Michael Patrick Lydon

Michael Patrick Lydon was born on October 27, 1975, in Hayward, California and grew up in his beloved hometown of Fremont. As a kid, Michael developed a love for drawing super-heroes and all things Star Wars. He was an avid sports fan who rooted for the Chicago Cubs, Golden State Warriors, and San Francisco 49ers—mostly to provoke his big brother Danny, a die-hard Raider fan. But no team was he more dedicated to than the Oakland A’s. Perhaps it was that Oakland was the chosen destination for his grandparents after emigrating from Ireland, or the hometown origin of both his parents, or maybe it was that his partners in crime, cousins Ann and Brian, joined him in unwavering, loud support (for A’s baseball and in life). Michael was also fiercely proud of his Irish heritage, embracing the stories and traditions passed down to him in his youth, which he would later explore as an adult with a memorable journey back to Ireland with his father.

A formidable football player in high school, number 57’s tackling skills were legendary. Mike spent a few years in Chico after high school but returned to Fremont and dedicated himself to a 25-year career with the City of Fremont, serving his community—another proud tradition of the Lydons. He moved back into his childhood home and cared for his parents, Dan and Pat, reflecting his grandparents’ and parents’ sense of service and love.

Mike passed away unexpectedly on June 5th, far too soon at the age of 49. He is preceded in death by his father, Chief Dan Lydon, and his big brother, Danny—both achingly missed but remembered constantly with stories and laughter.

He is survived and adored by his mother, Pat; his oldest sister, Bridget (Dennis); his brother, Kevin (Olivia); his wonder twin and wombmate, Maggie; and his nephews and nieces—Finn, Claire, Maggie, Aidan, and Elias—to whom he was simply Uncle Mike (like a dad, only cooler!). He cherished his extended family including a large network of Lydon and Smith uncles, aunts, countless cousins, a legion of friends from every era in his life, and colleagues-turned-friends – all lives he brightened with kindness, humor, and wit.

Mike will be missed painfully by all who knew him. We keep turning corners, expecting to encounter his smile, see his closed-eyed, head-thrown-back laugh. For now, we’ll have to wait until the hereafter, where we imagine he’s probably knocking back cold ones with his Dad, Danny, Uncle Jim, and cousin Louie, sharing memories and cheer.

Until then, we hope you’ll see him again in the tales and recollections of his friends and family at the celebration of Michael’s life on June 27th at 1pm at St. Joseph’s Church in Fremont, followed by a reception at Fremont Elks Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, Mike might want you to pool your resources and buy the team back from John Fisher—to bring the A’s home to Oakland where they belong. If you prefer to honor his memory in other ways, donations can be made to your favorite youth rec sport league or California School for the Deaf.