Michael McIntyre, 63, was a child advocate and activist for social justice
“He always came with a smile,” said friend Donavan West.
- Michael McIntyre
- 63 years old
- Lived in Philadelphia
- His focus was on educational opportunities for children
One of the first things folks will tell you about Michael McIntyre is his smile – bright, warm.
Next might be his can-do spirit, his commitment to children and community, his love of God and family. Did we mention that smile?
“He always came with a smile,” said his friend Donavan West, president of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. “You never heard a ‘no’ from him. He always said, ‘I don’t see why we can’t make that happen.’ He was always a guy of positive energy.”
“He had an infectious smile,” said Kellie Easton, one of Mr. McIntyre’s two daughters.
Originally from North Carolina, Mr. McIntyre lived in Philadelphia for about the last 17 years, most recently in Southwest Philly.
“He was a man with a very strong social justice and civil rights background. He spent his career working to ensure opportunity for children,” said Easton.
Most recently a consultant for nonprofits, Mr. McIntyre had been involved with the YMCA and the Philadelphia nonprofit People for People, where he was active in workforce development efforts and the child care center, said Easton.
Mr. McIntyre was a deacon with Greater Exodus Baptist Church in North Philadelphia, and he was devoted to family.
"You’d go there to console him, and you’d walk away with encouragement.”
“He loved his family,” said Easton, “especially his wife, his children, and his grandchildren.”
His wife, Yvette, died in 2012. West recalled that time as a testament to his friend’s spirit and selflessness.
“Even when he was in pain, you just didn’t know,” West said. “Even when he lost his wife, and he had a tough time, he’d say, ‘God is good.’ You’d go there to console him, and you’d walk away with encouragement.”
Easton said her father died on Thursday, April 16, at the Mercy Fitzgerald hospital campus in Darby Borough after being diagnosed with the coronavirus. Easton said the family had believed he was going to be released that day.
In addition to his daughter, he is survived by daughter Tiffany Ellis; two sisters; two brothers; and six grandchildren.
Memorial services are being planned for Philadelphia and North Carolina.
— Rita Giordano