Michael Angelo Mojer

 At 91 years of age, Mike Mojer, of Orlando, Florida passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. He had remained independent at home, among family and friends, facing advancing decline before complications demanded a short transition through hospice care. 

 Born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, Miguel Angelo spent his early years at the beach with his grandmother, before joining his mother in Brooklyn, New York for a big city upbringing. He gained street-smarts, an independent streak, and a keen appreciation for the value of fair play and hard work. With that drive, he enlisted in the Air Force to begin a 26-year career that ended honorably with retirement in 1978. 

 His USAF service took him around the world, beginning with his first assignment to Bermuda where he met and married another islander, Violet from England, in 1953. From there, the newlyweds transferred among bases in New Jersey, two tours in Germany, Texas and Florida – adding three daughters to the clan as they went. In the Vietnam era, Mike also logged a solo tour in Thailand before taking a final assignment at Patrick AFB in Satellite Beach, Florida to close out his military career. 

 Throughout his years in service, Mike supervised operations in procurement, transportation, and facilities management, and even supported development of the earliest computer punch card technology. Outside the office, his love of all sports led him to excel in some and officiate others. During his overseas tours, he won numerous military championships in both handball and racquetball, and his favorite side-hustle was to referee basketball, baseball and softball – at any base facility in the European theater, any night of the week. 

As a civilian, Mike focused on racquetball and devoted the next 30+ years to competing, coaching, instruction and promotion of the sport at every level. He consulted with club start-ups coast-to-coast, while running local leagues, hosting major tournaments and inspiring national champions throughout Florida. In 1980 he helped guide the addition of 10 new racquetball courts to the re-branded Orlando Racquet & Fitness Club, which remained the premier tournament facility in Central Florida until 2007. The masters athlete remained a top-level age-group champion well into his 80s, competing on home courts and challenging newcomers half his age. As the OFRC club pro until the doors closed, Mike Mojer was a warm and welcoming figure, well known for his perfect backhand, huge grin, rousing laugh, ready hug and open heart. 

 Neighbors, friends and family kept Mike engaged and active with weekly lunches in his breezeway and nightly walks around the block. Their devotion inspired him and helped him to age in place at home as safely as possible – as he wished – throughout his final years. 

 He is preceded in death by his wife, Violet Mojer, daughter Carole Matthews, and parents, Miguel Mojer and Louise Abrams. 

 He is survived by daughters Linda Mojer and Rhea Marie, four granddaughters (Roxann, Patricia, Dana, Jessica), and seven great-grandchildren (Sarah, Abel, Aaliyah, Aiden, Caroline, Ryder and Jade). 

 Contact family directly for details of private services, and please share your special memories of Mike in the guest book below. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to veterans, children's health. food insecurity or animal welfare.