After a lengthy, courageous battle with various difficult health issues, Dr. Michael Perry Germano, age 87, of Mint Hill, North Carolina passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Michael was born on April 15, 1937 in Spring Valley, Illinois to the late Renatto Michael Germano D.D.S. and Jayne Alice Hartman Germano. As a child Michael experienced the adventures, freedoms, and pleasures of growing up in small town Illinois. Later, he loved entertaining his children with the stories of his many childhood pets, jobs, and escapades. Throughout his boyhood, Michael was involved in the Cub and Boy Scouts of America programs, and he achieved Scouting America’s highest rank of Eagle Scout. In 1955, he graduated from Hopkins High School where he served as the Senior Class President his senior year. He went on to the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign as a premed student and received his Bachelor of Science in Physics in 1959.
Michael learned of the Church of God while still studying at the University of Illinois. He was baptized in 1959 before graduation and enrolled in Ambassador College the following fall where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies in 1961. He was hired full-time after graduation to assist Dr. Floyd Lochner as Vice-Principal of Imperial Schools. He met the love of his life, Brenda E. Jones, when she was hired as a student aid to the executive secretary for Imperial Schools.
A life-long learner, Michael continued his educational pursuits and completed his Master of Science (1966) and Doctor of Education (1968) in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Southern California. In 1980, he received his Doctor of Law from the University of La Verne. Finally, he earned a Masters of Arts in Archaeology/Anthropology from Texas A&M University in 1999.
Michael served on the faculty and administration of Imperial Schools and later Ambassador College from 1960 until 1978. His work in education continued when he was the Executive Director of the Orange County Center of West Coast University and taught business law from 1979 until 1981. He practiced law privately from 1981 until 1987. He received the opportunity
to return to his educational roots when he was named Academic Dean for Ambassador College, Big Sandy, TX in 1987, and he served in that role until 1996. He also had the opportunity to serve as Vice President of Academic Services for Haywood Community College, Waynesville, NC, and then as President for Living University at the Living Church of God headquarters in Charlotte, NC.
Michael had a passion for learning and researching about topics old and new. He loved genealogy, archeology, early church history, technology, and science fiction. He created and maintained a personal Biblical archeology website for many years, and he had the opportunity to travel to the many sites where he participated in archeological excavation and research. He was ordained into the ministry of God in 1983 and one of his greatest accomplishments in life was to serve God and his people in whatever capacity he could.
Michael is survived by his wife, Brenda E. Germano; children, Miquelyn McNair, Vernon Germano, and Lara Feltracco (Jerome); and grandchildren, Meghan McNair Hansen (Luke), Joel McNair (Peyton), Lauren McNair (Jason), Nolan McNair, Kristen Germano, Devon Germano, Justin Germano. Jessica Wade (Drayton), Jeremy Feltracco (Hailey); and great-grandchildren, James, Russell, and Little Nugget (expected due date June 12, 2025).
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, located at 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227. Funeral services will immediately follow. Michael will be laid to rest at Granville Cemetery in Granville, Illinois.
