Michael J. Lesko passed away on August 7, 2024, surrounded in love by his three favorite people in the world – his wife, daughter, and granddaughter – and with music from some of his favorite composers, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, and Mozart.
Mike was born on October 3, 1940, in Reading, PA, to the late Michael and Louise Mae (Yetzer) Lesko. A lifelong learner and educator, Mike graduated from Bloomsburg University, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education. But even more than a degree, Mike left Bloomsburg with his young bride, Dorothy (Dee) Lesko – who would remain his young bride for the next 62 years.
In 1963, Mike began his lifelong career in education where he was an admired high school teacher in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, beloved Principal at Garrett High School in North Charleston, SC, and trusted Associate Superintendent for District 4 in the South Carolina Lowcountry. While working, Mike also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching and Secondary School Administration from the Citadel. Following retirement from the school district, Mike continued to impact thousands of students’ lives through his role as Test Center Manager at Pearson.
Mike’s professional accomplishments only tell part of the story, though, as his family and faith always came first. Whether driving his Corvette, listening to classical music on his beloved Klipsch speakers, pulling unsuspecting tubers behind his boat, or walking the family dogs, you could rest assured that Mike’s family was always in his heart – if they weren’t lucky enough to be along for the moment. Mike also was a devoted member of Dorchester Presbyterian Church, where he always stood ready to meet any need.
Mike’s infectious laugh, cheesy dad-jokes, perfectly wrapped gifts, and deviled eggs will be deeply missed by all who loved him but most especially his wife, Dee Lesko, of Summerville, SC; his daughter, Kimberly Ann Steele (Thomas), of Waxhaw, NC; his granddaughters, Morgan Elizabeth Steele, of Greenville, SC, and Lindsey Steele Chester (JD), of Tampa, FL; his sister-in-law, Patricia Ann Bower, of Decatur, GA; and his nieces, nephew, and great-nephew, to name a few.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on August 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Dorchester Presbyterian Church, 10290 Dorchester Rd, Summerville, SC 29485. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Dorchester Presbyterian Church or Dorchester Paws.