Michael David Strieter

Michael David Strieter, beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on August 18, 2026 at the age of 76. Born on August 31, 1949 in Washington, D.C., Michael lived a life marked with a deep loyalty to the people he loved. Those who knew him will remember his love of aviation, history, Christmas, his humor, and his ability to make and keep lifelong friendships.

Mike spent the majority of his career at Southern Insulation, Inc., a company, whose roots started by his grandparents and evolved into the company it is today by his uncle, cousins and brothers. Michael worked his way up through Southern from an Insulator apprentice to Senior Project Manager and Secretary of the company. His spirit and wisdom were well known in the mechanical insulation and hazardous abatement industries, and he used those tools to shape those under his charge or for customers with questions. He was the example of Southern’s motto, “EXPECT EXCELLENCE!”.

Michael and his wife Margie built a life filled with love, dogs and simple joys.

He is also survived by his extended family, including his siblings John Leslie (Gail Miller), Patty Dudley Brown (deceased Michael), Bobby (Jo Longnecker), and Jerry (Margaret}. He is predeceased by his parents John David Strieter and Anna Dailey Strieter and brother Thomas Joseph (Michelle Shepp).

Michael leaves behind his nieces and nephews—Karli Brubaker (Travis), Kristie De Lio (John), Christopher Dudley (Susan), Stacey Duvall (Justin), Renee Hella (Tim), and Erica Herzog (Jake)—each of whom held a special place in his heart. His memory will also be fondly remembered by numerous cousins. He is further remembered by dear friends who were like family, Together, they form a community of loved ones who will carry his memory forward.

As Michael’s passion was aviation below is a tribute to that passion as written by his friend Jon Shimer.

Michael Strieter — A Life in Aviation

Mike Strieter was an avid aviator whose love for aviation began at an early age, instilled by his father with whom he shared the passion of aviation. As a teenager and in the mid-1970s, that passion took flight through the world of model aviation. He became a champion in AMA — Academy of Model Aeronautics — U-Control (control-line) flying and was active in MACA — the Miniature Aircraft Combat Association. He later served as MACA Vice President, where he was responsible for scoring, and was recognized among the organization’s Top Twenty Combat Pilots.

As the years passed, Mike’s passion grew from model aircraft to full-scale aviation. He owned, flew, and restored a remarkable collection of antique, classic, warbird, and modern aircraft. Among them were a Stinson 108, two Ranger-powered Fairchild 24’s, a Cessna 180, a 1944 Taylorcraft L-2M, and a Cessna 305 Bird Dog. His pride and joy was his award-winning 1934 Stinson SR-5 Reliant, a beautiful aircraft that reflected Mike’s dedication to preserving aviation history.

Mike was also a familiar and much-loved presence at fly-ins and aviation events. For many years he served as Fly-In Director and was an active member of the Potomac Antique Aero Squadron (PAAS), the Antique Airplane Association (AAA), the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and the Quiet Birdmen (QB).

He regularly attended the annual Sentimental Journey Fly-In at Camp FUBAR in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, home of the Piper Aircraft factory. He made annual trips to SUN ’n FUN in Lakeland, Florida, and EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He was also a regular at the annual World War II Weekend at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Wherever Mike went, he rarely remained just a spectator. He was always willing to volunteer, lend a hand, and assume a leadership role. He became part of the fabric of the aviation communities he loved, forming friendships with fellow pilots, aircraft restorers, mechanics, historians, and enthusiasts across the country.

Mike logged more than 2,000 hours as a private pilot and traveled to countless airshows, fly-ins, and aviation gatherings nationwide. But for Mike, aviation was never simply about airplanes. It was about history, craftsmanship, adventure, camaraderie, and the people who shared his passion.

Those who knew Mike best will remember his enthusiasm for aviation, his willingness to help others, and the joy he found in sharing airplanes and aviation stories with friends. His legacy lives on not only in the aircraft he restored and flew, but in the many people he encouraged, helped, and befriended along the way.

For Mike, aviation was a lifelong passion. He loved the airplanes, but he loved the people and the friendships of aviation just as much.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any animal rescue (preferably local) of your choice.