In Memoriam

Photo of Michael Pixley
Mike Pixley

Michael Pixley, a long time Middlebury College staff member and member of the College’s 25-Year Club, died at age 65.

A resident of Leicester, Pixley began working at Middlebury as a painter and carpenter in 1986. He later became a locksmith, a position he retained until his retirement in August. Following his retirement, Pixley began part-time work in maintenance at the Ralph Myhre Golf Course.

“Mike was a highly respected, skilled, knowledgeable, professional, dependable locksmith and tradesman and a friend to all,” said Norm Cushman, former associate vice president for operations, who worked with Pixley for many years. “He would work beyond his normal shift whenever duty called, oftentimes assisting a student in the middle of the night when they encountered a dorm room door hardware problem. For nearly 35 years, I developed a strong appreciation for his commitment to improving security on campus.”

Cushman noted that Pixley recently consulted with the architects for the new residence hall, currently under construction, to ensure the building operates as desired.

Born in Beacon, New York, Pixley spent the majority of his life in Addison County and grew up in Bristol and Lincoln with his four brothers and one sister. An army veteran, he met his future wife, Ingrid, while stationed in Germany in 1980. Together they raised three daughters: Stephanie, Jennifer, and Tanja after settling in East Middlebury in 1986.

Pixley was an active and highly engaged staff member, participating in several campus committees over the years, including serving as community relations advisor and on Staff Council.

A self-described “sports junkie,” Pixley played basketball and baseball in his younger days, then became a baseball umpire and coached basketball locally. He was involved with the Special Olympics for many years and enjoyed working with Middlebury students who volunteered to help.

In 2012 Pixley was inducted into Middlebury’s 25-Year Club. “I have made so many friends here over the years – students, faculty and staff,” said Pixley in an interview at the time. “Middlebury is a great place to work—not that every day is roses but most are. I have looked elsewhere but none have ever come close to the college.”

Pixley is survived by his wife, Ingrid; parents, Margaret Demers and Arthur Pixley (Linda Pixley); brothers Victor, Mark, Richard, and Matthew, and sister Linda, and their families; three daughters, Stephanie, Jennifer, and Tanja; their spouses John Campopiano and Nick Noel; and granddaughter Isabella Campopiano. He was predeceased by his son, Christopher.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Special Olympics Vermont. A celebration of life will be held at Kirk Alumni Center at Middlebury College on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m.