Obituary of Michael Paul Kalanick
Michael Kalanick, 69, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on September 22, 1956, in San Diego, California to Raymond and Glinda Kalanick, Michael spent his childhood there alongside his brother, Paul. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he embarked on a career that ultimately led him across the country. In the early 1990s, he moved to New Jersey to work for BAE Systems in the aerospace field—a move that would change the course of his life in more ways than one.
During his time in California, a friend shared with him a photograph of a beautiful woman named Phoebe. Intrigued, Michael spent many months talking and writing to Phoebe, growing closer the more he learned about her. He traveled to the Philippines to meet her, and Michael knew that she was the one immediately. They were married in the Philippines and after a year, Phoebe moved to the United States and the couple settled in Denville, New Jersey, where they built a warm and loving home. Their greatest joy arrived with the birth of their son, Anthony.
Michael was a devoted husband and father, known for his gentle spirit, patient nature, and endless curiosity. Anthony fondly remembers his father’s love of tinkering—Michael would often take things apart simply to understand how they worked, then put them back together with care and precision. This passion for craftsmanship blossomed into guitar building, a hobby that brought him immense joy. He spent countless hours creating instruments and then filling the house with music, playing rock classics from the ’60s and ’70s.
A motorcycle enthusiast, Michael cherished every moment he spent riding his Honda, whether commuting to work or taking joy rides whenever the weather allowed. He also had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, carrying vivid memories of his time exploring the Laguna Mountains of San Diego, where he enjoyed breathtaking views and new trails. The ocean held a special place in his heart as well; as an avid surfer, he spent many happy hours at the Ocean Beach Pier.
Michael will be remembered for his creativity, warmth, and the quiet strength with which he approached life. He is survived by his beloved wife, Phoebe Kalanick, his son, Anthony Kalanick, his sisters-in-law, Mara Costo (Leo), Precy Enomar (Arnold Ponciano), his nieces, Tiamarie Perez, Irene Enomar, Angela Kalanick, Sara Salgado (Luther), his 6 great-nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and neighbors who will remember him fondly. He is now reunited in paradise with his parents, Ray and Glinda Kalanick, and his brother, Paul Kalanick, and his nephew, James Kalanick.
Hours of public visitation for Michael are scheduled for Tuesday, December 16 from 4 to 7 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, December 17, at 10 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Church of Mt. Lakes. Please leave a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle to continue to let Michael’s light shine!
