Michael J. Atkins

RED LION- Michael Joseph Atkins, 64, passed away Friday, October 12, 2018 at York Hospital. He was the husband of Jacqueline Beth Rose Atkins. The couple celebrated 38 years of marriage this past August 16th. Born September 28, 1954 in Felton, Michael was a son of the late Donald Eugene and Naomi May (Sentz) Atkins. Michael’s father instilled in him a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship beginning in his childhood. There were many family businesses growing up including shops in Felton and Red Lion and a company founded around their toy invention, Clone Cone. Michael graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 1977 with a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering and York College of Pennsylvania in 2000 with an M.B.A. He began his career as a Nuclear Engineer at Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station. He later worked at The Pfaltzgraff Company where he became the Director of Engineering Innovation. While there, he helped establish the Whiteware Research Center at Alfred University and fostered research in ceramic 3D printing at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 2002, he purchased a division of the The Pfaltzgraff Company and formed Shenango Advanced Ceramics in New Castle, PA where he was Partner and President. After selling his company, he taught courses on entrepreneurship and international business as Adjunct Professor at York College of Pennsylvania. Giving back to the community was important to Michael. His volunteer work included serving as President of York SCORE, teaching Junior Achievement classes, and serving as President of the Grace Lutheran Church Council. In retirement, he enjoyed concerts, museums, and going to the beach with his family and grandson. He influenced many as a mentor and friend. In addition to his loving wife Jacqueline, Michael is survived by his son Joshua D. Atkins and daughter-in-law Amanda of Los Angeles, CA, and his son Jason C. Atkins of Santa Monica, CA; his grandson, Henry E. Atkins; and his two brothers, Benton C. Atkins and wife Mikki of Mt. Gambier, Australia, and Timothy B. Atkins and wife Chrysti of Pensacola Beach, FL. A memorial service will be held at 3PM on Friday, October 19, 2018 at Grace Lutheran Church, 220 N. Charles St., Red Lion, with his Pastor, Reverend Courtney Erzkus, officiating. Viewings will be held on Thursday, October 18th, from 4-8PM at the church, and Friday from 2-3PM prior to the service. Burial will be in Lebanon Lutheran Cemetery in Felton. Life Tributes by Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., Red Lion, is in charge of arrangements. In honor of Michael’s giving spirit, memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran World Relief, 700 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230.