Michael Salafia

Michael Anthony Salafia, born in Dallas, Texas on November 9, 1952 to Daniel N. Sherman and Janice J. Sherman, died at age 73 on December 28, 2025.

Michael grew up in Dallas, Texas the third of four brothers who became his life-long best friends. He graduated from Lake Highlands High School before continuing his studies at The University of Texas in Austin. After graduating with a degree in Geology, Michael began his career in the oil and gas industry, a lifelong career that allowed him to travel the globe to exciting and far-away places.

With the birth of his daughter, Nicole, in 1982, Michael found new love and mission in his life. He adored Nicole, supported all her endeavors and was so very proud of all her accomplishments.

Life with Michael was full of adventures. From trips to the beach, bus rides to World Cup Games or a night at the Opera, adventures always followed.

Years later, Michael's life was expanded with the addition of his wife, Mary Salafia, and her children, Jennifer Nikolopoulos and Brandon Arnold. They embraced their new family and soon watched it grow exponentially with the addition of sons-in-law, Sam Nikolopoulos and Justin Fletcher, and daughter-in-law, Cassie Arnold, along with their grandchildren, Henry Norton, Augustus Norton, Eli Michael Fletcher, Grace Fletcher, Elizabeth Nikolopoulos, Jordan Nikolopoulos, Cheston Arnold, Austyn Arnold, Vincent Castellano and Anthony Castellano.

Michael is also survived by his brothers and their spouses, William J. Sherman (Crystal Harlow), Daniel "Corky" Sherman (Diane), and Robert Salafia (Deborah). He was the loving uncle to Nicholas Sherman, Vincent Sherman, Anthony Sherman, Marc Sherman, Chase Salafia, Connor Salafia, Andrea Salafia and Calista Harlow, and a friend of many.