Obituary: Michael William Kilday
Michael William Kilday, age 84, passed away peacefully on the morning of Nov. 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at The Knolls of Oxford.
Born on Dec. 3, 1940, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late John and Ruby Mae (Wilson) Kilday, Michael lived a life grounded in faith, family and service to others.
He graduated from Hamilton Catholic High School and went on to earn his degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy.
A devoted and caring pharmacist, Michael was one of four partners who owned and operated John Minnis Drugs Store and later continued his career at Kroger Pharmacy, where he worked until his retirement in 2009. He then became a member of the Ohio Pharmacist Association. Michael approached life with joy and generosity.
He loved traveling, bowling, golfing and running, and he found deep fulfillment in his involvement with the local AA community, where he offered encouragement and hope to many.
In his earlier years he enjoyed being on the Oxford City Council and Barbershop Quartet. A faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oxford, he was active in Marriage Encounter, Cursillo and he was a Benedictine Oblate of St Meinrad.
Above all, Michael was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. His family was the center of his world. He especially cherished time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who knew him as their loving “Papa.” His gentle spirit also extended to his beloved four-legged companions, who brought him much joy over the years.
Michael is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Rosemary Kilday; his children Kelly (Richard) Keller and Dan (Dawn) Kilday; his grandchildren Maxwell and Madeline; and great-grandchildren Aubriella, Bryson, Emersyn and Georgia. He is also survived by his sister Sally (Dick) Lewis, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved grandson Samuel; and his siblings Kathleen (David) Noland and Dennis Patrick Kilday.
A visitation will take place at Paul R. Young Funeral Home, Oxford, on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 from 4-6 p.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery following Mass.
This obituary was originally published by Paul R. Young Funeral Home and has been edited for length.
