Michael T. Lehtinen, Sr.

Michael T. Lehtinen, Sr., 75, of Pooler, Georgia, passed away peacefully surrounded by the family he loved so deeply on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Michael’s family relocated to Toms River, New Jersey when he was just an infant. Raised entirely in Toms River, he spent his life anchored to the community he proudly called home, growing up walking the local docks, clamming in the bay, cultivating lifelong friendships, and developing an intense love of the Jersey Shore. He built a life filled with deep-rooted friendships, family/neighborhood traditions, and endless days on the water.

He proudly answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Marine Corps. A talented musician, he served in the prestigious United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, "The Commandant's Own". During his military career, he was stationed at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., and later at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, carrying the discipline, pride, and camaraderie of the Marine Corps with him for the rest of his life.

A man who truly appreciated how things worked, he also had a lifelong passion for cars and turned that love into a dedicated career, spending many years working in the automotive industry. Whether he was talking shop, turning a wrench, or admiring a classic engine, his knowledge and work ethic earned him the respect of colleagues and fellow enthusiasts alike, blending his mechanical mind with a genuine love for the road.

Beyond that, Michael found immense joy in the magic of family vacations, making frequent trips to Disney World, where he loved escaping to the warmth and creating unforgettable memories with his family.

Above all, Michael was a devoted family man who stepped forward to raise his grandsons, dedicating his life to shaping them into the men they are today. His world revolved entirely around his grandchildren, and he used every moment spent together, whether on the boat, at the beach, or around the dinner table, as an opportunity to instill the core ideals and virtues of integrity, and responsibility. Through the stories of his Marine Corps days and the example he set in his daily life, he taught them how to navigate the challenges of the world with strength, humility, and respect. He was their anchor, their mentor, and their greatest role model, ensuring that they grew up knowing exactly what it means to be a good man. His legacy lives on not only in the family traditions and endless laughter they shared, but in the very character, resilience, and values he successfully passed on to the next generation. He will always be known by his family as “The Man, The Myth, The Legend”.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Debbie; his loving child, Michael Jr. (Sharon); his cherished grandchildren, Brandon, Zachary; his dear siblings, Barbara Davis (Bob), Delores LaBarge (Red), JoAnne Karwecki (Ed), Beth Helmer (David), Chris Lehtinen, Robbie Lehtinen, and Donna Lehtinen; sister-in-law, Vickie Moser; brother-in-law, Dawson Moser (Debbie); Kim Long, who he loved like a daughter, and a tight-knit community of lifelong friends and fellow veterans.

He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Lillian Lehtinen; son/grandson, Corey Lehtinen; siblings, Carol Sakatos, Anne Lehtinen, and Joseph Lehtinen.

Burial services with military honors will be held on a future date to be determined at the Boonsboro Cemetery in Boonsboro, Maryland.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes - WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL (912) 748-2444