October 28 1943 February 12 2022
Obituary LTC Michael W. Bryant USA (RET) of Mineral, VA passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 12, 2022, surrounded by family and loved ones. Mike battled Parkinson’s for several years all the while being lovingly cared for by his devoted wife, Charlene. He was 78 years old. Born in Ballston Spa, NY, on October 28, 1943, Mike Bryant was a proud Saratogian. He was a loving son to Walter and Ruth Bryant and an amazing big brother to Carol, Patty, Maureen and Ellen. He graduated from Siena College in May of 1965 and was commissioned into the Regular Army. He married Charlene Parker in October of 1965. The couple happily welcomed two sons and two daughters into their family and shared a passion for traveling and exploring new places, which served them well since they moved 13 times in 20 years with the Army. They celebrated 56 years of marriage this past October. Mike served his country honorably in the US Army. He was a decorated officer retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He received numerous medals for his service including the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal. His assignments included Missile Control Officer (NikeSite), Psychological Warfare Advisor (Vietnam), Combat Arms Instructor (Ft. Harrison), Deputy Director Enlisted Personnel Management (The Pentagon) and Programs Manager (NATO Naples Command, Naples, Italy). During his service, he earned an MBA degree from Tulane University, graduating second in his class. In 1990, Mike founded and Chaired the Defense Manpower Roundtable, a luncheon group of current and past senior government officials that met bi-monthly to discuss manpower policy issues. The past three Under Secretaries of Defense for Personnel Readiness were members of the group. He was very proud of his membership in this elite group. After retiring from the Army, Mike worked for a privately owned aerospace firm outside of Washington and became heavily involved in commercial space. His company acquired a small firm that had launched America’s first commercial rocket headed by one of the original Mercury Astronauts, Deke Slayton. Years later that company was acquired by L3 Communications. Mike eventually retired from the position of Vice President of Compliance and Quality. He enjoyed his work there but was most thankful for the people he met and the friendships he made – friendships he maintained until his passing. Michael received a life saving liver transplant in June of 2010. He was profoundly grateful to his donor, Aaron, and was honored to have been able to meet Aaron’s mother to thank her and her family for such a gift. Mike’s careers and interests weren’t finished yet. He worked for Fairfax Public TV behind the cameras as well as hosting a weekly talk show on various religious topics. Always proud of being a Saratogian, Michael and Charlene became part owners of a thoroughbred racing stable. He was able to cheer on his favorite filly, Lamina Blue at several race tracks. You could also find Mike piloting his boat along the Potomac River and on Lake Anna, with Charlene and their grandchildren. He leaves behind countless treasured friends and has undoubtedly been reunited with the many who were lost along the way. His strong, confident presence and his wonderful story-telling abilities will be missed immeasurably. He is survived by his devoted wife, Charlene; daughters Amy Atkins (Greg) and Colleen Herrera (Eddie), sons Michael(Shari) and David(Donna); 12 grandchildren Katelyn, Lauren, Shane, Jayme, Julia, Austin, Nicolas, Jackson, Gabriel, Cameron, Mia and Cora, 2 great-grandchildren Maya and Emma, sisters Maureen McDonnell (Kevin) and Ellen Boyce (Bobby) and numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren. A Wake will be held for Michael on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Avenue West, Vienna, VA 22180. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday February 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 1900 Lawyers Rd, Reston, VA 20191. Read more
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Michael W Bryant October 28 1943 February 12 2022.
Death notice for the town of: Alexandria, state: Virginia