Michael R. Lorenz's Obituary
Michael R Lorenz
December 20, 1953 - November 3, 2022
Michael R Lorenz, 68, of Cherry Hill, NJ passed away unexpectedly on Nov 3, 2022. Mike was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 20,1953 to his parents, the late Ray and Mary (Mitzi) Lorenz. Mike was the eldest of three boys. He is survived by his brothers, Jeff (Mary) and Ray (Kathleen). Devoted husband to Patricia Talcott, previously married to Yolanda Rivero Lorenz, adoring father to Rita Lorenz, Marcus Lorenz, Lisa Lorenz (Cam Suttie), John Lorenz, Kelsey MacAdams and Shannon MacAdams, Grandpa Mike to Riley Lorenz and Landen Lorenz-Platzek. Brother-in-law to Rita Talcott Hesson (late Bill), James Talcott (Kathy), the late Maureen Welch (Bryon Welch and his wife Betty). Mike will be missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.
Mike went to St Leo’s Catholic school (K-8) in the Tacony section of Philadelphia and to Father Judge High school in NE Philly. During his youth, Mike was a member of many Tacony PAL sports teams and was a proud member of the Father Judge football team, where he played defensive back his senior year. Mike worked at McLean Moving Co in Cinnaminson, NJ during his high school years. Mike attended Pennsylvania State University (Ogontz campus) his first two years of college, and then transferred to the main campus at University Park where he earned Bachelor and Masters of Science Degrees in Agricultural Engineering. Mike was a member of the Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE) fraternity at Penn State. After college, Mike married Yolanda Rivero and the couple had four 4 wonderful children, Rita, Marcus, Lisa, and John and two grandchildren, Riley and Landen. Mike and Patti Talcott married on Sept 7, 2008 and were enjoying life together in so many ways.
As an engineer, Mike started his career in the mushroom growing business where he worked with Ralston Purina and Quincy Corporation, developing new and improved processing techniques for growing agricultural mushrooms. After this, he had a nearly 35 year career with Kling Lindquist (forerunner to KlingStubbins) starting in 1982. Relocating from California, Mike was hired to lead a new group of mechanical services engineers. He led their most complicated projects in the pharmaceutical industry both domestically and internationally. He served as lead engineer for major clients including Glaxo (now GSK), Sterling Drug, Rhone-Poulenc-Rorer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Merck, Roche, Pfizer, and many others. Mike was instrumental in developing and leading the Mechanical Services department, and was a mentor to many engineers who are now leading companies/groups of engineers on their own in the Delaware valley. Mike was promoted to director of engineering and led all engineering services provided by the company. He was instrumental in developing new and high tech services, including the transition to full computer-aided design and building information modeling (BIM). In 2007 Mike was elevated to President, CEO and Co-Chairman of the Board where he led the whole of the company's work. Mike spearheaded the merger of KlingStubbins with Jacobs Engineering Co in 2011, and over the following 4 years helped to integrate the two companies, continuing to mentor the combined company's next generation leaders. In his retirement years, Mike was involved with Real Estate and earned his brokers license. He always enjoyed exploring new and different properties and owned several himself.
Mike loved Penn State University, spending time at the Pennsylvania cabin (Camp Milo) near State College and attending football games with family and friends. He loved the shore - spending many summer weekends fishing and boating in Ocean City, NJ. Mike loved to travel, and he and Patti had the pleasure of traveling together around the U.S. and around the world. Mike was also a longtime member of the Philbuck Hunt club located in Tioga County, PA.
Mike was the recipient of the prestigious “Penn State Outstanding Engineering Alumnus” award in April 2006. Many of his family and friends attended the award ceremony at State College and it was a proud moment for all.
As per his wishes, Mike’s body will be cremated and his ashes dispersed by the family. At Mike’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “The Lorna Young-Earle Scholarship fund” found at https://cfnj.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2738 (Community Foundation of New Jersey).
Mike left us far too early in his life, and we will miss him tremendously. We cherish the time we had with Mike and are blessed having known him. Going forward, as Mike would say, “Let it Roll, Baby, Roll”!
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Thursday, November 10th at Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 North, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, family sharing beginning at 7:00pm and will be live streamed on the following link: https://www.viewlogies.net/givnish/iU0I7qvRM?pin=1489454
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