After a period of failing health, Joseph E. Michael, Jr. died May 26, 2005 at Exeter Hospital. He had been a resident of Durham for more than 50 years and served as Durham District Court Judge from 1954-until his retirement in 1993.

Judge Michael was born in 1923 in Dover, the youngest of nine children. He lived in Rochester, NH, graduated from Rochester High School and entered Dartmouth College. His education was interrupted when he was called up for military service in the Army Air Corps. When he returned to New Hampshire, he finished college and went on to Boston University School of Law, graduating in 1950 and becoming a member of the New Hampshire Bar; he then began practicing law in Rochester.

Later, Michael was appointed District Court Judge for Durham and was licensed to practice in Federal Court. He taught classes at the University of New Hampshire for more than forty years, served as Durham Town Moderator, was a director of the First National Bank of Rochester and director and general counsel for Profile Bank FSB. He was very active in his church and acted as a trustee of the Diocese of New Hampshire and was a delegate to many state and national conventions.

Shirley (Whiting) Michael survives him, as do his daughter Christine Michael, his son Joseph E. Michael III, his daughter-in-law Susan Lavallee, his son-in-law Martin White and his five grandchildren, in addition to many beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins.

Judge Michael loved the outdoors and spent many hours on the water, fishing and sailing. He was an enthusiastic supporter of sports at NH University and himself coached Little League baseball in Durham. He enjoyed traveling, but his most treasured moments were spent with his family and close friends.

In memory of our colleague The Honorable Joseph E. Michael, Jr., the New Hampshire Bar Association’s Board of Governors has contributed to the New Hampshire Bar Foundation, 112 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301.

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