Norfolk – Michael “Mickey” Stredler, 77, passed away peacefully at home on May 30, 2017.
Mickey was born in Philadelphia, Pa. He attended the University of Virginia from 1957 through 1960 and then the Medical College of Virginia, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1964.
Mickey was the founder of Bayview Plaza Pharmacy, which served the Hampton Road community for 35 years. He was a strong advocate of independent pharmacies, believing they had more flexibility to care for their patients than big chain stores. He was in his pharmacy every morning at 5:30 am filling prescriptions for delivery. For many years, Bayview was one of the highest ranked independent pharmacies in the country. Bayview was the first to offer free home delivery all over Hampton Roads. Bayview stocked readily available medications for all patient needs, many of which most other pharmacies did not carry on a daily basis. If a patient needed a medication that was not in stock, he would make every effort to locate and deliver it the same day, even if it required going out of town to get it. He was once called upon by a school to obtain a medication needed for students who had potentially been exposed to a deadly contagious disease. During this crisis, he kept the pharmacy open through the early morning hours so that worried parents could obtain the necessary medicine for their children. He was also president of Professional Infusion Services, which has provided medical and dental care for the working poor. He served on The Virginia Board of Pharmacy for five years, and also received numerous accolades and awards. Being chosen as The Drug Topics Independent Superstar of 1990 was his proudest.
Mickey was preceded in death by his mother, Jessi Mitnick Stredler, and his father, Jules Stredler.
He is survived by Celest Stredler, his wife of 38 years. He was a proud and loving father of three children; Jeffrey Stredler (Laurie), Andrew Stredler, and, and Jennifer Sabatino (Steve). He was a caring stepfather to David Glanville (Lisa), Lora Saunders (David) and Charles Glanville. Mickey’s family included seven grandchildren; Megan and Payton Stredler, Nicholas, Madison and Abigal Sabatino, Carey and Hannah Stredler and four step-grandchildren Amy and Brian Saunders, Marena Glanville and Camryn Glanville. He is also survived by his sister, Patsy Barr (Burt).
A private family burial took place at Forest Lawn Cemetery and a public memorial service was held at Altmeyer Funeral Home.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude for the many visits, calls, and prayers for Mickey during his illness. The family would also like to thank Dr. Armistead Williams, the doctors and staff at Virginia Oncology, and the Freda Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care of Tidewater for all of their support. Memorial donations may be made to the Cancer Care Foundation of Tidewater.