Michael Louis Carter, age 77, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 14, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

Born March 21, 1941, in Buffalo, NY, Mike joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating from high school and served his country proudly. Mike loved the American flag and everything it stood for. After a successful 30 year career at General Motors, he retired and spent time enjoying his many hobbies with friends and family, including boating, restoring vintage cars, dog rescue and motorcycle riding. He was an active member of the Treasure Coast Harley Road Hogs, functioning as Head Road Captain for 10+ years. His meticulous planning was renowned by the entire chapter.

Mike is survived by his loyal wife and best friend of over 20-years, Debbie Carter, who was always by his side, and his two dogs, Hershey and Lilly. Mike's life will be forever cherished and reflected in the lives of his children and their spouses, Colleen Carter and Michael Grossman, Kathleen Jowdy and Mark Mansa, Kyle and John Roberts, Michelle Carter and Paul Stoughton, and Kenneth Kuhn, as well as his step-children, Jennifer and Phil Burns, their children, Grace and Zander, and Matthew and Laura Leiblein, and their children, Josh, Sean, Amy, Emily, and Brooke.

His sense of adventure will live on in his grandchildren Kayla Jowdy, Ryan Jowdy, Lyle Katzman, Sam Katzman and Michael Carter Roberts, his name-sake, as well as through devoted family members, Jim Carter, and Jeff and Sheree Carter.

Those who knew Mike knew of his voracious love of reading, his spirit of charitable service, his strong desire for deep and meaningful conversation, as well as his genuine interest in listening. He loved to laugh and never took himself too seriously. He lived every day to the fullest, always focusing on what was truly important in life; having a deep, emotional connection with his family, friends, neighbors and community.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Francis Carter of Buffalo, NY as well as his beloved rescued canine children Bozo, Mimi, Emily #1, Dolly, Amy, Peekaboo, Bubba, Emily #2, Frank, Molly and Daisy, who were all eagerly awaiting his arrival at the gates of heaven.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to his compassionate, loving caregivers, especially, Lisa, Laura, Dr. Shah and his hospice nurses. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in his name at Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, in Palm City, Fl. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be 3 to 5 PM, March 1, 2019 at Treasure Coast Seawinds Funeral Home in Stuart with Mike's Celebration of Life, led by Chaplin Brian Irvine, to begin at 4 PM.