Michael Erskine Price

Life Story

Michael Erskine Price was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 5, 1960. He was number nine of thirteen children born to the late Bernice and Erskine Price.

Michael affectionately known as Mike, was called to his eternal rest on Sunday, January 14, 2024. Mike became a member of St. Stephen’s Baptist Church of Philadelphia at an early age.

As a child Mike enjoyed sledding on Cowboy Hill, playing topsie’s, and attending dollar parties. He was well known in South Philly but would ride his bike all over the city. Mike was a curious and adventurous child that liked to explore. Whenever he decided to do so it was the dynamic duo Mike, and his baby brother Darryl. Throughout the years he gained many friends that became an extension of his family.

Michael was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System. Benson Elementary, Audenried Jr. High, and was a proud alumnus of BOK Vocational & Technical High School. He played the flute during his early school years. After high school he attended the OIC Career Institute. Shortly after he completed career school, he furthered his education by attending a trade school for culinary arts.

Michael started his working career with his father where he learned the skill of plumbing. He later became interested in different trades. He worked various jobs; Nocella Roofing Company, and Vtech Services before retiring from Tria Café Rittenhouse.

Michael became a proud father when he welcomed his daughter Shardae whom he called “Dae Dae.” He later welcomed his son LaVaughn whom he called "Nick.”

On May 12, 2007, Mike married his longtime friend Patricia Johnson. God blessed them with seventeen years of marriage. In this union they became a blended family of two daughters: Shardae Price and Tiffany McCoy. Four sons; LaVaughn Brown, Ronald Johnson, Randy Johnson, and Rodney Johnson.

Mike was a passionate New England Patriots fan. During football season he was sure to let everyone know how big of a fan he was by rubbing it in when his team won a game. He was a jokester but very observant. Mike was the quiet one in the room, however, his presence was noticed and felt at the same time. He wouldn’t leave the room without making a joke and a smile on his face. Mike enjoyed laughing, dancing, and listening to slow jams. His favorite music artist was Luther Vandross. He was fond of holidays. His face would light up whenever a holiday or birthday was approaching. Mike had to be the first to call to say happy birthday, and the first man to walk through the front door on New Year's Day.

Mike’s favorite sayings were “I’m alright, you alright?”, “Don’t worry about it, everything will be alright” and the legendary “I’m Mike Price.”  He liked good home cooked meals. Fried chicken, deviled eggs, potato salad, and collard greens were his favorite. Making his loved ones upset only to laugh and leave was the highlight of Mike’s day. That was his way of keeping them on their toes. He had a gift of knowing how to stay calm, cool, and collected in the most stressful situations. If someone upset him, he would take a long walk and return to say, “I still love you” and laugh. He felt that arguing wouldn’t change anything but your blood pressure.  Mike was rational, understanding, loving, generous, caring, selfless, helpful, and comical. He enjoyed fraternizing with family and friends. Mike had an unwavering love for his family. To know him was to love him. He was truly one in a million!

Michael Erskine Price departed this life the morning of Sunday, January 14, 2024. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, five brothers and three sisters. Michael leaves to cherish his memories, wife Patricia Johnson; one daughter Shardae Price, one son; LaVaughn Brown, one bonus daughter; Tiffany Mccoy, three bonus sons; Ronald Johnson, Randy Johnson, and Rodney Johnson. Twenty-five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Three sisters; Michele, Marlene (Ricky), and Beverly. One brother; Darryl. One father in-law George Sr (Anne). Four sister in-laws; Pearl, Mable, Vivian, and Rita (Wayne). Four brother in-laws; Kenneth, George, Jerome (Meagan), and Leonard (Teresa). One aunt; Betty. One devoted cousin; Allen. Two lifetime friends; Jerry and Wanda.     A host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Michael will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.