Story
Michael Vincent Juhline of Roxborough, a loving father with a gift of laughter and a passion for human connection, died Monday, May 5th, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania after facing cancer with extraordinary strength and courage. He was 45.
Mike’s death came just weeks after the passing of his wife, Megan, with whom he was raising three incredible children in Philadelphia–Shane, 15, Jesse, 13, and Eden, 11. The kids were the center of Mike’s world and the greatest joy of his life. His loss leaves an incalculable void. He will be profoundly missed by his children, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, and countless friends whose lives he touched with his humor, warmth, and generous spirit.
Whether you knew him as Dad, Uncle Mikie, Mike, Big Mike, Juhls, or one of the many nicknames he wore proudly, one thing was always true: to know him was to love him.
Mike was, without question, the funniest person in the world. Everyone lucky enough to know him can tell an unforgettable story involving one of his one-liners, or his impeccable timing, or his spot-on impersonations and epic dance moves. His way of being in the world was magnetic. He drew people in and made every moment special for anyone in his orbit.
Born on June 30, 1979, and raised in Havertown, Mike was a devoted son to Peggy and Rick Juhline. One of three children, his trademark laughter was evident early on in childhood. So was his appetite for hard work, and passion for finding the fun in everything. He had a gift and desire to make deep and lasting connections with people. This filled the Juhline home on Kathmere Road with warmth and a spirited presence that made ordinary days feel special.
Mike was full of spontaneous laughter and always in motion. When around him, you couldn’t help but sense that something fun was always just about to happen. He carried that same energy and joy into the classroom and beyond.
Mike began his education at Annunciation BVM in Havertown and later attended Monsignor Bonner High School in Upper Darby. At each step, he collected friendships that would last a lifetime, each member of his seemingly limitless tribe drawn in by his humor, loyalty, and unmistakable spark.
Mike studied finance at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where he also rowed competitively. In the summers, he sparkled at the shore, lifeguarding and charming everyone around him in Avalon, N.J. After graduation, he worked both in finance and at the U.S. Hotel Bar and Grill in Manayunk, where his specialty was turning strangers into friends.
He married Megan in Stone Harbor, N.J., in 2009, and over the next few years they welcomed their amazing kids into the world.
Mike eventually also brought his energy and people skills to his work at The Sapling Company. There, too, he came to be known for his work ethic, camaraderie, and humor.
To say Mike was the life of the party doesn’t go far enough. He was the one who brought the party together. He had a natural gift for connecting people, effortlessly introducing friends from different corners of his life and somehow making them friends, too. Being around Mike meant laughing until you cried, feeling completely at ease, and knowing you were part of something bigger — a circle of friendship and love that just kept growing.
Above all, Mike’s greatest pride and joy came to be his children. He was endlessly proud of Shane, Jesse, and Eden, and nothing made him happier than being with them. Whether cheering from the sidelines, diving into their interests with enthusiasm, or hanging out at home making them laugh, Mike showed up — fully, joyfully, and with all his heart. His love for them was bold, loud, and unmistakable. The love, strength, and spirit of Shane, Jesse, and Eden inspired Mike to live with purpose and an open heart every single day. In so many ways, they reflected the very best parts of him — his warmth, generosity, humor, and boundless capacity to love.
In addition to his parents and children, Mike is survived by his brother, Steve Juhline (Roberta); his sister, Trish Brunner (Chris); his mother-in-law, Paulette; and his brother and sister-in-law, Ross and Erin. He was the beloved and fun “Uncle Mikie” to Kelcie, Caroline, Christopher, Maggie, and Anna.
Friends and family are invited to remember and celebrate Mike’s life on Monday, May 12th at The Inn at Villanova. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM.
The sudden passing of Megan Juhline, longtime Green Woods parent, sports mom, and middle school teacher, has left our community heartbroken. Mrs. Juhline was an integral part of our community, dedicating herself to the success and well-being of students, both inside and outside the classroom. Starting with her time at Green Lane Pre-School to her work with middle school students at Green Woods, Megan’s kindness, dedication, and support touched the lives of so many.
Beyond her role in schools, Megan was the heart of her family, sharing a love of sports with her husband, Mike, and their three wonderful children—Shane, Jesse, and Eden. As an active sports mom, Megan could often be found on the sidelines of a soccer game, cheering for the kids on the baseball diamond, and participating in all of the cheers by the basketball court. She was every kid’s biggest supporter.
As a family, the Juhlines have faced so many of life’s challenges with resilience and strength. Now, in this unimaginable time of loss, we have the opportunity to give back to a family that has given so much to our community. We are launching a fundraising campaign to support the Juhline family as they navigate this difficult journey. Your donation, no matter the size, will help ease the financial burdens they may face in the days ahead and ensure that Mike, Shane, Jesse, and Eden feel the love and support of the community that Megan cherished so deeply.
In addition to financial support, we encourage you to share your memories, kind words, and messages of encouragement with the Juhline family. Thank you for your generosity, love, and compassion. Megan’s legacy will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her.