Michael Anthony Israel

Michael Anthony Israel was born on May 23, 1963, and passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, in Baltimore, MD at the age of 63.

Michael was proud of his time served in the United States Army which took him to South Korea and Germany. Michael enjoyed the freedom of driving and was a hardworking, dedicated employee. Michael had a giving nature evidenced by his organ and tissue donor status and a volunteer’s heart. Michael was kind and always checking on family. Family was important to Michael and spending time with them was time spent in laughter and love. He loved being on the sidelines cheering on his grandsons while they played soccer and lacrosse. On Saturday afternoons in the fall, he enjoyed watching Clemson football games and on Sundays he cheered for the Ravens.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Lena Israel of Baltimore. Also surviving are his parents, Betty and Edward Okonski of Ocean Pines and Jack Israel of Colorado. In addition, he is survived by his son Travis Israel (Shannon) and grandsons Benjamin and Gavin Israel. Michael’s siblings include Diane Connelly (Scott), Brian Israel (Kelley), Lynn Ackman (Glenn), and Ed Okonski (Tabatha). Also surviving are Michael’s Father and Mother-in-law Richard and Marge Cole of Baltimore, sister-in-law Angie Zaloudek (Tim), brother-in-law Rich Cole (Shannon), and sister-in-law Brandy Connelly (Mark). There are also lots of cousins and extended family. Michael is predeceased in death by his sister-in-law Wendy Cole.

Nieces and nephews include Amanda Neiswender (DJ), Andrew Connelly, Alexander Israel (Lauren), Brendan Israel, Bridget Israel, Joseph Israel, Sydney Tabor (Jordan), Makenzie Beechie (Casie), Adelyn Okonski, Samuel and Benjamin Zaloudek, Khloe and Makenzi Cole.

Great nieces and nephews include Maverick and Sadie Neiswender, Jaclyn and Colton Israel, Westin Tabor, Ryleigh and Finn Boyle, Noah, Allison, and Maddox Connelly, and Sophia Allaire.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Michael Anthony Israel may be directed to support the Neurosciences fund at the University of Maryland Medical System Foundation or Tunnels to Towers.

The UMMS fund goes to further the study and treatments of neurological injuries, helping to save other lives in the future. Gifts can be made online at www.ummsfoundation.org/give (https://secure.ummsfoundation.org/site/Donation2?idb=0&1580.donation=root&df_id=1580).

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is committed to ending veteran homelessness nationwide. We honor the sacrifice and dignity of the American Service Member by ensuring that no veteran is left out on the streets of the country they volunteered to defend. 

A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 25 from 10:30am - 12:30pm at Ambrose Funeral Home, 1328 Sulphur Spring Road. A Celebration of Life will begin at 12:30pm followed by inurnment at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville.