vascular dementia.

Mike was the beloved husband of Elizabeth "Beth" Baker for 53 years and treasured father, grandfather, brother and friend to all who crossed his path. He is survived by his sons Brian Timothy (Amy Lichon ), Robert Michael (Jennifer Lee), George Parkhurst (Ruth Sneed) Rahaley; grandchildren Baker, Hank and Casey Rahaley; Gabriella and Brian Forster Rahaley, Michael McCarthy Rahaley; sister Patricia Rahaley McCarthy (Timothy); Beth's family: Chattye Baker, Jane Drotos (Julius, [dec.]), Peggy VanValkenburgh (Jim), Francie Gibbons (Patrick), George Baker (Sandy) and numerous nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Michael and Ann Thompson Rahaley, and sister, Mary Rahaley Lahti.

Born in Detroit Mike attended University of Detroit Jesuit High School & Academy where he formed lifelong friendships. He graduated with a degree in education from Eastern Michigan University where he captained the tennis team. He began his professional career as a school teacher spending summers teaching tennis. Eventually Mike combined his teaching skills and passion for tennis into his full time career which eventually took his family north to Cadillac and Harbor Springs and south to Vero Beach.

Mike loved Northern Michigan. As a 15-year old he and his lifelong friend Brian Forster, now deceased, worked at Menonaqua Beach Club at which point he vowed to one day live in Northern Michigan

Mike retired as director of tennis from the Little Harbor Club in Harbor Springs, Michigan, in 2016 after 42 years during which he coached generations of members' families and mentored countless emerging tennis professionals and players. He served as the first tennis professional at L'Arbre Croche Club as well as working earlier at the Chicago Club in Charlevoix. He was a founding investor and teaching pro at what is now Bay Tennis & Fitness. In the winter months Mike was a pro at John's Island, Loblolly, Grand Harbor and later, Indian Trails.

Known as "Poppa Fish", Big Mike loved people of all ages in particular children and young adults. He made friends wherever he was. He was the ultimate outgoing guy and consummate teacher - always curious, inventive and entrepreneurial. He was trusting, giving and forgiving. He cared deeply for his family and friends from many walks of life. No one looked better in a blue dress shirt and sport coat.

Mike mentored countless young people both on the court and in his employ. He set high standards and was straightforward. Among his many Mike-isms are "When you are on time, you are late," and "You aren't good enough to have a bad (tennis) day." Today many of Mike's alumni are professional tennis pros.

Mike instituted multiple youth and adult programs to share his love of tennis and its life lessons including community tennis clinics in the Petoskey Harbor Springs and Vero Beach. A tireless promotor Mike founded an entry level Futures tournament in 1995 in Vero Beach which drew players including Andy Roddick early in their careers. The tournament continues today under the auspices of one of Mike's former students, Mardy Fish.

Mike was always positive even as his health declined including charming his therapists asking, "Are you part of my team?" His family is grateful for the support of Mike's many friends, caregivers and family members over the past several years.

A celebration of Mike's life will be held Monday, August 5, at Holy Childhood Church in Harbor Springs. Family reception at 3:00 PM followed by Mass at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach, https://www.vnatc.com/hospice/hospice-services/hospice-house , and Alzheimer & Parkinson's Association of Indian River, https://www.alzpark.org .