Michael Joseph Dellies

Michael Joseph Dellies, 61, of Hurst lost his battle with COVID-19, on March 22, 2021. He was born in Detroit, Michigan to Richard and Elizabeth (Lauer) Dellies. Mike grew up in Roseville, Michigan.
Mike attended Michigan State University prior to transferring to Texas Tech where he earned his BSCE in 1982. Upon graduation he moved to Arlington, Texas to work for Freese and Nichols in Fort Worth. In 1994, he completed his Master’s degree (MS) from University of Texas – Arlington. He had been a Water Resources Civil Engineer for 39 years and was well known throughout the Engineering community for his dedication to the engineering profession. He has earned many awards throughout his career including becoming a Fellow with American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE).
In January 2021, Mike was promoted to associate at Teague, Nall and Perkins, Inc. (TNP) in Fort Worth, Texas. He served as the department manager for water resources and considered the firm as his other family.
Mike joined the Mid-Cities chapter of Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) at the urging of his wife, Teresa. It was during this time Mike honed his skills to become a quintessential volunteer. Upon joining TSPE he immediately found a calling to help with the MathCounts program. He started volunteering at the Chapter level and eventually rose to the position of the State MathCounts Chairman. Mike continued to support the program by helping the local chapter and state level competitions. He accompanied the Texas top teams to the White House on two occasions. He also served on the board of directors for both the Mid-Cities and the Fort Worth Chapters of TSPE.
While working for Freese and Nichols in 1987, Mike met his future wife, Teresa Lamb, also a Civil Engineer (Structures). They married on August 13, 1988. They have two beautiful children, Christopher (26) and Elizabeth (24), who Mike considered to be his greatest joy in life. Teresa was always amazed that she had to move from Michigan to Texas in order to “find a good Catholic boy from Michigan”.
Mike and Teresa joined St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in North Richland Hills, Texas in 1998 where their children attended elementary school from pre-K through the eighth grade. The St. John’s community immediately became the St. John’s Family to the entire Dellies family. They believe that God showed them the path to their beloved parish. In 2016, Mike was awarded the Volunteer Service Award from Bishop Olsen, Fort Worth Diocese.
Mike was devoted to the Knights of Columbus Council #8512 at St. John’s. He attended almost every volunteer opportunity with the Knights. His favorite was the SMOKE master where he spent hours preparing meats for various fundraising activities and church sponsored dinners. He was known to haul the large smoker to his own house and have a meat smoking party. He was currently serving a second term as Grand Knight. He was also a member of the 4th degree San Juan Diego Assembly #2857.
Mike was involved in many different ministries at St. John the Apostle. He was most passionate about travelling to Patzun, Guatemala with the annual Church mission trip. He made the trip ten times as part of the mission team. Mike was the team’s designated photographer and became an immediate favorite of the local people, especially the children. Through his photographic ability he was able to capture the essence of the mission team’s purpose. Although he could not speak their language, Mike was able to communicate effectively with the people through pictures. Mike and Teresa have sponsored the education of many of the Patzun children and cherish the letters that the children send each year.
Mike was also a committed volunteer and member of Boy Scout troop #434. Even after his son, Christopher achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, he continued to be very active with the troop. He served as scoutmaster for four years, then continued to earn various awards as an adult member of the Boy Scouts. He became the Chartered Organization Representative for the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and St. John the Apostle. Most recently he was the troop treasurer.
Mike’s leadership skills, his huge heart and uncompromising respect of his fellow human beings, drew everyone who ever met him to admire and love him. His quick wit and his infectious laugh will truly be remembered and missed by all who knew him.
Mike had lots of hobbies too. He loved DIY projects around the house. There never was a home project he wouldn’t tackle. He also loved bike riding or cycling and rode 60-70 miles per day. He loved to unwind with the wind whipping across his face and body. He also enjoyed gardening and spent as much time as possible fiddling in the back yard. Reading a good historical novel became one of his favorite pastimes. After an exhaustive day in the yard, Mike could be found on a comfortable lawn chair with a good book in his hand.
The Dellies family love the Dallas Stars NHL hockey team, Texas Tech and Michigan football. Watching these sports was always a favorite family time together.
Although Mike was actively volunteering for many organizations, he felt that his greatest personal achievement was being a father to his two children. They both agree that “he was the best father anyone could ask for.” His unconditional love for his wife, Teresa and the kids cemented the family together. His love for God came first and he extended this devotion to his family.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Richard. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Teresa Lamb Dellies, his children, Christopher (26) and Elizabeth (24); his mother Elizabeth of Roseville, MI; siblings, Steve (Jean) of Altus, OK; Mary Willie (Scott) of Ooltewah,TN; Terry Mullaly (Kevin) of Berkley, MI; Patty of Raleigh, NC, and Jim (Nancy) of Clinton Township, MI. Nephews: Steven Mullaly; J.R. (Lindsey), Trevor and Gus Dellies; Matthew and Daniel Willie; Alexander (Renee) Lamb, Connor Lamb and Pierce Lamb; Nieces: Kristen Boes (Matt), Katie Willie, Katie Lamb, Madden and Paige Lamb. Great-nieces: Emily, Audrey and Nora.
Mike will be greatly missed by all who have known him but find comfort knowing he is with our Almighty Father in Heaven.
All services will be live-streamed at www.sjtanrh.com . All are welcome to attend burial as there is ample space to gather next to the grave site.
NOTE: Due to Covid-19, Church seating for both the Rosary and Funeral will be extremely limited. Face coverings will be required indoors.

Due to the Lenten season, flowers are not permitted inside the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Patzun, Guatemala mission, the closest to Mike’s heart. Send donations to St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Attn: Guatemala Mission Trip/dellies, 7341 Glenview, North Richland Hills, TX 76180.